The Kawhi V Marks a New Era of Athlete-Led Design in New Balance Basketball

Today, New Balance, along with two-time NBA Champion and seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard, release details on the next chapter in his signature line: the KAWHI V. Building on a legacy defined by intent and precision, the KAWHI V is engineered to compliment Kawhi’s style of play – his explosive first step while balancing aggressive performance with composed control. The KAWHI V will launch later this year with a suggested retail price of $160 at www.newbalance.com and select retailers.

To celebrate the latest launch to Kawhi’s signature model, the star athlete serves as Creative Director for the KAWHI V campaign- guiding the creative vision and storytelling. A marketing campaign will follow the product launch and explore Kawhi’s longtime nickname.

The KAWHI V is built around Kawhi’s elite two-way skill set. Its modern silhouette and premium materials deliver performance-first technology with a lifestyle-ready aesthetic that transitions effortlessly from court to street.

This signature model has always spoken to who Kawhi is on the court, revealed pieces of his off-court personality, and—most importantly—expressed the idea of intent and understanding one’s strengths. The KAWHI V continues that through a refined fit, purposeful materials and design cues that reflect Kawhi’s aggressive game.

“Working with the New Balance design team on the KAWHI V is a continuation of what we have been building together through the years,” says Kawhi Leonard. “I wanted this model to highlight those first steps, that first burst that you feel on the court. We added details that allow me to perform at the top of my game but also show my creative style.”

Kawhi again worked closely with the New Balance design team to refine both fit and function. The KAWHI V highlights updated structural and cushioning solutions tailored to explosive play and containment. Key innovations include a premium and soft upper material for lockdown and comfort, a dual-density FuelCell midsole tuned for responsive rebound and a forefoot YPlate designed to aid that explosive first step.

“Collaborating with Kawhi on the KAWHI V pushed us to dial into what makes his game unique — intent, control, and that immediate burst,” says Kevin Trotman, Senior Product Manager for New Balance Basketball. “This model provides the containment and support needed to drive with confidence while maintaining a refined aesthetic that speaks to life off the court.”

An apparel capsule will accompany the first colorway, including a lightweight warm-up jacket, tapered performance shorts and a breathable training tee.

For more information on New Balance Basketball please visit  www.newbalance.com/basketball or follow @kawhisklawset or @NewBalanceBasketball on Instagram for the latest updates.

About New Balance 

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 14,000 associates around the globe, and in 2025 reported worldwide sales of $9.2 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit newbalance.newsmarket.com.