The New Balance 991 Rolls Out Two Luxe “Essential” Looks

Sadly, we don’t have access to any sneaker opinion polls, but if you’re willing to engage with our thought experiment, surely New Balance’s “Made in” series would have a sky-high approval rating at all times. The Boston brand has picked up a real foothold with wider audiences via its overseas-manufactured models from the 9060 to the 1906R. The “true” brand loyalists, however, have forged their fandom in Flimby via footwear featuring heightened materiality and eminently wearable color-ups.

Mirroring their general release silhouettes, the “Made in” roster is arguably the deepest it’s ever been, as new models like the Allerdale and returning champions like the 991v1 make up for the odd absence (here’s looking at the 990v5). Following an ALD-assisted kick-off and about four inline colorways, the New Balance 991 delivers two “Essential” colorways in black and navy to cement the model’s second go-around in the catalog for good. The usual blocking we see in NB’s always-on colorways, including white/off-white sole units, heavy nubuck applications on the uppers, and grey contrast underlays in between, applies to these fresh formulations.

These two “Essential” New Balance 991 colorways in black and navy are expected to hit stateside channels soon. Be ready for a $270 retail price for either pair.