New Balance is Dropping a Made in Japan 991v1

The New Balance 990v7 has been the talk of the month in the sneaker industry. Adding a new vibe to the Boston-based brand’s most iconic silhouette, the new drop brought the latest version into the hype market immediately, rolling out the model in limited numbers that sold out immediately at boutiques and flagships.

The OG is Back

Time is a flat circle at New Balance, though, and in Japan, the debut of the 990v7 is being followed up by a return to an OG, with new pairs of the 991v1 coming soon. Debuted on Instagram by New Balance’s Japanese atelier manufacturing partner, m.lab, the new preview brings back the 2001 classic with a new take on the brand’s classic grey. Based on an unreleased sample version of the 991v1, featuring different paneling and branding, the pair brings Japanese craftsmanship to the iconic silhouette.

Seen in just one heelside image, the grey nubuck colorway features wavy stitching flowing from the heel down the bottom section of the side panels. An “N” logo is featured in soft grey, with a “Made in JAPAN” logo arching across the heel in white stitching. In the ad for the shoe’s return, the slogan “A Legacy, Still in Motion” sits above the photo of the shoe.

New Balance 991v1 Made in Japan Details

The New Balance 991v1 Made in Japan doesn’t have a release date or retail price, but with m.lab apparently already producing the pairs, expect to hear more soon. To keep up with all the latest New Balance news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com