The Stone Island x New Balance 991v2 May Be Their Biggest Collaboration yet
Stone Island and New Balance have been working together for two years now, but they’ve only deviated from performance-based footwear once through seven shoe releases. Now taking on the 991v2 Made in UK, they do their best job yet of satiating the very blokes who’ve inspired blokecore.
Both Stone Island and archival trainers such as the 991 are essential pieces of the soccer hooligan and roadman wardrobes. The two collaborators previously catered to the crowds with a 574 Legacy released earlier this year, but the upcoming release should be an even bigger hit with its similar military aesthetic. Adding to the occasion is the fact this is the first-ever update for the 991, which originally launched in 2001.
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Mesh, nubuck, and leather come together for an upper with a washed-out mix of black, grey, and olive inspired by industrial spaces used for venues and clubs (or in a word less likely to appear in a corporate press release, “raves”). Both the leather foxing, which has been coated and texturized, and reflective detailing help emphasize the industrial and tactical look. Stone Island’s Compass logo appears on the tongue patch, while a “Made in England” label on the tongue’s interior denotes the higher quality that comes from production at the New Balance Flimby factory.
Besides the new look, Stone Island also brings New Balance‘s FuelCell cushioning to the 991v2 for the very first time, which should make the lifestyle sneaker even more comfortable than usual.
The Stone Island x New Balance 991v2 Made in UK will first release Oct. 4 through Stone Island’s website and some of its stores. A global release will then follow Oct. 18 through new Balance’s website. Pricing has yet to be announced, but don’t expect it to be cheap, as other Made in UK sneakers can fetch a price of up to $270.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
