THE NEW BALANCE FOCUS
The New Balance Made in USA and Made in UK collections represent the absolute pinnacle of the brand's craftsmanship. While mass-market sneakers are produced in Asia, these premium lines are handcrafted by skilled artisans in domestic factories, utilizing ultra-premium materials like pigskin suede, high-grade nubuck, and advanced cushioning tech. Models like the pioneering 1300 (1985), the Steve Jobs-favorite 992 (2006), the ultra-plush 993 (2008), and the streamlined 990v4 (2016) all stem from this heritage, serving as the foundation for high-end streetwear and exclusive global collaborations.
MADE IN USA
Manufactured in five factories across Maine and Massachusetts, this collection is deeply rooted in American athletic heritage and industrial design. To bear the "Made in USA" tag, the shoes must contain a domestic value of 70% or more. The USA line is famous for creating the legendary 990vX series and the 1300, characterized by slightly chunkier silhouettes, technical ENCAP or ABZORB midsoles, and utilitarian aesthetics. Under the creative direction of Aimé Leon Dore founder Teddy Santis, the collection has shifted into a seasonal fashion powerhouse, blending retro sport styling with premium, earth-toned color palettes.
MADE IN UK
Handcrafted in the historic Flimby factory in Cumbria, England, the UK collection brings a distinct flavor of European tailoring and luxury to the brand. Flimby artisans are renowned for their meticulous leather cutting and stitching, often utilizing premium materials sourced from local European tanneries. The Made in UK line is defined by sleeker, more angular silhouettes like the 576, 991, and 1500. These models lean heavily into a sophisticated casual aesthetic, utilizing richer leathers, deep jewel-toned suedes, and a level of precise bench-made finish that mimics high-end luxury dress shoes rather than traditional sneakers.
Explore the new balance selection here.
The MADE IN USA 1300
The New Balance Made in USA 1300 is one of the most iconic and premium heritage running shoes in sneaker history. Originally released in 1985, it debuted as a top-tier performance model with a shocking $130 price tag. This high price point earned it the nickname "the Cadillac of running shoes" and won over famous fans like fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Today, it is celebrated as a masterpiece of domestic manufacturing, handcrafted in New England factories with superior attention to detail.
The shoe is most famous for being the pioneer of ENCAP midsole technology. This system wraps a soft, shock-absorbing EVA foam core inside a tough polyurethane rim, delivering exceptional stability and all-day comfort. True to the Made in USA line, the upper utilizes ultra-premium pigskin suede, high-grade nubuck leather, and durable mesh inserts for optimal breathability. The classic silhouette features a slightly bulky, retro-athletic shape with a prominent external plastic heel counter that locks the foot into place. Many iterations also include a heavy-duty Vibram rubber outsole, which offers rugged durability and excellent traction compared to standard lifestyle sneakers.
You cannot talk about the Made in USA 1300 without mentioning its cult-classic status in Japan. The 1300JP version is a meticulously crafted, exact replica of the 1985 original in its famous steel blue and grey colorway. To maintain its extreme rarity and premium craftsmanship, New Balance only releases this specific version once every five years, making it one of the ultimate collector pieces in sneaker culture.
The MADE IN USA 993
The New Balance Made in USA 993 is a pinnacle silhouette from the legendary 990vX series, originally released in 2008 as a high-performance running shoe. It quickly evolved into a premier lifestyle sneaker, celebrated for its perfect balance of heritage style, ultimate comfort, and high-quality domestic craftsmanship. Handcrafted in New England factories, it represents the bridge between old-school New Balance design and modern cushioning technology.
The hallmark of the 993 is its exceptional comfort engine, powered by a full-length ABZORB DTS midsole. This setup combines two proprietary technologies: an ABZORB foam layer for supreme impact absorption and a Dynamic Transition System element in the heel for a smooth heel-to-toe stride. This is supported by an ACTEVA midsole compound that provides lightweight resistance to compression set. The upper is constructed from top-tier pigskin suede and premium mesh, featuring a classic, slightly chunkier shape that offers more room in the toe box than many other 990-series models. A durable Ndurance rubber outsole provides excellent traction and longevity at high-wear areas of the heel.
While it is a direct descendant of the 992, the 993 features subtle visual updates, including a more streamlined "N" logo, redesigned mesh paneling on the toe box, and unique branding on the tongue and heel. Today, it enjoys a massive cult following globally, boosted by high-profile collaborations with brands like Aimé Leon Dore, which have cemented it as an essential piece of contemporary street style.
