Niobium Concept 2 By New Balance Is A Must-have Sandal

The coolest (and most overlooked) of New Balance's great partnerships last year was the Niobium Concept 1 with Snow Peak, which was introduced through its Tokyo Design Studio. A simple system of zippers and inserts may transform the three-in-one shoe into a waterproof hiking boot, mule, or slipper.

The Niobium Concept 1 was my favorite sneaker of 2020 because of its flexibility, outdoor performance, and pure fun factor. While still tiny and focused on footwear, New Balance's experimental TDS branch is a real creative challenger to Nike ACG. With the introduction of the sandal sequel Niobium Concept 2 this summer, Tokyo Design Studio demonstrates that it has lots more ideas to pique your interest.

The Niobium Concept 2, which was released in partnership with Snow Peak once again, is a sneaker that can also be worn as a mule owing to the detachable strap. While the shoe's metamorphosis isn't as dramatic as its predecessor's, it still has a wow factor that matches its hiking practicality. A pair of magnetic Fidlock buckles on each shoe open with a pull of a string, which is the centerpiece of the design. A Vibram-treated outsole, which is a typical component of most of the top outdoor footwear, is found on the bottom.

These features combine to create a sandal that is astonishingly easy to put on and take off, as well as one that will stand up well on walks that do not require boots. The Niobium Concept 2 is quite safe even in mule form. You won't slip out or have to hold with your toes no matter how you wear it.

It's been difficult to wear anything else since obtaining a pair of Snow Peak Niobium Concept 2s a few weeks ago. It's simple to slide in and out of without having to untie the buckles when in full sandal mode, which has made it my go-to for running errands near and far. I've also worn it all day and am taken away by how well it fits my stride and is far more comfortable than many of my sneakers.

My only gripe is that removing or replacing the heel strap may be a pain in the arse. Because the end pieces are thick, it's difficult to get them into the rings, so I left them on after the one time I wore them as mules. Given how simple the reconfiguration is and how quickly the Niobium Concept 2 can be transformed, it's a bit surprising that switching from sandal to mule or vice versa isn't faster. When left alone, though, the shoe is flawless.

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