Despite launching in 2001, New Balance‘s stalwart 991 model is just this year getting its first update through the Stone Island 991v2 collaboration. With the debut just days away, official images show another 991v2 is on the way in New Balance‘s signature greyscale arrangement.
A tasteful array of greys makes up the 991v2’s upper, which utilizes a mix of suede, mesh, and leather. A white midsole hosts icy blue Abzorb SBS pods and an olive-grey heal stabilizer while sitting above a grey and black outsole. Like the Stone Island collaboration, this pair was made in the U.K. at New Balance’s Flimby factory, thus bringing a higher level of quality than the baseline New Balance sneaker.
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Only slight tweaks define the design of the 991v2’s upper, such as a new “991” window underneath the collar’s lateral side, “V2” appearing on the mustache, a more streamlined transition from the eyestays to the rest of the upper, and incorporation of reflective accents. The more significant change is found underfoot, where the modernized strike path reveals FuelCell cushioning.
New Balance’s incorporation of greyscale throughout its sneakers date back to the ’70s, when the arrangement was introduced as a better alternative to white for hiding the damage done by running in cities. Although such hues are hardly sexy in a vacuum, they’ve been embraced by a wide variety of demographics — including, of course, the dads who “dad shoe” was coined for. Some may favor other colorways, but every New Balance sneaker needs to get the grey-on-grey treatment at some point to truly belong.
The New Balance 991v2 “Classic Grey” will release Oct. 27 through the brand’s website. Pricing is set at $250.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
