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New Balance Unveils the Made in USA 2040v5, Its Most Advanced Sneaker Yet

The pinnacle of its Made in USA craftsmanship, the 2040v5 pushes the limits of shoe design while maintaining the New Balance aesthetic.

Pair of gray and blue athletic shoes with "USA" text on the heel against a yellow background.New Balance
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By Hayley Helms

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New Balance’s Made in USA line exemplifies the brand’s dedication to its roots, the quality of its products and its heritage.

Initially launched in 2012, the 2040 model has sought to push that mission to new heights of innovation and craftsmanship.

Today, New Balance has announced the latest contribution to that line: the 2040v5, which the brand says is “one of the most ambitious products it’s ever created.”

The Made in USA 2040v5 may represent a new pinnacle of New Balance’s domestic craftsmanship, but at $400, it also sets a new ceiling for the brand’s sneaker prices.

Gray New Balance sneaker with blue accents under a metal compression testing machine.
The Made in USA 2040v5 bringing back one of New Balance’s most ambitious Made in USA franchises with a new expression of craftsmanship and technical innovation.
New Balance

American ambition

The 2040 has always been the platform where New Balance has had the freedom to ask, “How far can we take luxury, performance and American-made craftsmanship?”

The fifth edition of the sneaker’s answer to that query? Pretty damn far.

The new shoe is built with a sneakerhead’s fantasy of materials and New Balance-specific innovations and aesthetics.

Pair of gray New Balance sneakers with mesh and suede panels on reflective surface.
Three layers of signature cushioning tech, along with dual carbon plates and high-end materials, elevate this sneaker far above the standard New Balance offering.
New Balance

Supple and luxurious Horween nubuck leather appears on the saddle, tongue, foxing, mudguard and tip of the shoe. It’s paired with a two-toned mesh upper that preserves the quintessential sporty New Balance aesthetic and also offers breathability and lightweight comfort.

Pair of gray New Balance sneakers with mesh panels and gray laces viewed from above.
A mix of Horween nubuck leather overlays and a mesh upper pay homage to the New Balance aesthetic while remaining modern.
New Balance

Underneath its understated yet elegant exterior, proprietary and boundary-pushing technologies continue to advance the shoe. Three cushioning components offer unparalleled performance: FuelCell, Abzorb SBS, and Encap.

Gray New Balance sneaker with gray laces, mesh panels, and "FuelCell" label on the sole.
The technology underfoot is complex, but the new 2040v5’s style remains refreshingly uncomplicated and cool.
New Balance
Pair of gray and blue athletic shoes with "USA" text on the heel tab, viewed from the back.
The dynamic, yet supremely cushioned underfoot feel is possible thanks to a three-part combination of Abzorb SBS, FuelCell and Encap cushioning.
New Balance

Encap combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim, while Abzorb SBS absorbs impact and FuelCell foam simultaneously offers a propulsive feel.

Alongside its innovative cushioning stack, there’s a full-length carbon fiber plate for stability, matched with a secondary medial carbon plate for additional support.

Pair of gray and black athletic shoes surrounded by various shoe parts and components laid out on a white background.
An overview of the 2040v5’s components.
New Balance

Small but impactful details like the injected TPU ‘2040’ label, embroidered ‘USA’ branding at heel and the reflective details drive home the sneaker’s utility and history.

Black and gray New Balance shoe sole with textured grip and red logo near the heel.
The minimal rubber outsole maintains the shoe’s sleek look and everyday grip and traction.
New Balance

Like its predecessor, 2012’s original 2040 model, the 2040v5 features a very high price point.

The pioneering sneaker is priced at a whopping $400, signifying not only its ultra-premium build and innovation, but also its status as an instant collector’s item.

Availability and pricing

The Made in USA 2040v5 launches exclusively in North America on August 20, 2026, at New Balance’s website and select retailers for $400 USD, with a global launch to follow in May 2027.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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