New Balance usually waits for a launch date before it shows a new 990. With the New Balance 990v7, the first proper look came from Joe Freshgoods, who shared the shoe on Instagram shortly after it appeared on a billboard in New York's Chinatown.
His preview makes one thing clear: the 990v7 is more than a small update to the 990v6.
The pair Joe shared comes in light blue and slate grey suede over grey mesh, with cream laces, a cream accent at the heel and '990' branding on the tongue and insole. The overall shape is still unmistakably 990, but almost everything around it has moved. The mudguard is noticeably bigger, the side panels sit higher, and the layers underneath reach further towards the toe. Reflective 3M details run through the upper, and the larger 'N' logo looks much closer to the one on the New Balance 990v3 'Black White' (2022) than to the slimmer version on the New Balance 990v6 'Grey' (2022).
The bigger change is underfoot. The 990v7 switches to softer FuelCell foam, combined with ENCAP cushioning, a CR stability component and a new TPU shank plate. The aim is more comfort without losing the support that has made the 990 a daily shoe for runners and collectors for decades.
That balance matters for a line that has stayed relevant through every version, from the New Balance x JJJJound 990v3 'Olive' (2022) to the New Balance 990v6 'Grey Day' (2023) that New Balance releases every year. With Joe Freshgoods previewing it before New Balance has even announced it, the new version is off to a relatively strong start.
| New Balance 990v6 'Grey' (2022) | New Balance 990v6 'Grey Day' (2023) |
| New Balance 990v3 'Black White' (2022) | New Balance x JJJJound 990v3 'Olive' (2022) |
New Balance 990v7 Release
New Balance has not confirmed a release date or price for the 990v7 yet. With the Chinatown billboard and Joe Freshgoods' preview landing within a few days, more details should not be far behind.
The New Balance 990v7 will be available on KLEKT soon. Until then, you can browse the full range of New Balance 990 sneakers on KLEKT.
Check out the New Balance 990 range on KLEKT.
Images: Joe Freshgoods / New Balance / KLEKT
