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New Balance’s Latest Heritage Sneaker Is an Instant, All-Leather Classic

The brand’s latest Made in UK export remasters one of its classic Y2K dad shoes into a vintage-inspired stunner.

Close-up of a brown and tan New Balance sneaker with textured leather and mesh panels against a blue background.New Balance
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By Jack Seemer

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New Balance is no stranger to retro runners, with dozens of decades-old icons in its ranks.

However, the brand’s latest shoe proves its definition of “heritage” can extend well beyond the Y2K era.

Coincidently, the design traces its roots to the 99X series model that launched at the turn of the millennium a quarter century ago.

Pair of brown and tan New Balance sneakers with black laces and white midsoles on a white background.
The New Balance Made in UK 991v1 “Luxury Leather” takes after vintage Italian luggage.
New Balance

Only now, the classic 991v1 gets a full-on remaster with old-school Italian menswear in mind.

Pair of brown and tan New Balance 991 sneakers shown from the back with gray and beige midsoles.
The 991v1 was the first model of the 99x series introduced after the turn of the millennium.
New Balance

More specifically, the 991v1 “Luxury Leather” takes after vintage luggage, with warm-toned vegetable-tanned leather doing the bulk of the heavy lifting.

Brown and tan New Balance sneaker with textured leather and mesh upper, beige midsole, and black outsole.
The tonal panelwork equip the model with a warm aesthetic.
New Balance
Pair of brown and tan New Balance 991 sneakers with dark brown laces viewed from above.
The laces, too, match the overall look of the upper.
New Balance

The model also hails from the brand’s premium Made in UK outpost, ensuring the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail as the luxury goods that inspired it.

Black and gray New Balance shoe sole with textured tread and "new balance" logo.
Like the original 991, the shoe features Encap and Abzorb cushioning.
New Balance

Availability and pricing

The Made in UK 991v1 “Luxury Leather” is available now in limited quantities, with a quick sell-through reaffirming the model’s standing as an instant, all-leather classic.

The model also comes in women’s sizing, with additional allotment available at the time of writing.

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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