The New Balance M992GR
"IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT 990 IS THE MOTHER OF ALL NEW BALANCE MODELS. THE PIONEER, THE DNA BEHIND EVERY OTHER NEW BALANCE SIGNATURE MODELS THAT CAME AFTER"
A large slanted N on the side. That's the logo created by advertising and design legend Terry Heckler's for New Balance comeback in 1980s. Soon the brand unleashed its 990 model, that saw the shoes caught fire in the market and New Balance never looked back since. It is safe to say that 990 is the mother of all New Balance models. The pioneer, the DNA behind every other New Balance signature models that came after. As the New Balance 992 Grey Made in USA is due to release this Friday, why don't we have a brief history recap on the New Balance 990 model.
"WHILE MOST RUNNING SHOES BACK THEN WERE MORE TO NEON AND BRIGHT COLOURS, NB 990 DEBUTED A CLEANER, A MORE SUBTLE TONE OF GREY."
New Balance 990 was the 1st running shoes to be retailed at USD100 per pair. The NB 990 was sets apart from the other running shoes in the market at that time, not only for its price tag, but also because of its colourway.
While most running shoes back then were more to neon and bright colours, NB990 debuted a cleaner, a more subtle tone of grey. The model was quick to becoming a status symbol, however the legacy took a while to evolve; 16 years longer to be exact, before they released a new model originated from the 990 - simply named 990v2, with introduction to some new technology and design formulas, signalling that the company was taking the model into a whole new platform.
I was immediately taken in by the 990 model and then the 991 model; first aesthetically both were beautifully constructed footwear. But my most worn was the 991 range. Dubbed as "the dad shoes", the NB991 model was fast becoming my must have travel companion back then. This is thanks to the Abzorb cushioning, which was 1st integrated into the 991 model, and became a mainstay in the New Balance's running performance models.
Year 2006 where New Balance marks its 100th Anniversary, we saw the released of 1st New Balance 992. There were talks on how Steve Jobs may have had inputs on the design of this model, but the truth remains unknown. One thing for sure, New Balance when big on this one. Big enough to match its century milestone.
" YEAR 2006 WHERE NEW BALANCE MARKS ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY, WE SAW THE RELEASED OF 1ST NEW BALANCE 992"
Fast forward to year 2020, 14 years after its debut, the New Balance 92 releases are some of the most anticipated ones. With multiple versions from different designers and collaborators, we keep seeing the model flying off the shelves everywhere. As the latest drop from the New Balance made-in-America line is due soon, I figured a quick product review on the goods is in order. The New Balance 992 Grey Made in USA is indeed every bit of the old 992 model, but with small changes. Comfort is key here, with the ABZORB SBS cushioning, every step feels well supported. The silhouette is slight chunkier compared to 991 but overall it is aesthetically appealing.
And while there are indeed 3 colourways to choose from, the smooth grey color scheme is always the most sought after, as it is seen as a trademark of the brand. So, if you are liking what you see, be ready to grab a pair of the New Balance 992 Grey Made in USA on its release tomorrow June 5th only at Crossover Sunway & Online at (crossoverstore.com) via online raffle.
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