The legacy of the 99X series all began back in 1982 with the debut of the New Balance 990. Stemming from years of development, research, and design, the 990 finally released, breaking ground with an unprecedented $100 price point. The 990 was also our introduction into the world of New Balance’s signature grey colourways that we relate with the 99X series today. As a reaction to running shoes at the time, New Balance opted to separate itself from the pack and move in the opposite direction cleansing the palate of bright colourways that were tied to the running shoes of the era.

Sixteen years on, the 990 took its second evolutionary step to give us the 990v2. Bringing the 990 up to speed with technological advancements and design formulas that would keep the 99X series moving into the future whilst still maintaining true key elements of the original 990 and of course its signature grey colourway.

That brings us to 2001. Three years after the introduction of the 990v2,  New Balance introduced their latest instalment in the 99X series and along with a new naming convention, the 991 was born. Accentuated by a newly designed midsole that highlighting new technologies with Abzorb cushioning taking pride-of-place within its sole unit. The 991 soon became a mainstay in the New Balance’s running performance ranges keeping the tonal greys alive for a new generation…

Fast forward to 2021 and New Balance continue to keep the heritage of the 99X series alive, as they celebrate 20 years of the 991. New Balance's Flimby factory have crafted a special celebratory colourway of the famed 991 to give us both a men’s (M991ANI) and women’s (W991ANI) rendition of the classic silhouette. Combining neutral hues and premium materials, the 991ANI almost looks like it could have been the original version of the highly revered sneaker. Soft nubuck panels overlay premium mesh to form the upper, which features Navy hits in the 'N' logo for the men’s rendition and dark teal hits atop the signatory ’N’ for the women’s variant before an embroidered '2001' on the heel and commemorative tongue tag complete the finite details. Each pair of course sits atop the 991’s signature ABZORB outer sole finish each pair off.

Both the M991ANI and W991ANI are now live on Up There Launches. Head on over to register for your chance to grab a pair.

The M991ANI will be available in men’s sizes US7 through to US13 (including some half sizes) for $320AUD.

The W991ANI will be available in women’s sizes US6 through to US10 (including some half sizes) for $320AUD.

Avoid the narrow path and head on over here to shop the latest from New Balance…