Back in 2020, New Balance’s Tokyo Design Studio unveiled a collaboration with Snow Peak called the Niobium Concept 1, a shoe that can morph from waterproof boot to outdoor mule. They cranked out a couple more iterations of that model, with the last one expanding its functionality to transforming into three different types of footwear. The New Balance TDS MSNB1 is based on that last design.
A versatile three-in-one shoe, it can take on the form of a waterproof boot, an outdoor mule, and an indoor slipper, allowing you to use just one pair of shoes for three very different settings. That means, you can use it as a boot to do some light hiking, turn it into a mule once you’re back chilling at camp, and even transform it into a slipper inside the tent. You get three different functions without having to bring any extra pairs of footwear, making it extremely convenient.
The New Balance TDS MSNB1 is a mid-cut boot designed for wet weather use, so this thing should keep your feet dry while helping prevent slips on wet terrain. The upper is made with a stretch ripstop fabric to give it a durable shell, while a highly-breathable eVent waterproof membrane to keeps moisture from seeping in. There’s also a snug neoprene collar that prevents water from getting in through the ankles and lightweight EVA foam cushioning to ensure a comfortable wear. Welded polyurethane overlays and a rubber outsole that looks ready for light hiking duties round out the overall design, while bungee elastic laces give it the lace-up look without actually having to tie your laces at any point.
What you’ll notice that’s different is a zipper that runs around the heel. This enables the initial transforming capabilities, allowing you to remove the entire top section of the boot to equip it as a pair of slip-on mules. Since it retains the same outsole as before, it should be just as suitable for outdoor use, albeit with a more relaxed profile that’s perfect for a day out around town.
The New Balance TDS MSNB1 also has a zipper running down the tongue of the shoe, which you can then use to remove the entire upper and outsole, turning it into an indoor slipper. We’ll be honest, those slippers don’t look all that comfy, but they’ll probably do in a pinch, especially if you just want a pair you can use in the tent to help keep your feet warm. The main appeal here is really the ability to switch between the mule and the boot, since both designs look like normal silhouettes for each of those two categories. We do wish they can make a version that’s built for more serious hiking, since that will probably be a bit more attractive to the greater outdoor crowd.
New Balance lists it under their lifestyle shoes category, so we’re guessing this is aimed at city use for folks who wants the two-in-one function. It comes in two colorways: zinc blue with shadow blue and black details; and morel with pistachio butter and pale olive green accents.
The New Balance TDS MSNB1 is available now, priced at $299.99.