Mountain biking is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a way of exploring the world, challenging yourself, and having fun. But do you know how it all started?

Back in the early ’70s, a group of young adventurers in California decided to take their bikes to the mountains of Marin County. They rode on fire roads, dirt trails, and rocky slopes, creating their own paths and rules. They wore Levi’s® denim as their gear of choice, because it was tough, stylish, and timeless. They were the pioneers of mountain biking, and they inspired generations of riders to follow their footsteps.

Now, Levi’s® and New Balance have teamed up to celebrate the spirit of those trailblazers with a new footwear collaboration. The collection features the classic New Balance MT580 silhouette, updated with Levi’s® durable fabrics and signature details. The MT580 is a legendary trail shoe, first released in ’96, that combines comfort, stability, and performance. The new version stays true to the original design, with a sleek toe, a lowered collar, and a RollBar system that prevents rearfoot movement. The midsole has C-CAP in the forefoot and PU in the heel, for optimal support and flexibility. And to honor the 150th anniversary of Levi’s® 501® jeans, the original denim that started it all, the shoes are made with the iconic Shrink-To-Fit™ denim.

The collaboration comes in two different colorways, inspired by the vintage bikes that the mountain biking pioneers used. The Grey Blue edition has nubuck uppers, with Levi’s® denim dyed on the toe and side panel. The Beige Black edition has hairy suede uppers, with washed black Levi’s® denim on the toe and side panel. Both shoes have the classic red Levi’s® tab, and come with three sets of laces. They also come in a special box that tells the story of the birth of mountain biking, with photos and quotes from the original riders.

The Levi’s® x New Balance collection is available at Levi’s® and New Balence online channels and stores.