Sneaker topic of the week, the New Balance 990 V7. But first, let’s go back 1982, when New Balance debuted the 990 as the most expensive sneaker on the market at $100.
Sneaker literature will tell you New York City wanted in-your-face colorways, flash. The guys from the DMV were more toned down. They wanted to be on the low. The hustlers wanted the gray and the navys. It was hitting around the John Thompson era of Georgetown basketball. The sneaker was connecting multiple worlds. Ask about Rayful Edmond. And know what else dropped in 1982? The Nike Air Force 1. What a year in sneakers. A year before I was born. You think JLP Sr. thought his baby boy was gonna be here talking sneakers decades later?
990s have gone through multiple eras: dope boy shoes, dad shoes, supermodels in London. And now we're here. The exceptional retooled 990 V7. New logo. Premium leather tongue. A weathered yellow midsole. A blue hint throughout. Designer Jean Khalife said he wanted to marry a luxury item with a classic runner feel. Made in the USA. Mission accomplished.
Can you imagine a sneaker that Kaia Gerber and Matt Welty could both wear? Nothing new in 2026, huh? New Balance said the year's not over and they’re coming for the top 10. The best part? They'll be available everywhere. Tell them I sent you.
Shop New Balance on Complex
NEW BALANCE 471 SHIPYARD$110
New Balance 740 - Black/Green$115
New Balance 2010 - Neptune Grey / Shadow Blue / Sea Salt$160
New Balance 204L - Linen / Oxford Blue$110
New Balance 1000 - Arid Stone$160
NEW BALANCE 990 CLAY$200
New Balance 2010 - Lone Star Grey/Mindful Grey$160
New Balance 9060 - Navy/Linen$160
New Balance 530 - Turtle Dove/Angora$110
New Balance 530 - Raincloud$100
New Balance 9060 - Silver Moss/Morel$160
New Balance Women's 2010 - Pink Salt/Pink Metallic$160
