The New Balance Kawhi 4 debuts in "Transcend the Game" and "Transcend Reality" colorways.
New Balance has unveiled Kawhi Leonard‘s fourth signature sneaker.
The New Balance Kawhi 4 will make its debut in two colorways, “Transcend the Game” and “Transcend Reality.” Like the Kawhi 3, the new model features an Energy Arc carbon fiber plate with strategic voids and FuelCell foam midsole cushioning sitting beneath an engineered mesh upper with synthetic overlays.
The difference between Leonard’s third and fourth sneakers appears to be largely cosmetic, with new lines throughout and the most prominent addition being a medial “N” logo similar to the branding on New Balance’s other performance basketball models. A TPU heel cage, however, is unique to the 4.
New Balance issued a recall for the Kawhi 3 just weeks after its launch because of quality issues, which may have made ambitions for the Kawhi 4 more modest.
“Transcend Reality” is the more lively of the Kawhi 4’s debut colorways, as it features a punk upper with orange branding above a grey, black and purple sole unit. “Transcend the Game” then features a largely white upper with red and black accents scattered across the sneaker. The former sneaker also features more dynamic takes on the “N” logo and “Kawhi” word mark.
“Launching the Kawhi 4 toward the end of the 2024 season is really special and I am excited to launch it with New Balance,” Leonard said in a press release. “Working with the design team on the new colorways of the KAWHI IV allow me to show fans a different side of me and my game. The design team at New Balance updated the tech but also added some fun details from the lifestyle side of the brand.”
Entering the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round NBA playoffs matchup against the Dallas Mavericks this weekend, Leonard is coming off his most healthy regular season in seven years. His 68 appearances are the most he’s made since he was still a San Antonio Spur.
The New Balance Kawhi 4 “Transcend Reality” and “Transcend the Game” will both release April 25 through New Balance’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $160.
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
