New Balance returns to the original 991 with the 991v1 “Luxe Suede,” a Made in UK release that replaces the model’s usual mesh sections with a nearly complete suede construction. The unisex sneaker arrives in a Dijon and Castle Wall colorway.
SNEAKERS
The brand produces the shoe at its factory in Flimby, England, where the Made in UK line continues to develop premium versions of established New Balance models. For this edition, soft, undyed European suede covers almost the entire upper in warm tan shades. The material gives the 991v1 a fuller and rougher appearance than the mesh-heavy versions that many people know.
Visible contrast stitching defines the panels and outlines the shoe’s layered structure. Subtle raw edges run along the overlays and add further texture to the construction. Tonal leather forms the signature “N” logos on the side panels, while dark brown laces create a deeper accent against the lighter suede base.
White details appear on the tongue label and midsole. Black and grey sections finish the outsole, keeping the color arrangement direct and restrained. New Balance relies on the suede to create depth across the upper without using additional branding or louder accents.
New Balance also uses premium leather for the interior lining. This detail follows the material direction of the exterior and gives the shoe an elevated hand feel. The suede upper, tonal leather logos and leather lining shift the 991v1 toward a refined lifestyle design.
The sole unit keeps the familiar technical structure of the 991v1. An off-white and grey midsole contains visible ABZORB cushioning pods in the forefoot and heel. A polyurethane ENCAP rim surrounds the cushioning system and provides structural stability.
A durable two-tone rubber outsole completes the construction and supplies long-lasting grip. The ABZORB cushioning, ENCAP support and rubber tread maintain the model’s functional comfort while the suede upper changes its visual character.
New Balance first introduced the 991 in 2001. The shoe remained in the Made in UK lineup for more than two decades before the brand introduced the 991v2 in 2023. The original version has continued to return through smaller runs and updates that place specific materials at the center of the design.
Name: New Balance 991v1 “Luxe Suede”
Colorway: Dijon/Castle Wall
SKU: M991CM1
MSRP: $280 USD
Release Date: July 2026
Where to Buy: New Balance
I can’t stand this color who told them to do this 🤣