One of the more popular New Balance models is surely the 992 silhouette. In 2020, the trainer returned and made a big comeback with some great collaborations. But where did it all start for the New Balance 992 and why did the model disappear from the radar? For this blog, we'll dive into the history books and answer these questions.
History of the '99X Series
Like most trainers, for the 992 silhouette it all started with running. New Balance released the silhouette in 2006 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. In addition, the 992 was the second trainer to be part of the '99X series', but what exactly is this '99X series'?
It all started in 1982 when New Balance released the first 99x model. We're talking about the New Balance 990. New Balance wanted to offer the perfect balance between flexibility and support. In order to be able to offer this perfect balance, a number of processes had to be carried out. One of these processes was the finishing of the shoe with one single seam. This technique is also known as slip-lasting.
In addition, the midsole was embedded with a polyurethane (plastic) footbed also known as the 'Motion Control Device'. This is a design that is still used today for some New Balance trainers, for example, the New Balance 1540v3.
Then, sixteen years later, in 1998, the New Balance 990v2 appeared with an almost similar upper and a midsole that features a new technology. Indeed, New Balance opted for the signature ABZORB technology that overlays the entire legendary ENCAP sole. Three years later, New Balance introduced the 991 which had a redesigned midsole that highlighted the ABZORB technology. With this 991, the '99X Series' was officially launched.
New Balance 992
As we mentioned, New Balance celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2006 and this was celebrated with the release of the 992. The trainer was designed by Jonathan Bacon and he opted for a slightly sportier look and feel than its predecessor, the 991. The 992 debuted in a classic grey colour that was made up of mesh and premium suede and features signature branding such as the 'N' logos and 992 branding on the tongue and sides.
In the mid-2000s, many fathers were big fans of the silhouette, which is why the trainer was nicknamed the 'dad shoe'. Also, some supermodels were often spotted with the trainer on their feet, but there is only one person who is almost always associated with the New Balance 992. We are of course talking about Steve Jobs.
After 2010, production of the 992 was halted for a whopping ten years. Last year, the trainer made a huge comeback when New Balance re-released the 992 silhouette. The hype was enormous and everything was sold out in no time. Subsequently, quite a few collaborations surfaced between New Balance and other brands in which the 992 was used. Think of the JJJOUND collab or the collaboration with Ronnie Fieg. These days, you pay a few hundred euros for them via StockX.
Lately it has been very quiet when we talk about 992 releases. There is also nothing planned for 2021 in our Release Calendar. Download our Sneakerjagers App or check our Sneakerjagers News page daily to not miss any news.