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There is perhaps no number within the historic catalog of New Balance more prestigious than 990. Originally released in 1982, the model was the definition of running luxury and quality, and the first performance sneaker to break the $100 price point. Built in pigskin suede and mesh with one of the most padded sole units of its time and reinforced with a motion-control system, the shoe’s high price was justified, and easily accepted by runner that tried a pair on.
Receiving a few updates and remodels throughout the years, New Balance now introduces the 990v4, the fourth iteration of the timeless luxury runner. Retaining the original pigskin and suede as the previous releases and also once again Made in the USA, the v4 benefits from a slightly slimmed down design with more breathability and an improved ENCAP stabilized sole unit for increased medial support.
Because of the 990’s status as on of the most premium and expensive sneakers on the market, the shoe also gained a prominent status in the streets, most notably in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area where sneaker shops have been selling the model in mass quantities for years. Two of the area’s sneaker stores who know the importance of the trend-setting 990 are DTLR and Shoe City.
We connected with people from each retailer, and they both spoke passionately about the shoe’s unique impact and cult following within the area. Recognizing and celebrating the 990 as a cultural phenomenom in the DMV, New Balance will debut the 990v4 exclusively at DTLR and Shoe City locations on February 12th. Retailing for $165, the 990v4 will also launch globally at select New Balance retailers on April 1, 2016.
