The New Italian-Inspired Shoe From New Balance Upgraded With Luxury Leather

Leah Fan
6 hours ago
2 min read

Arriving just in time for a month defined by weekend escapes and considered gifting, the New Balance 991v2 returns in an Italian-inspired palette of caramel and chocolate brown. The rich tones elevate the silhouette’s vegetable-tanned leather construction, striking a balance between everyday comfort and understated luxury. The release landing February 5th is described as the true getaway pair to pack for all your exploration and style needs.

Its premium look is a new differentiation between the v2 with more 'upgraded' technologies. The influence traces back to Italy, where the 991v1 was organically folded into everyday style—worn with tailoring, wool trousers, and polished coats by creatives in Milan, Bologna, and Florence long before “quiet luxury” entered the fashion lexicon. That cultural throughline anchors The Return, the accompanying campaign that follows the shoe’s journey back to Flimby via a cinematic train ride. Lingering on moments of movement, craftsmanship, and pause, the film reframes luxury as something earned rather than displayed: time invested, materials respected, and stories carried forward.

This latest iteration leans fully into that identity, sharpening the profile with a slimmer, more upright stance and premium leather panelling that signals refinement over relaxation. It’s a clear departure from the suede-and-mesh ease of the 991v2, positioning the v1 as the more deliberate, dressed-up model. New Balance describes the newest release, "The visuals highlight quiet moments of travel, subtly alluding to craftsmanship, time-worn elegance, and the importance of the journey itself".

The launch colorway of the newest The Made in UK 991v1 “Luxe Vegetable Tanned Leather” will be available globally via newbalance.com and select retailers.

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