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New Balance Finally Made a Military Sneaker but Not the One That Was Rumored

The Made in USA 992 is back in action, this time in “Dark Camo” and “Covert Green.”

Close-up of a brown New Balance sneaker featuring suede and mesh materials, purple laces, and the signature "N" logo on the side. The sole is layered with shades of brown and beige.New Balance

By Jack Seemer

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Last year, rumors swirled about the possible release of a New Balance sneaker designed for the armed forces.

The so-called “1906M” kicked up a lot of dust, mostly among fans speculating that the “M” stood for military — especially with brand’s history of making shoes for the United States Department of Defense.

It turned out to be wishful thinking, seeing as how the 1906M has yet to materialize even a year later.

That said, New Balance isn’t one to leave sneakerheads out in the cold.

Going dark

A pair of New Balance classics, including the 992 and 990v6, will be getting their own military-inspired makeovers. However, it’s the former that would look most at home in an Army surplus store.

Pair of olive green New Balance 992 sneakers featuring suede and mesh panels, dark gray laces, white and gray "N" logos on the sides, and a white and brown cushioned sole with black outsoles.
“Dark Camo” and “Covert Green” define the latest 992 to join New Balance’s Made in USA lineup.
New Balance

Following in the footsteps of recent Made in USA 992 releases, the latest version features an upper of suede, mesh, and synthetic overlays. Albeit here each component here takes on a shade of green that New Balance describes as “Dark Camo” and “Covert Green.”

Pair of olive green New Balance 992 sneakers viewed from above, featuring mesh and suede panels, dark gray laces tied in bows, and "New Balance" branding on the tongue.
The upper is comprised of suede, mesh and synthetic overlays.
New Balance
person cutting a piece of leather for a new balance sneaker
According to New Balance, at least 70 percent of all components used for its Made in USA shoes comes from American manufacturers.
New Balance

That treatment extends down to the two-toned midsole, which features period-correct Encap and C-Cap technologies from the early 2000s, when the 992 first debuted.

Side view of a New Balance 992 sneaker in olive green and grey tones, featuring suede and mesh materials, a white midsole section, and a black outsole. The shoe has grey laces and the "N" logo in grey with a white outline. The number "992" is visible near the heel.
The upper isn’t the only component to go green. The color also extends to the dual-toned midsole.
New Balance
Shoe sole with black and gray rubber tread, featuring the "new balance" logo, "N durance" branding, and the number "992" in a red and blue section near the arch.
The new release features period-correct cushioning technology, dating back to the early 2000s.
New Balance

“Aluminum Gray” detailing on the laces and interior lining complete the stealthy look and help to give this 992 understated appeal that extends well beyond the tacticool crowd.

Pair of olive green New Balance 992 sneakers viewed from the back, featuring suede and mesh materials, "USA" text on the heel, and "new balance" branding on the midsole.
Gray detailing completes the understated look.
New Balance

Availability and pricing

Both the new 992 and 990v6 cost $200 and will be available from August 28 on New Balance’s official website.

Like all shoes in the brand’s Made in USA collection, at least 70 percent of their components come from US manufacturers, contributing to their higher price tags.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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