Much like the 237 and 327, the XC-72 heavily references ‘70s running footwear, featuring a leather upper with suede overlays and a nylon vamp. The standout design detail, however, emerges by way of the sole unit where a vertically-split outsole showcases two hard ground traction patterns that give the shoe an aggressive, experimental edge. As New Balance puts it, the XC-72 is the future that the past dreamed about, come to life, and we couldn’t agree more.