New Balance x Joe Freshgoods 1890 'Finger Waves' U189065N

New Balance x Joe Freshgoods 1890 — 'Finger Waves' (U189065N)

The New Balance x Joe Freshgoods 1890 in 'Finger Waves' is a deeply personal and visually arresting chapter in the ongoing JFG × New Balance creative partnership. Style code U189065N takes its name and visual language from the finger wave hairstyle — a cultural touchstone rooted in Black American barbershop tradition, translated by Joe Freshgoods into a sneaker that is as much a cultural artefact as it is footwear.

Why the Joe Freshgoods x NB 1890 U189065N?

• 'Finger Waves' design concept: The colorway and surface treatment of the U189065N directly references the undulating pattern of the finger wave hairstyle — a deeply coded cultural signal that speaks to JFG's commitment to honouring Black American aesthetics and traditions through the medium of sneaker design.
• Joe Freshgoods collaboration: Chicago designer and cultural storyteller Joe Freshgoods continues his most important ongoing creative relationship with the 'Finger Waves' 1890 — a release that sits alongside 'Naughty Things' (U18908JY) as the definitive dual-chapter 1890 collab story.
• New Balance 1890 silhouette: The rarely-produced 1890 platform provides a canvas that is itself a collector's piece — its streamlined late-90s running architecture elevated to grail status through successive JFG executions.
• Premium mixed-material upper: Suede, mesh, and textile construction delivers the tactile, handcrafted material quality that defines JFG's collaborative design approach.
• ABZORB® midsole and rubber outsole: New Balance performance cushioning and high-traction outsole underpin the collector-tier exterior with genuine comfort and durability credentials.

Collab Context

The 'Finger Waves' U189065N is the companion chapter to the 'Naughty Things' U18908JY — together they form the most complete artistic statement Joe Freshgoods has made on the 1890 canvas. Where 'Naughty Things' explores intimacy, 'Finger Waves' explores identity and cultural pride. Collectors who acquire both own a complete narrative — two shoes that are in constant dialogue with each other. The JFG × NB 1890 diptych belongs alongside the 'Before Everything' and 'Conversations Amongst Us' 990v3 chapters in any serious NB collab archive.

Styling Notes

Wear the U189065N with intention. The 'Finger Waves' palette — rich, textured, and culturally loaded — carries its own context. Let it anchor a clean, minimal fit: raw denim, a white tee, a chain. Or display it alongside 'Naughty Things' and let the diptych speak for itself.

Fit & Sizing

True to size. Available in Men's US 4–11 / Women's US 5.5–12.5 / EU 36–45. Half sizes available.