@bestfootforwardshoes01 for Basecamp Staff Writer's department.
A major brand needs a flagship, an icon, something that is distinctly their own. Something that you can instantly look at and think, "this personifies a corporate entity".
Image credit: End.
New Balance imbues that entity with the 990 sneaker. Since 1982, when, what we now know as the v1 was released, the iconic grey suede panelling and the EVA foam midsole have laid the foundation for what was to come.
The original v1 was very expensive, $100 USD in 1982 equates to roughly $350 USD today, and shows that if the product is good enough, people will pay, and pay they did. It took the Boston brand 16 years to find a formula that would, one up the v1, continuing the legacy with the v2.
Image credit: End.
The time frame between new versions has become shorter now, averaging roughly 4 years with the subsequent 4th, 5th, and 6th versions. Enter the v7. Following from the v6 which was a huge success, with many amazing collaborations and GR colourways under it's belt. It's going be a tough ask to be better, but so far, the reception has been positive.
Image credit: End.
Image credit: End.
We've seen multiple "leaks", marketing stunts, carefully curated teasers, meant to wet the appetite of the NB heads in the sneaker community.
Image credit: via @joefreshgoods instagram
New Balance has continued the wave of the Abzorb SBS cushioning system, in their new 1890, 2000 and 983 models, and it look like the v7 has elements of Abzorb Gel, along with the Fresh Foam and Encap technology, so comfort will not be an issue.
I would say keep your eyes peeled, but this one will be hard to miss.
Image credit: End.
By Harrison Cable | Published October 13th, 2026
