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Kawhi Leonard is stepping into a bigger role with the launch of the New Balance KAWHI V, taking on Creative Director duties for the campaign and helping shape the storytelling behind his latest signature model. The rollout leans into Kawhi’s longtime nickname while continuing to build on the identity of a line that mirrors both his on-court dominance and understated personality.
Designed around Kawhi’s elite two-way game, the KAWHI V brings a modern silhouette backed by performance-first innovation and a clean, lifestyle-ready edge. The model continues to reflect Kawhi’s approach to the game, emphasizing intent, precision, and a deep understanding of strengths, while incorporating a refined fit and purposeful materials that match his aggressive style of play. Working closely with the New Balance design team, Kawhi focused on enhancing that explosive first step, ensuring the shoe delivers the responsiveness and control he relies on while still allowing room for his personal creative touch.
Under the hood, the KAWHI V introduces updated performance tooling built for quick bursts and stability. A premium soft upper locks the foot in comfortably, while a dual-density FuelCell midsole provides responsive energy return. A forefoot Y Plate adds another layer of propulsion, helping translate that first-step quickness into real on-court advantage. According to New Balance, the design process centered on capturing Kawhi’s unique mix of control and explosiveness, resulting in a model that offers strong containment for confident drives without sacrificing its off-court appeal.
The KAWHI V is set to release sometime in Summer of 2026, via NewBalance.com and select retailers for $160.
Check out the image below and keep it locked to Nice Kicks Instagram, X, and our New Balance Release Dates page for updates.
