New Balance Launch The 'Live Wire' Pack

New Balance refresh the ranks for 2026 with their first pack release, uniting the Furon V8, Tekela V5 and 442 V3 in a combination of “punch Yellow”, “Fire Cracker” and “Black” for what is the the ‘Live Wire’ pack.

Wasting no time setting the tone for 2026, New Balance kick off the year with their first boot drop – and it’s a loud one. Introducing the ‘Live Wire’ pack, which brings together the Furon V8, Tekela V5 and the all-new 442 V3, wrapped in an electrifying mix of Punch Yellow, Fire Cracker and Black. Speed, control and heritage all plugged into the same high-voltage source.

First up in a "Punch Yellow / Black / Fire Cracker" colourway, the Furon V8 is the headline act for the speed merchants. As such, it's the brightest of the bunch, with that volt "Punch Yellow" being used as the base colour. Black wraps around the heel with the "Fire Cracker" red being utilised as an accent colour.

Tech-wise, the enhanced, data-mapped Hypoknit upper features dual textures across key strike zones, giving players distinct sensations on the ball – whether you’re gliding past defenders or loading up for the finish. Offset lacing and an extended strike zone ensure clean contact every time, while a lower-profile collar delivers a more streamlined, comfortable fit.

Underfoot, the updated soleplate does the talking. T-shaped forefoot studs boost agility and acceleration in all directions, supported by an additional rearfoot braking stud to keep sharp movements under control. It’s speed with purpose – reactive, ruthless, and built for those match-defining one-on-ones.

For the Tekela V5, it's a more understated use of the "Black / Punch Yellow / Fire Cracker" colourway, with black as the base and the red and yellow playing equal parts in their supporting roles.

Under the hood, the lightweight microfibre upper is tuned for touch, combining debossed channels with nano-printed silicone grip elements to help manipulate the ball with precision, without restricting natural movement. At the ankle, the stretchy knitted collar delivers compressive lockdown, with a cleverly offset midfoot section to reduce pressure on the top of the foot.

Down below, Rim Stud Technology makes its return – those translucent edge studs around the forefoot improving stability and traction during sharp turns and quick changes of direction. Add an Ortholite sockliner for impact cushioning, and you’ve got a control boot built for relentless creativity.

Last but not least and new for 2026, the 442 V3 proves that classic doesn’t mean outdated. Again, it goes with the more traditional feeling black base, and although it features the same colourway as the Tekela, in execution the red is restricted to the smallest of cameos on the branding underfoot.

In terms of the newness, the upper features TrueTouch Tech, a premium lightweight PU microfibre with debossed quilting inspired by New Balance football and lifestyle design cues. The result is a clean, cushioned feel on the ball, paired with a low-profile collar for adaptive support.

Updates continue at the heel, where molded heel foxing improves stability and delivers a secure, locked-in fit. Underfoot, a re-engineered dual-injected nylon outsole provides enhanced responsiveness and durability, ensuring the 442 keeps pace with the modern game while staying true to its roots.