Latest Pickup: New Balance Made in USA 990v4 ‘Navy / Meteorite’

The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 ‘NB Navy / Meteorite’ is one of those colourways that doesn’t make a big splash straight away, but that’s precisely why it makes such a strong impression. Dark navy, cool grey details and a subtle hint of kombu give the 990v4 a rather grown-up look. Not a classic grey, not a completely black runner, but rather a dark, technical mix for the colder months. Officially, the colourway is known as NB Navy / Meteorite / Kombu.

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The 990v4 is already one of the strongest ‘Made in the USA’ models, as it interprets that 99X DNA in a slightly sleeker and more technical way. With this version, New Balance stays true to the familiar silhouette, but completely changes the feel through its choice of materials and colours.

The upper features a mix of mesh, nubuck leather and synthetic overlays. The shoe is predominantly NB Navy, whilst Meteorite and Kombu provide dark, slightly greenish-grey contrasts. This means the trainer doesn’t just look navy, but has a much deeper hue. You can see, particularly on the panels around the toe box and midfoot, that the colours don’t simply blend into one another.

What’s impressive is how understated this colourway remains. Many dark 990s can quickly look rather bulky. This one works better because New Balance has created enough contrast without making the shoe look cluttered. The lighter details on the N logo, the reflective elements and the heel add a subtle touch of contrast to the upper.

This isn’t the sort of trainer that needs to rely on bold colours. Its appeal lies more in that blend of a dark running shoe aesthetic and Made-in-USA craftsmanship. That’s exactly what suits the 990v4 so well, because the silhouette already features plenty of technical lines.

Compared to the classic suede-and-mesh 990s, this 990v4 looks a little more robust. The combination of nubuck, mesh and synthetic inserts gives the shoe a sturdier, slightly more weather-resistant look, without compromising its premium feel.

This goes particularly well with the colour palette. Navy and Meteorite give the trainers a distinctly autumnal feel, whilst Kombu adds a subtle outdoor touch. Not too much, but just enough to ensure the colourway doesn’t look like a standard navy release.

Beneath the upper lies the familiar ENCAP midsole, which provides that stable, reliable comfort in the 990v4. The shoe doesn’t feel excessively soft, but rather firm, supportive and built for long days. For many, that is precisely why the 990v4 still performs so well.

Added to this are reflective details and a reflective heel tab. Small touches, but they complement the technical nature of the silhouette and bring the dark colourway to life a little.

This colourway is incredibly easy to style. It works almost effortlessly with raw denim, as the navy tone complements it perfectly. Paired with black trousers, it looks more understated and technical, whilst grey or olive shades bring out the kombu-inspired look more strongly.

This is a great everyday trainer, especially in autumn. Dark enough for bad weather, high-quality enough for smarter outfits, and still clearly recognisable as a 990v4. It’s not the sort of shoe you need to spend ages explaining.

Our impression
New Balance has capitalised on the strength of this silhouette here, giving it a dark, seasonal update that immediately feels suitable for everyday wear.

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Almost everyone wears navy anyway. The difference here lies in the details: Meteorite, Kombu, nubuck, mesh, reflective accents. All these elements combined make the shoe far more exciting than a quick glance might suggest. 👉 The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 ‘NB Navy / Meteorite’ is listed at New Balance for €240.