This Hyped New Balance Collaboration Delivers with Two Gorgeous Premium Sneakers

For the opening of its Osaka flagship store, Kith designed a Made in UK 991v2 and a Made in USA 992.

the heels of two pairs of blue Kith x New Balance running shoes

Published March 19, 2025

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More often than not, hyped-up collaborations fail to deliver, especially when it comes to sneakers.

For many reasons, we are all jaded by collab culture and hold unrealistic expectations for anything that grabs our attention. It often feels like everything is derivative, and nothing moves the needle.

two pairs of blue running shoes — Kith designed two exclusive New Balance sneakers for the opening of its Osaka flagship store.

But every so often, two creative forces align in perfect synchronicity to create a product that is more than the sum of its parts. The duo of premium sneakers from a partnership between Kith and New Balance is a rare example of a hyped collaboration that exceeds expectations.

To commemorate the opening of a Kith flagship store in Osaka, Japan, the esteemed streetwear brand designed a set of two uncommon archival New Balance sneakers. There is a faded teal Made in USA 992 and a steely gray Made in UK 991v2.

the back of a pair of light blue new balance sneakers — Both New Balance sneakers feature subtle Kith branding.

Both sneakers are being sold exclusively through Kith, but don’t worry, you don’t have to fly to Japan to get a pair.

A dash of color

By a twist of fate, the New Balance 992 debuted on the same stage at the same time as the iPhone when Steve Jobs wore a prerelease pair during Apple’s 2007 Keynote address.

a pair of blue new balance sneakers — The Made in USA 992 comes in an exclusive faded teal color.

As the second evolution of the 990, which debuted in 1982, it has become a fan favorite among the norm-core and dad-core flagship sneaker series.

the side of a blue new balance sneaker — The Made in USA 992 has reflective silver panels on the upper.

The 992 has historically been muted in monotone shades of gray, black, or off-white. Under Kith’s direction, the ridiculously comfortable walking shoe has gotten some eye-catching, if still muted color.

the tongue of a blue new balance sneaker — The Made in USA 992 has more padding in the yoke.

The Made in USA 992, assembled and hand-finished in New Balance’s Massachusetts factory, is the more original of the duo and will surely become a sought-after grail on the resale market.

Honoring a JDM classic

Since this two-shoe capsule honors a store opening in Osaka, it is fitting that Kith references one of the most iconic Japanese Domestic Market exclusive New Balance sneakers in history, the 1300JP “Steel Blue“.

a pair of gray and blue New Balance running shoes — The Made in UK 991v2 has a blue mesh upper.

First released in 1985, the “Steel Blue” New Balance became a hit and played a major role in establishing New Balance in Japan. The upper had a light-teal mesh base with dark blue-gray suede pannels.

the top of a gray new balance running shoe — The Made in UK 991v2 comes with contrasting sky blue laces.

Kith’s Made in UK 991v2, assembled in Flimby, England, copies the color scheme directly from the legendary 1300s, which the brand’s Japanese audience will certainly appreciate.

a gray and blue New Balance running shoe — The Kith branding is slightly more pronounced on the Made in UK 991v2.

This is the second time that Kith has referenced the Japanese “Steel Blue” New Balance, after reproducing the original 1300 model back in 2012.

Availability and pricing

Both sneakers put a refreshing twist on classic New Balance models but look gorgeous in their own right. The only unfortunate aspect is that–thanks to all the hype–neither one will be easy to acquire, which is a shame because they are two of the best-looking New Balance designs to come out in years.

There will be a drawing through the Kith App on March 20, for a limited pre-release quantity of each sneaker.

Both New Balance Osaka sneakers will be available on the Kith website on March 21. TheMade in USA 992 will only be available in person at the Osaka flagship store. All other Kith stores will sell the Made in UK 991v2.