Charlotte Lee’s Vision for New Balance’s WRPD Runner

New Balance footwear designer Charlotte Lee is the revolutionary mind behind iconic designs such as the 327, the XC-72, and the internet-breaking 1906 Loafer. She’s also responsible for the amazing WRPD Runner, an organic, futuristic model that balances fashion and conceptual design.

The WRPD Runner name is deceptive. It’s a no-compromises design built on New Balance’s FuelCell midsole—the same tech that goes into the company’s most advanced running shoes—but it isn’t a running shoe. It’s a forward-facing lifestyle silhouette for all genders. Now, Hype DC is launching two exclusive colourways—moon rock and taupe—in time for spring and summer.

Complex Australia caught up with Charlotte Lee to learn more.

Tell us about this shoe—how did you land on the name WRPD Runner?

The WRPD Runner’s name is a nod to the fluidity and transformative nature of modern athletic footwear. We wanted a name that encapsulated the essence of movement and disruption in the sneaker world. WRPD stands for “Warped,” reflecting the shoe’s innovative design that bends traditional norms and redefines what a runner can be. We consciously chose to use a name over our typical numerical system to highlight how this model shifts us towards an optimistic future at New Balance.

Could you tell us about your role with New Balance—how would you describe it to someone who doesn’t know what a sneaker designer does?

As a footwear designer at New Balance, I am essentially a storyteller. My role involves envisioning and creating footwear that not only looks good but also connects with people on a personal level. I blend art and fashion, drawing from the brand’s rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of design and technology to craft sneakers that inspire.

You have some big New Balance hits to your name. How is the WRPD Runner an evolution from what you’ve done previously?

The WRPD Runner represents a significant evolution in my design journey. It builds on the successes of previous models by incorporating broader design influences and further pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable from the brand. This shoe is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement, blending the lessons learned from past hits with fresh, forward-thinking design principles to create something truly refreshing.

What are this shoe’s technical features, and how did you and the team select these performance elements?

The WRPD Runner utilises our latest performance foam technology Fuelcell, providing optimal energy return and shock absorption. The upper is crafted in premium suede overlays combined with a rich mesh vamp, resulting in an elevated yet simplified design.

What were the challenges when implementing performance elements into a lifestyle shoe?

Balancing performance with lifestyle aesthetics can be a significant challenge. We had to ensure that the shoe delivered on technical aspects without compromising on style which involved countless iterations and prototyping to find the perfect harmony between functionality and design. We wanted the WRPD Runner to be part of the Fuelcell family, but feel like a more contemporary cousin vs a sibling.

What aesthetic boundaries or rules were you trying to break during the design process of this shoe?

With the WRPD Runner, we aimed to disrupt conventional design norms. This is more specifically evident in the outsole rubber curvature. With the midsole sidewall being so fluid, it was important that outsole rubber had the same level of dimensionality. We added concave and convex areas to the outsole, further highlighted by the distorted outsole rubber tread, this offers a fresh, avant-garde aesthetic that resonates with forward-thinking individuals.

New Balance has such a strong sense of heritage—how do you innovate new silhouettes to be consciously future-facing or avant-garde while honouring that legacy?

To create future-facing silhouettes, we draw inspiration from our rich archive, respecting the brand’s legacy while infusing contemporary design elements and advanced technologies. This fusion of past and future allows us to craft shoes that are timeless yet progressive, honouring our roots while paving the way for new trends.