The New Balance XC-72 ‘Ascend’ showcases mixed pastels on a retro-inspired silhouette that takes its cues from ‘70s running shoes. Split color blocking is applied to the upper, featuring a cream-colored crinkle nylon base with mismatched forefoot suede overlays in lavender and coral. Oversized ‘N’ logos are similarly mismatched and rendered in black and violet, while the suede heel overlay is finished in a bright teal hue. A molded EVA midsole gives way to a vertically split rubber outsole, which borrows traction patterns from the XC15 and 375.