Sneaker mules: New Balance and Miu Miu have created an unconventional hybrid

Whether with ballerina, loafer or sandal impact - the current year is all about unconventional sneaker crossovers. The latest polarising creation that tickles our synapses and challenges our idea of trainers: a sneaker mule.

The hybrid is the result of a multi-year collaboration between US sportswear manufacturer New Balance and Italian luxury brand Miu Miu. It is a variation on a reinterpretation of the New Balance "530" that was launched in February.

The running shoe from the 90s is the archetype of a chunky dad sneaker. However, Miu Miu got rid of the massive sole and transformed it into a trendy model with a filigree silhouette - in the style of the Adidas "Samba" or Onitsuka Tiger "Mexico 66". The Miu Miu tag on the tabs and the two different laces per shoe completed the look. The "Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL" was created, with "SL" standing for "Super Light".

Miuccia Prada knows how it works

Now the creative minds at Miu Miu and New Balance have taken the shoe apart even further - and removed the heel cap without further ado. This transforms the ordinary sneaker into a Frankenstein-like, summery slip-on sneaker mule. From the midfoot, the design of the "530 SL" is retained, including eye-catching laces, the New Balance logo on the sides and the Miu Miu tag on the tabs.

The shoe may be offputting, but you can always rely on Miuccia Prada's flair for trends. The 75-year-old heiress is Prada's creative director together with Raf Simons and founded the subsidiary brand Miu Miu 30 years ago. She is still the sole creative director there - with huge success. In April, Miu Miu reported remarkable growth for the first quarter of the year. Sales increased by 89 per cent compared to the previous year. The brand is also currently leading the "Hottest Brand" index of the fashion search engine Lyst. Prada is already in second place.

Release date unknown

So far, neither Miu Miu nor New Balance have released official details on the upcoming release of the mule version of the "530 SL". However, as is so often the case in the sneaker world, information is already circulating online. Last week, the Instagram account the.d.cart posted several images of the unreleased shoe. It is not expected to come onto the market until early 2025 and will almost certainly have a hefty price tag. Its predecessor, the "530 SL", is available exclusively from Miu Miu for 910 francs. <p