Legacy of Trust: Ronnie Fieg Talks About his Love of the New Balance 997

With more than two decades in the footwear game, there isn’t much Ronnie Fieg hasn’t already accomplished. At the helm of his sprawling Kith empire, Ronnie’s ambitious collaborations with everyone from Coca-Cola to Tommy Hilfiger and Versace have continually upped the ante. Fresh from his recent New Balance 997 collaboration — that also tapped icon 997.5 releases by nonnative and United Arrows & Sons — Ronnie’s unbridled enthusiasm for the 99x series is evident. Packed with intimate design details, and a few personal memories, this six-strong project was all about the love!

Did the memory of the Beauty&Youth 997.5 from 2014 always stick with you? Those things are beyond unobtanium.
I have a full pair and they’re still deadstock! They were easily the hardest shoe in my entire collection to track down. They have been a Grail since I first saw those pictures and I had to trade a lot to get them. The larger sizes are very, very rare. I might have the only deadstock pair in size 10.5 in the world.

When you say traded, are we talking greenbacks or shoes?
I traded some shoes and had to put up some serious money as well. I think I might have one of only 12 pairs in my size in the world. I’m sure the others were worn to death so, who knows, maybe they’re the only deadstock pair left in the world?

I have to say, I didn’t dream of bringing the shoe back, I just dreamed of owning a pair one day. I was thinking about the 997 and New Balance’s plans this year, and everything just clicked into place. For United Arrows & Sons to trust me is a big thing. I spent a long time making sure the shoes were done right because messing with a legacy is something I don’t often do. This is far and away the best New Balance project that I’ve worked on.

This feature was originally published in Sneaker Freaker's New Balance 997 book. For a look at the 997's history, read about its  and our interview with designer, . For a look back at United Arrows' 997.5, read our interview with UA's director, , or delve into the minutiae of the 997 back catalogue with .