In 2003, the
New Balance 580 was selected to be worked on in collaboration with clothing line Stussy, and Japanese based store Real Mad Heretic. It panned out to be a good choice. The 580 was not well known outside of China, in terms of Asian markets, and the newer editions were aimed at Japanese and the Hong Kong markets. The unusual colors made the shoe an interesting model, and the embroidery above the heel was distinctive. The high cut around the heel area provides more ankle support and overall stability in the shoe