NEW BALANCE CONCLUDES 2026 ‘GREY DAYS’ CELEBRATION WITH EVENTS AT ESPRESSOLAB & ONE PARK.

New Balance officially wrapped up its month-long "Grey Days" celebration with multi-sensory community experiences at Espressolab in De Waterkant, Cape Town on May 28^th, 2026, and at One Park on the 29^th of May.

The global "Grey Days" initiative honors New Balance’s heritage and its iconic, signature grey colorway, which has defined the brand's intersection of sport and culture for decades. Following a month of special footwear drops and activations across South Africa, these final events served as a thank-you to the local creative, sneaker, and running communities that drive New Balance’s distinct culture.

Grey first entered the New Balance design language in the 1980s as a practical choice for urban runners. While competitors embraced neon hues and bright whites, New Balance introduced grey as a choice that blended seamlessly with the concrete and asphalt of city running. What began as a unique choice quickly evolved into a defining expression of the brand – one that has shaped its identity for decades.

The finale transformed the minimalist, industrial aesthetic of Espressolab into a hub of New Balance heritage. Attendees experienced custom, grey-infused specialty menus, live DJ sets from top local selectors, and an archival footwear exhibition highlighting the evolution of the brand’s most celebrated grey silhouettes.

The public event at One Park integrated New Balance’s grey aesthetic into One Park seamlessly, supported by DJ sets by Tylerthecreative, Chocolate Sinclair & Hypoestes.

“From its origins as a unique yet practical choice for urban runners to its status today as a classic brand signature, grey remains a powerful expression of New Balance’s heritage,” said Jeff McAdams, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. “Grey Days 2026 honours our evolution as a brand; it represents how innovation, craft, and an unwavering commitment to our fearlessly independent ethos have shaped who we are while showcasing the endless ways this iconic shade continues to inspire and reimagine what’s possible.”

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 14,000 associates around the globe, and in 2025 reported worldwide sales of $9.2 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit https://newbalance.newsmarket.com/.