New Balance 998 Meets Stone Island Heritage

First introduced by Massimo Osti in 1984, Stone Island’s Raso Gommato fabric—a satin-weave cotton with military roots—has been a cornerstone of the brand’s aesthetic for four decades. Known for its unique polyurethane film applications and innovative dyeing techniques, the material brings an unmistakable depth to Stone Island’s designs.

Since its inception in 1982, Stone Island has redefined the relationship between fashion and functionality, taking cues from military uniforms, workwear, and experimental textiles. Massimo Osti’s background in graphic design informed his radical approach to fabric innovation, leading to garments that were as durable as they were visually striking. From thermosensitive fabrics that change colour with temperature shifts to nylon-metal textiles that shimmer with iridescence, Stone Island has consistently pushed the boundaries of material science—crafting pieces that evolve with time, wear, and exposure to the elements.

Now, this storied textile meets an equally revered silhouette: the New Balance 998. Originally launched in 1993, the 998 has long been a cult favourite, often overlooked but always respected in the NB archives. As the first NB shoe equipped with ABZORB cushioning, it delivers superior comfort with every step—an element this latest release amplifies.

Stone Island and New Balance first teamed up in 2022, and since then, each collaboration has felt like a natural evolution. This latest edition features a refined palette of mauve, deep plum, and copper maroon, exuding a monastic calm that subtly shifts with the light. Finished with the Stone Island logo on the tongue, the 998 x Stone Island is yet another seamless fusion of technical expertise and heritage design.