After a miniature first-look teaser in September, New Balance has begun the official rollout for the latest sneaker in the 990 series, the 990v7.
The made-in-America New Balance 990v7 is being revealed gradually by the Boston-based sportswear brand, with its latest teasers including close-up macro shots of the soon-to-be-released sneaker. Dissected breakdowns highlighting the shoe’s numerous components have also been shared, giving fans a clear picture of what to expect when the new model arrives at retail in November.
While specific tech details have yet to be confirmed by New Balance, much can be deduced from the sneaker’s official e-commerce photography. In comparison to its predecessor, the New Balance 990v6, the 990v7 features a slimmer midsole, rounder overall silhouette and sees the addition of leather at the tongue and heel.
Set to debut in New Balance’s signature gray colorway, the first-to-market 990v7 will incorporate a mix of light. and darker gray across its pigskin suede and mesh upper. New to the flagship 990 model is the use of vintage-inspired pre-yellowed midsole components, a detail which is also carried over to the border of the N logo and the sneaker’s shoelaces and gives the 990v7 an on-trend contemporary edge. The midsole also mixes in touches of light blue, a first for gray 990 sneakers. Like the 990v6, the 990v7 will feature the brand’s performance FuelCell cushioning paired with a firmer Encap segment for stability.
New Balance is leaning fully into the “dad shoe” reputation of the 990 series, with a “dad’s back” advertisement touting the sneaker’s seventh generation.
The New Balance 990 was introduced in 1982, notable for being the first-ever running shoe priced at $100. The 990v2 would come nearly two decades later in 1998 and was followed by 2012’s 990v3. The 990v4 was introduced in 2016 and the 990v5 came in 2019, with the most recent model, the 990v6, arriving at retail in 2022.
The New Balance 990v7 is set to be released Nov. 6 from newbalance.com and select retailers globally for an expected retail price of $200. With a full colorway of Kool Gray/Calcium/Light Arctic Gray, the sneaker’s style code is U990GR7.