Concepts and New Balance have joined forces once again to deliver a sneaker steeped in rich history and bold storytelling. The Concepts x New Balance 1000 "Míle" is a nod to one of the most valuable banknotes in U.S. history, the legendary 1890 $1000 Treasury Note—dubbed the "Grand Watermelon" due to the distinct webbing pattern on its reverse side.

Beyond currency, this release also takes inspiration from a Chicago bank heist involving a stolen $1000 Federal Reserve Note, in which dye packs—used to stain stolen cash and mark criminals—played a critical role. With its bold green and pink accents, this sneaker visually references both themes, making it one of the most conceptually rich sneaker releases of the year.

A Story-Driven Design Inspired by The Grand Watermelon

Opening the box is meant to replicate the experience of uncovering stolen cash marked by a dye pack explosion. The shoes come wrapped in Concepts-branded "Currency" tissue paper, revealing a sneaker drenched in vibrant green hues with hot pink highlights, mirroring the red seal of the iconic Grand Watermelon note.

Originally released in 1999, the New Balance 1000 was a futuristic, performance-driven model defined by its tech-forward aesthetic. This latest version inverts its original structure, replacing the standard synthetic overlays with mesh underlays for a refined, modernized look. A segmented sole unit with ABZORB cushioning at the heel and forefoot, along with a Stability Web midfoot shank, ensures that the sneaker remains as comfortable as it is visually striking.

The Chicago Connection: Money, Heists & St. Patrick’s Day

Tying the design back to Chicago, the green-heavy palette doubles as an unofficial St. Patrick’s Day tribute, a nod to Chicago’s tradition of dyeing the river green since 1962. Concepts even took the shoe to Ireland, collaborating with Dublin-based rapper Travy to explore whether it’s more of a "money shoe" or a "St. Patrick’s Day shoe."

Regardless of interpretation, the sneaker masterfully blends history, storytelling, and New Balance’s innovative craftsmanship into one of the most thought-provoking releases of the year.

Release Information & Where to Buy

The Concepts x New Balance 1000 "Míle" will first release via raffle on March 12, followed by a wider release on CNCPTS.com on March 14. Given the boutique’s track record with limited-edition collaborations, expect this pair to be a highly sought-after drop.

Stay locked in for more updates and make sure to enter the raffle for your chance to grab this rare collaboration.