New Balance” is a sneaker brand that gives a cozy atmosphere to your feet. The brand’s simple design and comfort are popular among people of all ages. In this issue, we focus on the “992,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, from the 990 series, the symbol of New Balance, and introduce the appeal and technology of the 992, along with the reasons why New Balance is so popular today.
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The history of New Balance and why it is so popular todayNew Balance has been loved by people from all walks of life since its inception, and with the participation of Teddy Santis, it has become the forefront of the trend!
New Balance was founded in 1906 in Boston, USA as a manufacturer of orthopedic shoes. The company got its name from the idea of bringing a “new sense of balance” to people who wear its shoes. The company’s scientific approach to the structure of the foot was later applied to the development of sports shoes, and in the 1960s it entered the running category in earnest. The “990,” introduced in 1982, is a symbol of this approach. With the catchphrase “990 out of 1000,” it was introduced at an unusually high price for its time. The brand’s stance of proving its value not through price, but through performance, set the direction of the brand. From the 1990s onward, the “N” logo and gray color became a symbol of functional beauty, and the brand was favored by adults with a taste for authenticity for its unadorned design and comfort. In the 2010s, the brand’s appearance, which is highly compatible with the normcore trend, was reevaluated, and it succeeded in strengthening its presence in the fashion context.
In 2021, Teddy Santis, founder of Aimé Leon Dore, was appointed Creative Director of the ” Made in USA ” line, the first time in the brand’s more than 100-year history that he has joined the brand as Creative Director. He has revamped the use of color and styling suggestions while respecting traditional craftsmanship, and has reconstructed the historical values of the brand with a modern aesthetic. His collections have gained popularity on the fashion scene. He has now collaborated with various brands from street to mode to luxury. As a result of these collaborations, his sneakers have become more popular in the fashion scene in 2026 than sports sneaker brands such as Nike and Adidas, which had been steadfastly holding their own in the fashion industry.
Photo: bfa.com/Afro.
[related article] For an in-depth look at the history of New Balance, check out
What is the New Balance 99X Series that created the 992?Introduced with the claim of 990 out of 1000 points, and lasting almost half a century, the New Balance The most iconic series!
The ” 992 ” is one of the models from the 99X series, also known as the 990 series. As mentioned above, the first model of this series was the “990” introduced in 1982, which was developed as a high-performance sneaker for running. The 990 was priced at $100 per pair, about three to four times the price of a typical sneaker at the time, yet it sold 50,000 pairs in six months. The 99X series has become synonymous with New Balance.
The 900s are the hottest sneakers in New Balance! Pick up the hottest models
The model introduced in 2006 to celebrate the brand's 100th anniversary
The “992” was introduced in 2006 as a commemorative model to celebrate New Balance’s 100th anniversary. The 992 is the successor to the 991, the first model in the 990 line, and embodies the theme of “making the best shoes of each era. upper, and a slightly slender sole with a voluminous foot circumference, the 992 exploded in popularity upon its release. Although production was temporarily halted, the long-awaited reissue was achieved in 2020. Since then, many collaborative models with ” JJJound,” “WTAPS,” and “Levi’s” have appeared, all of which sold out immediately. On the secondary market, they were sold at a premium price many times the list price.
And in 2025, inline models appeared for the first time in five years. In addition, for the spring/summer 2026 season, the Made in USA line by Teddy Santis, named “Made in USA 992 Core,” will be available in standard gray, navy, black, and all black. In addition, a model combining light neutral earth colors is also available.
A pair that epitomizes the Normcore style!
The story of Apple founder Steve Jobs’ favorite pair of “992” shoes is essential to the story of the “992. His Issey Miyake cut-and-sewns, Levi’s 501s, and New Balance 992s are widely known as a style that embodies Apple’s philosophy. Steve Jobs was often seen in this combination at public appearances, such as new product launches, from the introduction of the 992 in 2006 until his death in 2011. This look is still widely talked about today as a symbol of the normcore look that prevailed in the 2010s.
[photo: AP/Afro
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What makes it different from the other 990s?5 features the New Balance '992' has
New Balance has produced many models of the 990 series that are considered masterpieces. Here we list the features of the “992” and explain how it differs from other models.
