Publisher: Tatsumi Publishing

Publication Date: October 20, 1999

Editor:

Language: Japanese

ISBN: 4886414338, 978-4886414335

Published in Japan in late 1999 by Tatsumi Publishing, 359 is a perfect exemplar of a Japanese ‘mook’ (magazine/book).

A wonderfully staggering compendium of 359 models and colorways that New Balance was set to release in 1999 and 2000. Filled with beautiful and well-shot photographs of each model, the mook is divided into 15 sections: Racing, Training, Prestige, Trail Running, Classic, Tennis, Fitness, X-Training, Basketball, Basic, Outdoor, Field, Sandal, Walking and Golf.  Each model includes images of both the side and sole, as well as info/listings about the colorways, materials, price, widths, technologies in the shoe, and likely more (Google translate is fantastic, yet not 100% perfect). Towards the end of the mook there are explanations of NB’s various cushioning and technology systems (Abzorb, C-Cap, Rollbar, Encap etc.).

Sneakerature’s Take: For those that love NB, this mook is sure to elicit audible gasps, laughs, confusion and revelations.  Not only is it an incredible resource (with explanations of all the technologies and extensive information regarding each and every model documented), but it’s also a remarkable snapshot of the breadth of the NB product line going into the 21st century.