New Balance Blog

Out now at Mita is a limited edition black/purple 990. This was previewed about three months ago and said to be a tribute to Japanese console games.

Note the black patent leather, perforated purple suede and embroidered logo on the heel. The new pics show white instead of multicolor laces, a welcome change considering how busy the colors are elsewhere.

In the technology department the shoe features a 3/4-length ABZORB EX sole (hence “990EX”) for shock absorption. ABZORB EX is the combination of NB’s premium ABZORB foam material and an outside air bubble.

These will set you back approx USD $120.

Via High Snobiety

“Some final details:-

• Launch Saturday April 28th. Online from 1pm (UK).
• 24 pairs will be available instore from 10AM
• Production of 144 pairs
• Sizes available:- US 7.5 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11.5 12
• Priced at 89.95 GBP”

If you want a pair, be ready– www.hanon-shop.com

Or if you’re like me and you wear a sz 13, you just saved yourself $200!

Full info has landed on Hanon’s latest New Balance collab. Release date is this Saturday, 28th April 2007. Looking smart!!!

• Release Saturday April 28th. Launch from 1pm (UK).
• M990HSN - Unique Sku- hanon x Schoeller x NB.
• Production of 144 pairs only.
• hanon authentication certificate.
• 3 layer construction black on black with Schoeller 3xDry smart fabric technology.
• Premium full grain leather and nubuck overlays by Pittards of England.
• Assembled by New Balance Flimby UK.
• Pigskin leather footbeds.
• Reflective Scothlite underlay ‘N’ and FOT detail.
• Safety orange pop lining.
• Double lace set: black on black or contrast safety orange.
• 990 embroidered heel replaces the original ‘USA’ embroidered detail.
• Made In England embroidered detail features on the tongue.
• Reinforced sole unit with New Balance Absorb technology.
• ….and the gold N!

Previously on NBB

Here are better pics of the wildstyle 990 posted yesterday, the M990EXBM, now also said to be a tribute to Japanese console games. The upper looks to be made of white leather, black patent leather and purple suede/nubuck, along with rainbow laces and an embroidered logo on the heel.

The sole however is totally different from the previous photo. Instead of NB’s Zip soles with shock-absorbing struts this model features a large dose of Abzorb® EX, with the air pocket around the outside.

“Abzorb® EX is a combination of New Balance’s premium Abzorb® foam and a peripheral pocket of non-pressurized air that is encapsulated in an engineered thermoplastic.” — NB

Via EUKicks, HB, ryöüki

This M990EX with the Zip sole is said to be a “Japanimation” model that pays homage to anime and 1960’s TV color tests. Release date is rumored to be Oct-Nov 2007 as a Holiday Tier 1 release. Psychadelic business! Cheers to LIPDUNK for the info and pic.

Via Soleredemption via LIPDUNK @ Nike Talk forums

Update from Hanon about their forthcoming collab (previously on NBB). It’s been revealed to be a 990 model with a release date of Saturday April 28. Looks like a gold “N” on a black upper with and some emergency orange in there.. my kind of colors!

“We are proud to present the hanon M990HSN

An intro to Schoeller Technologies

Our latest venture with New Balance is a three way collaboration that incorporates fabric innovations by Schoeller on the classic M990 running shoe. Schoeller is a Swiss based company known for producing high technology textiles. Their fabrics are ’smart’ highly functional and technically outstanding. Products can be offered in synthetic, natural or mixed fabrics with the look and feel of cotton whilst offering state of the art functionality.

hanon M990HSN and 3XDRy

The hanon M990 is constructed with a Schoeller 3XDRY encapsulated sock upper. 3Xdry is a treatment applied to technical fabrics that deals predominantly with 3 areas.

1. Moisture management
2. Stimulates cooling effect
3. Repels water and stains.

3xDry transports mositure quickly. From the inside to the outside. High breathability and the wicking management effect prevents shivering or over sweating after active phases as persipration cannot be trapped in the fabric. 3Xdry also repels mositure from the outside and is less susceptible to soiling or marking. The technology allows the fabric to dry in a flash after washing or contact with water.

The hanon M990HSN will be released on Saturday April 28th. Keep checking back for more pics, spec and launch information.”

Via SlamXHype and Hanon

Stepping it up a notch and then some, Scottish retailer Hanon has announced a forthcoming collab with New Balance and Swiss textile licensors, Schoeller Technologies AG. Scheduled release is first week of May 2007.

“Hanon’s crew have reworked a New Balance classic with a luxury Schoeller 3XDry fabric that offers a full encapsulated sock upper. Premium full grain leather and nubuck overlays are provided by Pittard’s of England and as with previous hanon x New Balance, detailing and reference points will be unique only to this model.”

3XDry is a fabric treatment that combines water-repellence on the outside and perspiration absorption on the inside, so you can wear it in the rain yet avoid getting soaked with sweat.

The question remains, why would anyone in their right mind with a pair of ultra-limited Hanon sock-sneakers that will probably cost upwards of two hundred dollars 1. actually go running 2. in the rain. Because…… they can!

Via SxH and Hanon

Some nice pics of this fall’s swanky 990 in the Brown/Purple colorway, via Simon.

Previously on NBB

This Fall, look for a pair of UK-made M990s, brown/purple and gray/orange.

Via EUKicks

Over at Nice Kicks you can find a preview of NB’s September 2007 offerings. There appear to be two 576s, two 1500s(?) and two 990s.

These are clearly a step in a different direction with louder prints, simple N’s that appear to have been applied with a paint stick, contrast stitching and new model number tag placements.

Via Hypebeast