The CNCPTS x New Balance 997 “Montage” arrives with a storyline that taps into the brand’s long collaborative history while pushing the silhouette into new territory. CNCPTS built its identity through earlier 997 projects, which helped define modern footwear partnerships. However this new pair departs from that elegant equation with a hard turn back to the model’s early-90s roots.

The aesthetic is borrowed from grunge and punk with a nod to the raw feel of distortion, thrifted layering and creative anarchy. The top features a distressed gradient that appears to be ripped from basement shows and DIY spaces, while the dissonant overlays pay homage to the musical scene that came to define the decade. It’s a moody, unfiltered approach that gives the 997 a lived-in character missing from cleaner past collaborations.

This duality—nostalgia anchored to reinvention—strengthens the “Montage” narrative. It reflects how trends cycle, fade, and return, much like the 997 itself within CNCPTS’ story. Small hits of yellow and red add contrast without breaking the shoe’s gritty balance.

To mark the launch, CNCPTS and New Balance will take over Lou’s, a vinyl lounge in Cambridge, MA, on December 10th, 2025. The event mirrors the shoe’s musical inspirations and requires RSVP, though entry isn’t guaranteed.

CNCPTS New Balance 997 Montage Release Date

The online drawing opens December 10th at 12 PM EST, followed by an FCFS launch on cncpts.com on December 11th. The CNCPTS x New Balance 997 “Montage” retails for $220 USD.

Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Photos: sneakersquad.nl