Rich Paul’s New Balance 2010 Collab Might Just Make Me Break My Sneaker Budget (Again)

You know what’s wild? I was sitting on my couch last night, scrolling through sneaker news like I do most evenings (my wife calls it my “shoe trance”), when I spotted something that made me nearly spill my coffee. Rich Paul—yeah, that Rich Paul, the sports agent extraordinaire—is dropping a collab with New Balance that’s honestly making me rethink my monthly budget.

Let me back up a second. If you’re not familiar with Rich Paul, he’s basically the guy who’s changed the game when it comes to representing athletes. Founder of Klutch Sports Group and the man behind some of basketball’s biggest deals, Paul has now turned his attention to something I’m a little too obsessed with: sneakers.

Why This Collab Matters (At Least to My Sneaker-Loving Heart)

I’ve been covering sneaker culture since before it was even called “sneaker culture.” Back then, we just called it “being into shoes,” and people thought we were kinda weird. Now everyone’s a sneakerhead, including apparently my 68-year-old father who recently asked me if his New Balances were “hype.” (They weren’t, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him.)

When I heard Paul was working with New Balance on the 2010 model, I got that familiar tingle that usually ends with me eating ramen for a week because I’ve blown my food budget on footwear. The 2010 isn’t New Balance’s flashiest silhouette, but that’s actually what makes this collaboration interesting. It’s not about the obvious choice—it’s about elevating something unexpected.

Breaking Down the Colorways

From what I’ve gathered, we’re looking at two colorways that’ll hit shelves in November 2025 (which feels like forever away, but I guess good things come to those who wait, right?).

The first is this gorgeous Plum Brown/NB Burgundy combo that Paul himself was rocking courtside at a recent NBA game. Let me tell you, seeing these in action was like watching a movie trailer that gets you all excited for a film that’s not coming out for another year. Pure torture.

I was at my buddy Dave’s place watching the game when they showed Paul courtside. Dave didn’t notice the kicks, but I practically jumped off the couch yelling, “PAUSE IT!” Poor guy thought something was wrong with his TV.

The second colorway is supposed to be a Dark Vintage Rose/Angora mix that’ll likely flip the script on the debut look. I haven’t seen these in the wild yet, but based on the descriptions, they’re giving me those warm, earthy vibes that New Balance absolutely nails.

It’s All in the Details

What really caught my eye about the Plum Brown pair was the material choices. There’s this premium suede that looks butter-soft from the photos I’ve seen. I’m a sucker for good suede—it reminds me of my first “grown-up” pair of sneakers I saved up for in college, which I promptly ruined in a rainstorm because I didn’t know about water-repellent spray back then. Live and learn.

And can we talk about those velvet laces for a second? Velvet. Laces. That’s the kind of detail that separates a good sneaker from one you treat like your firstborn child. I can already imagine how they’ll feel – slightly textured and substantial between your fingers as you lace them up.

The Rich Paul Effect

There’s something really interesting happening in sneaker culture right now. We’re seeing influential figures from adjacent spaces – not just athletes or musicians—putting their stamp on footwear. Rich Paul represents a new kind of collaborator: someone who understands both the business and cultural sides of sports.

I remember interviewing a sneaker designer years ago who told me, “The future of collaborations isn’t about who’s the most famous – it’s about who brings the most interesting perspective.” Paul’s angle feels fresh because he sits at this unique intersection of sports business, athlete relationships, and personal style.

Last summer, I ran into a guy at a sneaker convention wearing an early sample of another New Balance collab. We got to talking about how these behind-the-scenes power players are becoming the new tastemakers. “The industry’s growing up,” he said, and I think he was right. These collabs feel more sophisticated, more narrative-driven.

Worth the Wait?

November 2025 feels like it’s in another dimension. By then, my kid will be in middle school (terrifying), I’ll probably have finally fixed that squeaky floorboard in the hallway (unlikely), and maybe – just maybe – I’ll have saved enough to justify adding these to my collection without having to explain to my wife why we’re eating cereal for dinner again.

The smart move would be to set a calendar reminder and forget about these until release day. But who am I kidding? I’ll be checking for updates weekly, analyzing every new photo, and probably dreaming about them occasionally. It’s a sickness, I tell you.

The Bigger Picture

What I really appreciate about New Balance’s approach to collaborations is how they’re not just chasing hype. There’s a thoughtfulness to their partnerships that feels respectful to both the collaborator and us, the consumers who’ll ultimately wear these things.

I’ve watched too many brands rush out collabs that feel empty—just slapping a famous name on a colorway with no real connection or story. This Rich Paul project feels different. There’s a through-line between his aesthetic, his career path, and the final product.

The other night, my daughter asked me why I care so much about “just shoes.” I tried explaining that sometimes sneakers are more than just shoes—they’re little pieces of cultural history, design objects, even art in some cases. She rolled her eyes in that way only pre-teens can perfect, but maybe someday she’ll get it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about trying to grab these when they drop through New Balance and select retailers, I’d recommend setting aside both money and time now. Based on how Paul’s stock has risen in recent years and New Balance’s growing popularity in the lifestyle space, these won’t sit on shelves for long.

Until then, I’ll be over here, gazing longingly at the few available photos, adding to my sneaker fund jar, and trying to convince myself that I don’t really need to buy groceries every week, right?

Anyone else already planning their November 2025 budget around these, or is it just me? Drop a comment below – misery loves company, especially when it comes to waiting for sneaker releases!