The New Balance 996 Is the Grey-test
It looks like are shuffling their retro roster once again with the reintroduction of the into the Made in USA series. This welcome return coincides with the timely rerun of the , which similarly had a brief absence from the lineup.
For those not familiar with the 996, here’s a quick recap. Introduced in 1988 – therefore, 2023 marks the model’s 35th anniversary – the 99x entry moved the NB needle forward with its material and aesthetic update. Pigskin suede and mesh remained the norm, but there was more of the latter to bring the weight down. What was lost in one area was gained in another, as the midsole introduced a two-layer combo of ENCAP and C-CAP cushioning compounds. The latter seems notably absent from the latest reissue, but previous iterations didn’t exactly call out this feature, either. Regardless, the most important bits remain: iconic MCD (Motion Control Device) on the heel, reflective elements, velvety lining, and slightly stretchy laces (IYKYK). There also appears to be a very slightly vintage cream hue to the upper, subtly playing into the whole aged look that’s been all the rage lately.
In any case, the 996 is back in all of its grey glory right now from New Balance.