SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance |
| Model | New Balance Kawhi Leonard |
| Colorway | red on the heel |
| Release Date | February 15, 2019 |
| Available At | Other Retailer |
When Kawhi Leonard announced he was leaving Jordan Brand for New Balance in November 2018, the sneaker world was stunned. Kawhi was coming off a championship run with the Toronto Raptors and was widely considered one of the best basketball players on the planet. New Balance hadn’t been a serious player in the basketball sneaker market for decades. The partnership seemed unlikely, maybe even risky for both sides. Then the OMN1S dropped, and suddenly everything made sense.
New Balance officially revealed the OMN1S on February 15, 2019, during NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte. Kawhi debuted the “DNA” colorway during the All-Star Game itself, which was a smart move. Maximum visibility on one of the biggest stages in basketball. The shoe was revealed alongside six debut colorways, each telling a different piece of Kawhi’s story. There was Detroit Camo, Trust Leonard, Black Ice, Best Kept Secret, DNA, and Project 515.
The OMN1S is a serious performance basketball shoe. It features New Balance’s FuelCell midsole technology, which is designed to provide responsive, energy-returning cushioning for explosive movements. The upper uses an engineered knit material that balances breathability with structural support. The collar is padded and high-cut, giving the ankle stability that bigger wings players like Kawhi need. This isn’t a lifestyle shoe dressed up as a basketball shoe. It’s built for the court.
Design-wise, the OMN1S has a clean, almost industrial look. The “N” logo on the heel is bold and oversized, which works well as a branding statement for a company trying to re-establish itself in basketball. The “K12” branding on the heel tab is a nice personal touch, referencing Kawhi’s initials and jersey number. The overall aesthetic is understated compared to what Nike and Jordan Brand typically do with signature shoes. No flashy patterns or loud color blocking. Just clean lines and functional design.
The “DNA” colorway that Kawhi wore during the All-Star Game features a black and white upper with red accents. The “N” logo comes in red on the heel, and there’s a red strap or overlay on the lateral side that adds a pop of color. The FuelCell branding on the midsole is visible in white against the black upper. It’s a clean, versatile colorway that works on-court and off.
What I find most interesting about the OMN1S launch is the broader strategy behind it. New Balance didn’t just sign Kawhi and throw a shoe together. They used the All-Star Weekend as a platform to announce their return to basketball, and they gave Kawhi six colorways that each told a story. Detroit Camo referenced his time in San Antonio under Popovich. Trust Leonard leaned into his quiet, no-nonsense persona. Black Ice played on his cold-blooded clutch performances. Best Kept Secret nodded to how underrated he was early in his career. DNA was about his roots and family. Project 515 referenced his Moreno Valley area code.
The OMN1S had a lot riding on it. Kawhi’s move to New Balance was one of the most talked-about sneaker deals in years, and if the shoe had been mediocre, it would have been a massive embarrassment for both parties. Luckily, the OMN1S delivered. Performance reviews were generally positive, with particular praise for the traction pattern and the FuelCell cushioning. The fit was noted as being true to size, and the support was excellent for a shoe at this price point.
The OMN1S proved that New Balance was serious about basketball. It wasn’t a gimmick or a one-off marketing play. They invested in the technology, they invested in the design, and they invested in the storytelling. Kawhi went on to win another championship with the Clippers era never quite materializing the way people expected, but the shoe itself stands as a strong debut. It kicked off a signature line that has continued with the Kawhi 2, 3, and 4. The OMN1S is where it all started, and it deserves recognition for that.
