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The History of the New Balance 991

May 27, 2021 6:30 PM
The History of the New Balance 991

The New Balance 99x line includes a few popular models, including the 991. The model was first released in 2001 and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, in 2021. In this blog, we give you an overview of the history, the design and fun facts about the New Balance 991.

New Balance 991

New Balance 991 (2001)

The 991 was originally called the M991 and was released in 2001. The model joined the 99x line of New Balance and fitted in well with it in terms of appearance. But the 991 did contain new technologies which made the sneaker unique. For example, the model was the first to have the ABZORB cushioning technology not only in the heel, but also in the forefoot. This placement provided extra comfort and better cushioning. The outsole also featured the new Ndurance rubber compound for the first time, which provided maximum durability by reducing wear and tear.

evolution new balance

New Balance 991 design

Furthermore, the model is known for its streamlined toebox and the soft parts on the upper. The streamlined design perfectly complements the comfortable sole, which is full of innovative technologies. The upper consists of different materials, including mostly nubuck. In addition, mesh, for example, is used. During the release, the sneaker had a grey colour. Throughout the years, the New Balance 991 has had many colour combinations.

20 Years 991

2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the 991. The sneaker was produced in the UK in Flimby, Cumbria. Two classic grey colorways have been released for the celebration: a men's model and a women's model. The main difference is the different colours of the details. The men's version features a dark blue colour and the women's a teal blue colour. A special detail is the '2001' embroidery on the heel and '20th anniversary' on the back of the tongue.

New Balance 991
20th anniversary New Balance
New Balance 2001
sneakers grey

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was known for his love of New Balance sneakers. He was best known for wearing the 992 model, but before that, he wore the 991 for years. Only later, in 2007, he started wearing the 992 but had always been loyal to the 991 before that. He mostly wore the New Balance M991GL Classic Grey.

Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs wearing the New Balance 991 at the January 2007 iPhone unveiling event. Image via Getty

Since its release in 2001, the New Balance 991 has had several colorways. The model is loved by the sneakerscene and new collaborations with other brands are regularly dropped. For example, a collab with Slam Jam is planned for 2021. Keep an eye on our release calendar, so you don't miss any future collabs. Also check out all available 991's you can score NOW via the button below!

New Balance 991
Images by New Balance