Baltimore vs. DC: New Balance Made in USA Drums Up Competition in the Mid-Atlantic

New Balance runners are ubiquitous across the globe these days, but for years, the mesh and suede classics that started the dad shoe wave were worn almost exclusively on lawn mowers and by sneakerheads in Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philly. For its latest Made in USA collection, New Balance is egging on the competitive nature between DC and Baltimore with two city-specific colorways of the 993.

The New Balance 993 Made in USA Baltimore vs. DC Pack features two colorways of the iconic silhouette, a Baltimore pair in bright red suede with black accents like the city’s endless crab spots, and a clean DC pair with cherry blossom mauve on the suede paneling, cream-colored mesh, and a sublime blue shade covering the rest of the upper.

“This is a tale of two cities… rooted in culture, history, and resilience,” New Balance Product Manager Myles Williams wrote on Instagram. “We never looked anywhere but the mirror for validation. So when it comes to style, we are not trying to be. We are ourselves. Whether you’re going to Lexington Market or brunch at Park, we step in the essence of history each and every day. Let’s show the world what culture looks like.”

The New Balance 993 Made in USA Baltimore vs. DC Pack doesn’t have a firm release date just yet, but the retail price on the collection is set at $200 per pair. We did see the Baltimore colorway hit shelves at the end of last year at select retailers, though still no word on a New Balance drop. For all the latest New Balance Made in USA 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