Latest Pickup: New Balance 991v2 ‘Elephant’

Since its debut in 2023, the New Balance 991v2 has quietly and confidently become one of the strongest lifestyle silhouettes in the Made in the UK portfolio. No loud hype, no exaggerated storytelling – instead, craftsmanship, materials and a design language that wins over time. With the new ‘Elephant’ colourway, which will be released on 16 January 2026, New Balance is consistently continuing along this path.

The ‘Elephant’ thrives on a grey palette that creates depth through contrasting materials and fine textures – not through loud colours, but through high-quality design in the details. A dark mesh base gives the upper depth, while high-quality grey suede overlays structure the silhouette and give it an almost stone-like, calm character that lives up to its name. Salmon-coloured accents on the toe box, heel and tongue add warmth to the design without disturbing the balance. It is precisely this controlled colour scheme that gives the shoe such a mature look.

Reflective ‘N’ logos, cream-coloured laces and a slightly aged-looking off-white midsole pick up on classic New Balance codes and clearly anchor the look in the archive. A particularly nice touch: in addition to the cream laces, the pair comes with a second set of laces in grey.

Underneath the upper is the tried-and-tested 991v2 tooling: FuelCell cushioning, ABZORB SBS pods and ENCAP technology provide a running experience that needs no explanation – you just feel it. The shoe is stable, comfortably cushioned and perfectly suited to everyday wear without looking sporty. That's the strength of the 991v2: comfort that comes naturally and doesn't demand attention.

What makes this release special is its naturalness. The 991v2 ‘Elephant’ does not try to outdo previous colourways or chase trends. It complements the existing line-up with a colour scheme that works in the long term – timeless, wearable and durable. A shoe for people who value fit, workmanship and substance.

Sometimes you don't need bright colours or hype collaborations to make an impression – for me, the 991v2 ‘Elephant’ is the best example of this. The combination of high-quality materials, subtle colours and a well-thought-out design speaks for itself. From the moment you first see it, the shoe feels like a genuine quality product – both on your foot and in your hand. I love how understated yet characterful it is. If you value understatement and durable classics, this release is a real hit. And as part of the Made in UK series, it goes without saying that not only does it look good, but it's also well crafted.

The New Balance 991v2 ‘Elephant’ (style code: U991GC2) will be available on 16 January 2026 at NewBalance.de and selected retailers. The retail price is €250, as with all Made in UK releases in this line. Check out the link below and start shopping right away.