The Ultimate New Balance 991 FAQ

The History of the New Balance 991

The New Balance 991 was originally released in 2001, and holds a prominent place in the 99X series. Celebrated for its fusion of performance and style, it was the first model in the lineup to incorporate ABZORB cushioning in both the heel and forefoot.

The ‘Made in England’ 991 is crafted in New Balance’s Flimby factory, and is a highlight in the brand’s commitment to both quality and heritage. While the 991 has gone through some subtle design updates over the years, it’s preserved its iconic look while using modern materials and technologies.

While still sporting the chunky midsole that New Balance is known for, the New Balance 991 features a sleeker, more streamlined silhouette that its predecessor, the 990v2. The upper combines mesh with high-quality suede, and its high craftsmanship quickly gained it popularity as a lifestyle sneaker, despite its origins as a running shoe.

Steve Jobs was frequently seen wearing a pair of grey NB991s in the early 2000s, gaining the model a lot of attention, while the 991 also gained a lot of traction in the UK and Japan with its understated style and notable heritage.

In 2023, the brand introduced the 991v2, an updated version with subtle design tweaks and modern ABZORB SBS cushioning.

Notable NB991 Collaborations

Stone Island and JJJJound are the two most renowned collaborators on the New Balance 991 design. The Stone Island x New Balance 991v2 'Black Olive' - Made in UK is part of the autumn 2023 release in a Charcoal/Olive colorway.

With a distinct blend of high-end fashion and athletic functionality, Stone Island reimagines the classic New Balance silhouette using its signature design language.

A fusion of JJJJound's signature style with those of New Balance's 991, the JJJJound x New Balance UK 991 'Grey' is known for its minimalist and sleek aesthetic.

New Balance 991: Answering Your Questions

What year did the New Balance 991 come out?

The New Balance 991 debuted in 2001, part of the 99X series and the first in the line to feature ABZORB cushioning in both the forefoot and heel.

Where is the New Balance 991 made?

The NB991 is made at New Balance’s Flimby factory in England.

What material is the NB991 made of?

The New Balance 991 is generally constructed from premium suede and mesh, though some versions may feature nubuck, leather, and synthetic materials.

Is the New Balance 991 a running shoe?

The NB991 was originally designed as a running shoe, but is also popular as a lifestyle shoe due to its comfort and understated style.

Does the NB991 fit true to size?

The New Balance 991 is known to fit true to size. Mostly available in the standard width, those with wide feet may want to go up half a size for slightly more room.

Are NB991 comfy?

The New Balance 991 is very comfortable, due to its ABZORB cushioning that’s placed in both the heel and forefoot. This provides great shock absorption and impact protection.

How do you tie the New Balance 991?

For guidance on tying your NB991 laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!

How do you clean New Balance 991?

A New Balance 991 is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.

For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.

Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.

Where can I buy New Balance 991?

Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the New Balance 991 at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on NB991 restocks and new releases!