The MADE IN USA 992
The New Balance Made in USA 992 is one of the most culturally significant and sought-after sneakers in the entire 990-series family. Originally released in 2006 to celebrate New Balance’s 100th anniversary, it gained immediate fame as the signature sneaker of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who wore them almost exclusively during his iconic keynote presentations. Handcrafted in New England factories, the shoe is defined by its chunky, industrial aesthetic and uncompromising focus on premium comfort.
Technologically, the 992 introduced ABZORB SBS cushioning to the lineup, a non-cellular elastomer material placed in the heel and forefoot that provides superior shock absorption without compressing over time. This is paired with an Ndurance rubber outsole for maximum wear resistance. The upper features a complex, multi-layered panel design constructed from ultra-premium pigskin suede and breathable mesh. Visually, the 992 is distinguished by its distinctively thick, sculpted midsole and a slightly smaller, sleek side "N" logo compared to its predecessor, the 991.
Because New Balance manufactures the 992 in limited production runs and frequently places the silhouette "in the vault" (shelving production for years at a time), it has achieved a massive collector status. This scarcity, combined with high-profile collaborations with brands like Kith, JJJJound, and WTAPS, has made the classic grey 992 one of the most coveted models on the secondary market.
The MADE IN USA 990V4
The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 is a modern classic that represents a major evolutionary leap for the iconic 990 franchise. Originally released in 2016, the v4 modernised the silhouette by shedding some of the bulk of its predecessors while retaining the premium comfort and domestic craftsmanship that defines the New England-made line. It perfectly bridges the gap between old-school heritage and contemporary street style, making it one of the most versatile daily sneakers on the market.
Technologically, the 990v4 upgrades the brand's cushioning by utilising a modified ENCAP midsole. This setup combines a soft EVA core for plush impact absorption with a durable polyurethane rim that provides exceptional arch support and stability. The shoe also features an updated upper construction, blending premium pigskin suede with highly breathable mesh panels that are arranged in a more geometric, streamlined pattern than older 990 models. Visually, the v4 is easily identified by its redesigned tongue tag, which features an American flag graphic, and a sleek, slightly smaller side "N" logo with a textured look.
The v4 holds a special place in sneaker culture due to its massive resurgence through high-profile collaborations and curated collections, particularly under the creative direction of Teddy Santis for the Made in USA line. Its clean lines and lightweight feel have made it a preferred canvas for premium colorways that sell out instantly.
The MADE IN UK 991V2
The new balance Made in UK 991v2 is a modern evolution of the classic 2001 991 silhouette. Released in late 2023, it represents the first time a flagship 99X-series model was fully updated and engineered outside of the United States. It is handcrafted exclusively at the historic Flimby factory in Cumbria, England, combining traditional British luxury shoemaking with cutting-edge athletic tech.
The biggest upgrade in the v2 is the introduction of full-length FuelCell cushioning to the midsole. This marks a massive departure from traditional firm lifestyle midsoles, giving the shoe a highly responsive, modern, and energetic underfoot feel. This bouncy foam is paired with classic ABZORB SBS pods in the heel and forefoot to retain essential stability and shock absorption.
Visually, the 991v2 sleeks down the upper of the original 991. The toe box has a more streamlined shape for a cleaner look on foot, and the signature midfoot overlays have been redesigned to feel less cluttered. True to the Flimby heritage, the upper is constructed from ultra-premium pigskin suede and tightly woven mesh, often sourced from top European tanneries. Distinctive details include "991" branding embroidered on the heel and a subtle "v2" badge on the tongue.
The MADE IN UK 1500
The New Balance Made in UK 1500 is one of the most celebrated silhouettes to emerge from the Flimby factory in Cumbria, England. Originally released in 1989 as a high-performance running shoe, it was designed by legendary sneaker designer Steven Smith, who also created the 997 and 574. Upon its debut, it was marketed as the closest thing to the perfect running shoe, featuring an advanced multi-density ENCAP midsole for top-tier stability and shock absorption.
Visually, the 1500 is easily distinguished from its American counterparts by its sleek, aggressive, and highly aerodynamic toe box profile. It is also famous for introducing the embroidered "Flying NB" and a uniquely small, minimalist side "N" logo, a sharp departure from the larger stitched logos of the 1300 and 990 series. Handcrafted by British artisans, the upper utilizes premium pigskin suede, smooth leather, and tightly woven mesh, offering a luxury, bench-made finish that fits seamlessly into a sophisticated casual wardrobe.
While it began as a technical runner, the 1500 evolved into a streetwear icon in the early 2000s, largely driven by legendary European boutique collaborations with stores like Solebox and Hanon. These limited releases cemented the 1500 as a premier collector's shoe, prized for its sharp shape on foot and incredible quality control.
