New Balance 740 JJJJound x 'Mushroom'

The New Balance 740 JJJJound x 'Mushroom' with style code U740N8M2 comes out of one of the longest running partnerships in sneakers. JJJJound, the label of Montreal designer Justin Saunders, is known for a strictly minimal approach: muted colours, better materials and as little branding as possible. Applied to the New Balance 740, that produces a runner that rides entirely on material and colour rather than loud detailing.

Colorway: Mushroom / Green / Beige

The New Balance 740 JJJJound x 'Mushroom' is built from suede and mesh in a soft Mushroom tone, with beige panels landing slightly lighter. A muted green returns through the overlays and breaks up the earthy palette without sharpening it, exactly the restraint JJJJound is known for. The N logo on the sidewall is rendered in suede and sits close to the base tones, keeping the silhouette quiet. Branding is kept to a minimum and lives mostly on the heel and insole. Underfoot the 740 midsole runs in a matching neutral, so the U740N8M2 reads as one coherent piece from top to bottom.

How does the New Balance 740 JJJJound x 'Mushroom' fit?

This model generally fits true to size, so your regular New Balance size is usually the right call. The suede upper feels firmer at first and softens after a few wears. If you have wider feet or sit between two sizes, half a size up on the U740N8M2 is more comfortable.