NBA All-Star is a historic time for on-court wear. From the “Big Bang” LeBrons to the “Galaxy” KD 4s, some of the most memorable kicks of All-Star weekend come on court. There may be debate over whether the year’s best All-Star kicks came on or off the court but they definitely come from this Joe Freshgoods x New Balance collaboration. Chicago native Joe Freshgoods has joined forces with New Balance for All-Star Weekend. Alongside a pair of incredible colorways of the New Balance 992 and Kawhi’s Omn1s, Joe’s Don’t Be Mad imprint collides with New Balance for the “No Emotions are Emotions” collection. 

The tonal 992s could be seen as Valentine’s Day inspired since it falls during All-Star weekend but the shades of red are actually meant to mimic the anatomy of the heart, even coming with an extra pair of blue laces seemingly inspired by veins. The shoes tie into Joe’s passion for tie-dye with the colorful sole insert. The ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ mantra comes full circle on the New Balance Omn1s that Kawhi has already been spotted hooping in. The gradient from tan to pink is as subtle as the stoic ‘emoji’ style faces that harken to Joe’s own smiley face logo, the Omn1s reflect both Kawhi’s demeanor on the floor and Joe’s approach to work. In an interview with Complex, Joe explained the meaning saying, 

“It’s pretty much for people in a world that don’t speak loudly about what they’re going to do. They just do it. You know what I’m saying? I think sometimes people are known for always having to be loud and vocal to get a point across. So I think, what ‘No Emotions Are Emotions’ means to me it’s just like, we’re not going to talk about what we’re going to do. We’re not going to create a scene. We just going to get it done. And that’s kind of my whole narrative around All-Star Weekend. It’s just like, I’m going to just keep showing these brands, these companies, that we are just gonna get it done.”

The collection does more than just get it done. The shades of red and pink spill over into the gear as well giving a vibrancy to the collection, it even features a ‘Don’t Be Mad’ Kawhi Leonard jersey and tie-dye pants resonate the same energy as the 992s. The New Balance x Joe Freshgoods collection will only be available in Chicago during All-Star weekend. Bring your tents if you plan on copping this impeccable collaboration.