Features of the New Balance 992 1Upper made of high-quality pigskin suede and breathable mesh material
The upper of the 992 is made of high-quality natural pigskin suede and breathable mesh material. . The pigskin suede is made by WOLVERINE, a long-established U.S. shoe brand. Compared to cowhide suede, the pigskin suede has less noticeable pores and is smoother and softer, creating a mature and relaxed atmosphere. In addition, by combining a mesh material with this material, an elegant and sophisticated impression with various textures can be created.
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Small N logo placed on the side and the shoe tongue
The “N logo” placed on the side of most New Balance sneakers. In the 992, the size of the N logo is a bit smaller than that of other models in the 990 series, giving it a more minimalist look.
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The N logo is also placed on a small loop placed on the shoe tongue, a detail that prevents the shoe tongue from slipping to the side when worn. This is another feature of the 992 that was designed with great attention to detail.
Back logo placed on the heel to showcase MADE IN U.S.A.
The 992 is a MADE IN U.S.A model that boasts strong popularity among New Balance. The “USA” logo is placed on the heel, as if to emphasize this. The “USA” logo is placed on the heel, as if to emphasize that this is a more expensive model than the Asian models of New Balance. The subtlety of the logo’s placement on the back is also attractive.
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New Balance '992' features 4Voluminous sole with multiple technologies
The 992 features a voluminous sole compared to other models in the 990 range. As mentioned earlier, one reason for this is that it features a lot of technology in the sole area. The moderately thick sole creates a sense of stability underfoot.
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Features of the New Balance 992 5Heel lock for improved fit
The 992 is equipped with a plastic part above the eyelet that allows for a ” heel lock. This further enhances the fit. Wide and high instep feet, which are said to be common among Japanese people, tend to float on the heel when the size is adjusted to that area. In such cases, the heel-lock design comes in handy: a loop is made with two holes in the laces, and the laces on the other side are passed through the loop and tied at the end. This prevents the heel from lifting and, in addition to adjusting the size of the laces, provides a more comfortable fit and fit.
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Supporting outstanding comfortFive technologies in the New Balance 992
The 992 has five unique New Balance technologies that make it so comfortable to wear. Here we focus on each of these technologies!
New Balance '992' Technology 1ABZORB SBS for shock-absorbing high cushioning
ABZORB SBS, located in the heel, is a cushioning material with excellent shock absorption and rebound elasticity ABZORB SBS is an advanced version of ABZORB, a cushioning material with superior shock absorption and resilience. This functionality is achieved by encapsulating a gel-like material in a pod (container) and placing it in the midsole of the heel and forefoot area, providing high cushioning, stability, and durability.
TS2 to gain stability
TS2, which is placed by partially changing the material of the midsole, has a structure that serves to reinforce the area of the foot. It prevents the foot from collapsing inward when walking and supports smooth movement from landing to taking the next step.
C-CAP for lightness
C-CAP is New Balance’s proprietary midsole technology that further compresses and molds EVA material to improve lightness, cushioning and lasting durability. It is polyurethane-free and resistant to hydrolysis, and was first used in the “670” in 1985, followed by the “576” and “996”. The material is water-resistant and lightweight, and its cushioning properties do not deteriorate over long periods of wear, ensuring long-lasting comfort.
New Balance '992' Technology 4ENCAP cushioning system that adds a high level of stability and cushioning
ENCAP is a shock-absorbing EVA material wrapped in a highly durable polyurethane material. The polyurethane material is used to reduce weight and reduce the impact of the shoe. The polyurethane material reduces weight and absorbs shock, providing both cushioning and stability. It absorbs shock at the heel, where the burden is greatest. It is also used in the ML574, M1300, and other models. The “992” is notable in that it incorporates both the ENCAP and the aforementioned C-CAP at the same time.
New Balance '992' Technology 5N durance, a highly durable outsole material
N durance is a special rubber compound material with extremely high abrasion resistance that is used in the heel of the outsole. It is an improved version of a technology used in mountaineering shoes, etc. Placed in areas prone to wear and tear, it extends the life of the shoes and allows them to be worn beautifully for a long time.
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