The New Balance 990 V3 “Core Pack”

The 990 V3 Core Pack

New Balance’s 990 has long represented the benchmark for sneakers; comfort, performance, quality — the 990 epitomises the pinnacle in just about every category. It has done since it debuted in 1982 with the V1; after all, the shoe’s original designers had one objective when developing the 990: to create the best running shoe on the market, with absolutely no compromises to be made. The result was a sneaker with a triple-figure price point — something which was then unheard of, though it was more than backed up by the level of craft, materials and tech that was poured into the shoe.

The 990 V3 Core Pack Grey

Fast forward to 2012 and New Balance debuted the V3: the third generation of the 990 that coincided with the series’ 30th anniversary. The key fundamentals established decades prior underpinned the V3 — premium materials, all-out technology and unrivalled comfort — though it did mark a step into a new direction for the 990 series, with an updated appearance and newer materials used. Across the uppers, more mesh joined pigskin suede for improved breathability — which, in turn, altered the 990’s paneling for a more progressive appearance — while an updated ENCAP midsole was used underfoot. There were other tweaks, too, like the diamond-patterned tongue and ribbed ‘N’ logo to further the contemporary look.

The 990 V3 Core Pack Navy

To celebrate the V3’s upcoming 10th anniversary — and the wider 990 series’ 40th — New Balance is revisiting the iconic shoe with the Core Pack. The shoes are reissued in classic, understated colourways — something which has always been synonymous with the Massachusetts-based label — with grey, navy blue and black making up the capsule.

The 990 V3 Core Pack Black