It All Runs in the Family: A Family Portrait of the New Balance 997
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997 Runs In
The Family
For sneakerheads, the New Balance 997 represents a sleek, versatile shoe that can be worn with a variety of ‘fits. For the rest of the world, it’s a plush running sneaker that came to be adored by everyone from hardcore sneakerheards to workwear enthusiasts in Japan passionate about American-made clothing.
Made in USA
Debuted in 1991, the 997 represented a radical departure from previous 900-series runners with its dual shock-absorbing ENCAP & Abzorb technologies combined into one midsole unit — all encapsulated in a durable polyurethane shell. Just like it was back then, it’s still made in the USA today and available in New Balance’s legendary grey-on-grey colorway.
Manufactured in the USA
For over 75 years a limited portion of US sales has been made in the US. Today, the New Balance Made collection contains a domestic value of 70% or more.
Premium Suede
Pigskin suede paneling throughout the silhouette ensures each step is buttery smooth.
ENCAP midsole
EVA foam is encapsulated by a polyurethane shell, which helps keep its shape and bounce over time along with increased support.
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997 Sport
Drawing on the design language of the original 997, the 997 Sport integrates the iconic collar strap design with a new bootie construction for a more contemporary look and feel, while the updated silhouette’s ABZORB and ENCAP midsole cushioning provides a cushy ride.
Bootie Construction
The sock-like bootie keep your feet snug even when life can get a bit demanding.
ABZORB & ENCAP Reveal
Modernized ENCAP tooling provides a chunkier look while working in conjunction with Abzorb cushioning for the best of both worlds.
Mesh Upper and Leather Overlays
The 997 Sport’s mesh uppers offer increased breathability when strenuous activity picks up.
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997 Womens
Sport
Maintaining a sleek profile, the Women’s 997 Sport places equal emphasis on tech and style with cut-out details and bold color palettes. The modernized upper is characterized by a unique open design with a translucent collar strap, making it a stylish yet breathable summer option.
Cut-out Detail
The unique cut-out detail provides increased breathability and fuses modern styling to deliver high-quality durability and all-day comfort.
ENCAP Reveal
Modernized ENCAP tooling provides a chunkier, on-trend look.
ABZORB
Favored for its cushioning properties, ABZORB is used internally in both the heel and forefoot
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Made in US
997 Sport
Combining the best of both worlds, this hybrid merges the ENCAP Reveal tooling of the 997 Sport with an OG 997 upper, striking the perfect balance of new and old. It’s a sporty, contemporary reimagining of the original 997 that first came to fruition through a special collaboration with Kith and United Arrows.
OG 997 Upper
The Made in US 997 Sport is a bit different from the others in that the top half uses an exact replica of the original 997.
ABZORB & ENCAP Reveal
Modernized ENCAP tooling provides a chunkier look while working in conjunction with Abzorb cushioning for the best of both worlds.
Premium Suede
Pigskin suede paneling throughout the silhouette ensures each step is buttery smooth.
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997 H
The latest addition to the New Balance family, the 997H is a modern reinterpretation of the classic 997. It substitutes the original’s C-CAP and ENCAP midsole for a lighter GCEVA foam that’s been injected directly into the midsole instead of being layered like in most other sneakers.
GCEVA Midsole
Rather than being layered like in most sneakers, GCEVA foam cushioning is injected instead making it super lightweight and just as plush.
Synthetic Upper
A reinforced upper and collar makes for a snug, durable fit.
Breathable Mesh
Mesh inserts allow extra air flow in between activities.
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Inside the
NB Family
After being a long-time fan of the Boston footwear company, Jaden Smith officially joins the New Balance family as he proudly rocks the 997 Sport in this new video. He touches on his vision for the future while also discussing how friends and family have played a pivotal role in keeping him grounded and inspired. Smith wants “to create as much art as possible and inspire people to do the same,” while also teasing his just-released second album, Erys, which he says is completely different than anything he’s ever put out.
New Balance continues to explore what “Runs in the Family” means as each ambassador details their own story celebrating the qualities that run in their family. While Jaden touched on vision, Sydney delves into the strength she gets from those closest to her. An Olympian at just 16 years of age, McLaughlin — now 19 — knows just how important inner strength is. Subsequently, she has surrounded herself with people who constantly keep her grounded no matter the high points or the lows.
Grey Runs in the Family
At New Balance, they believe family extends beyond the traditional definition, and the color grey brings their global family of independents together. Over time, models from New Balance’s premium 990 range have become synonymous with grey, after the brand first elected a grey color scheme for the NB620 in 1980. In celebration of this trademark hue, on September 5 New Balance celebrates “Grey Day” worldwide and brings its family even closer together with a slate of exclusive products drops and events to commemorate its signature colorway.
Special make-ups of the 997 set to release include the 997GD1 that strips away all traditional branding, including the N logo, and replaces it with the embroidery typically found on the tongue. The 997SGR, which was first introduced in Kith’s FW18 show, sees the classic runner updated with a modern ENCAP Reveal midsole all while keeping the the OG Made in USA 997 upper.
To celebrate the annual sneaker holiday New Balance is hosting a slew of events worldwide, including temporary pop-up experiences called “Grey Stores” in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Russia, New Zealand, and more. The HK pop-up, located at 18 Wyndham St in Central and open to the public until September 8, features a greyed-out retail space boasting concrete fixtures in keeping with the grey theme, as well as a selection of curated photography, and a pinhole camera offering photographic souvenirs. Meanwhile in Italy, the Special Sneaker Club — Milan’s part sneaker store, gallery, and lounge — will showcase various projects from emerging talent.
