Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

New Balance MADE contains a domestic value of 70% or more. MADE makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s US sales. Highsnobiety is writing this article as a paid piece by New Balance.

The perennial dad shoe has had quite the glow up. There's no doubt about it, the NB brand is on fire - whether by its OG associations with the look, or its evolution at pace with the never-ceasing movements of the young and restless, the label has managed to stay relevant through one sturdy-looking sneaker.

It's seen a rise that hasn't been paralleled by a shoe brand in a while, but claims to be keeping its eyes firmly on its own path rather than on competitors. A noble - and smart - way of doing things, in our view. You can't run the race successfully whilst keeping an eye on those running either side of you.

Whether it's for the irony, or the for aesthetics, there is no getting around that simple 'N' etched across the side of some undeniably dad-leaning shoes. From 2018 to now, the NB legacy has come a long way - the question is, have you? If you've never owned a pair, there is almost no more suitable time given its current hyped association with celebrities far and wide.

New Balance has a collection of Made in USA Core shoes that will knock your socks off. Or, as the case may be, keep them firmly planted.

Made in USA 990v4 in Black

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceMade in USA 990v4
$185
Buy at New Balance

The Made in USA 990v4 is something of a classic running shoe. Combining a pigskin suede and mesh upper with a simple black colorway is a genius way of letting runners enjoy a sort of sleek, understated look.

Made in USA 993 Core

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceMade in USA 993 Core
$225
Buy at New Balance

Another running classic, offering innovations to give you the edge. The ABZORB midsole, funnily enough, absorbs impact and the ACTEVA cushioning delivers support throughout. Comfort, meet competition.

Made in USA 998 Core

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceMade in USA 998 Core
$185
Buy at New Balance

The original iteration of the 998 shoe came out in 1993, as part of the Made in USA series. This means 90s vintage style points for any wearer. Neutral tones with white laces complete the All-American look.

Made in USA 990v6 in Navy

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance990 V6
$200
Buy at New Balance

This upgrade to the 990 features FuelCell midsole cushioning, for added comfort to go with the updated visuals.

Made in USA 990v6 in Grey

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance990 V6
$200
Buy at New Balance

The grey version of the shoe seems to highlight more of the contours for a speedy, streamlined look.

Made in USA 990v4 Core in Grey

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance990 v4 Core
$185
Buy at New Balance

The original Made in USA 990 v4 was introduced in 2016. The dad shoe movement took off in 2018. Need we say more?

Made in USA 996 Core

Image on Highsnobiety
New Balance996 Core
$175
Buy at New Balance

The 996’s technological features represented six years of evolution  making for an exceptionally wearable, high-performance shoe. 

Made in USA 990v4 in Navy

Image on Highsnobiety
New BalanceMade in USA 990 v4
$185
Buy at New Balance

The NB logo and simple new balance typography along the back of this shoe is utterly 90s, and a mark of the Made in USA Core aesthetic.

Want to keep browsing? Download the Highsnobiety app for all the hottest products and brands from the the Highsnobiety Shop. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

We Recommend
  • From Nike to ASICS, Browse This Week’s Best Sneaker Releases
    • Sneakers
  • Teddy Santis Saved His Most Delicious NB Dad Shoes for ALD
    • Sneakers
  • The Best New Balance 550 Colorways So Far
    • Sneakers
  • The Best Is Yet To Come for New Balance’s Chunky Dad Shoe
    • Sneakers
  • From ASICS to Converse, Browse This Week’s Best Sneaker Releases
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • Corteiz Saved Its Best (& Hairiest) Nike Huarache Till Last
    • Sneakers
  • At ECCO, Every Step Tells A Story
    • Sneakers
    • sponsored
  • 20 Years of Retail Genius Deserves an Archival Stone Island Masterpiece
    • Style
  • Ressence’s Super Sleek Watch Is Minimal to the Extreme
    • Watches
  • Not All That's On Special Offer Is Gold – But This Stuff Just Might Be
    • Style
    • sponsored
  • The Black Friday Deals You Actually Want to Shop
    • Style