New Balance’s P400 Basketball Shoe Debuts Feb. 11

After first surfacing as part of Junya Watanabe’s Paris Fashion Week presentation, the New Balance P400 is now set for its first general release. Stepping away from the runway’s tonal styling, the model debuts in a more defined “Black/Inkwell” colorway that sharpens the silhouette’s performance identity.

The P400’s design is anchored by a tightly patterned checkerboard upper, giving the shoe a textured, almost armored appearance. Solid black toe caps keep the look grounded, while the side panels transition into a black-and-white weave that adds visual depth and movement. Inkwell blue accents appear on the oversized “N” logo, lace stays, and a sculpted midsole element, providing contrast without overwhelming the design.

The overall shape carries a familiar energy. There’s an undeniable resemblance to late-’90s basketball footwear, particularly models like the adidas Crazy 98 — famously worn by Kobe Bryant — and Nike’s Air Up from 1994. The layered panels, rounded tooling, and compact midfoot structure echo that era’s approach to on-court design, where form followed function but never shied away from bold geometry.

New Balance preserves its heritage through tongue construction, pairing white mesh with grey reflective detailing. Creamy off-white laces soften the otherwise aggressive build, adding balance to the shoe’s sharper lines. Underfoot, a Fresh Foam X midsole handles cushioning and responsiveness, reinforcing that this isn’t just a visual experiment but a performance-driven silhouette.

With the P400, New Balance positions itself squarely in the modern basketball conversation while pulling cues from the game’s past. There launch styles—“Black/Inkwell,” "Black/Team Red," and "Black"— are scheduled to release on NewBalance.com on Wednesday, Feb. 11, marking the model’s official retail debut.

For similar footwear styles, check out the New Balance P350 low-top.