Latest Pickup: New Balance Made in UK 991v2 "Summer Brights"

Following on from the "Dusted Pastels" pack, New Balance is launching its next 991v2 duo straight away. This time, however, the colours are much bolder: the new Made in UK 991v2 "Summer Brights" pack features two colourways – "Green Banana" and "Baja Blue" – which make a much stronger visual impact without compromising the premium feel of the Flimby range.

View this post on Instagram

The 991v2 remains one of the strongest silhouettes in the Made in UK range. The shape feels familiar, the sole incorporates modern technology, and the material combination is exactly what you’d expect from New Balance.

However, the "Summer Brights" pack is clearly all about colour. No longer as soft and washed-out as the "Dusted Pastels", but significantly more vibrant. Nevertheless, New Balance doesn’t go completely over the top. Both pairs feature tone-on-tone colours, darker accents and grey details, ensuring the look remains clean and wearable.

At first glance, "Green Banana" sounds like neon, but it looks much more subdued on the foot. The shade leans more towards a washed-out yellow-green and lies somewhere between light olive, soft lime and a slightly faded summer hue.

The upper is largely made from premium pig suede, whilst coarse-mesh fabric on the toe box, collar and side openings adds structure. It is precisely this mix of materials that makes the shoe so intriguing, as the shades of green shift slightly depending on the surface.

Reflective grey elements break up the look, whilst dark navy accents on the tongue, heel and visible cushioning provide contrast. Added to this is the white, slightly creamy midsole, which brings the shoe closer to the classic 991 look.

The "Baja Blue" is the more eye-catching choice from the pack. Here, New Balance has opted for a bold blue, which appears even more intense against the darker mesh. The suede overlays come in a rich Baja Blue, whilst Deep Ultramarine on the mesh adds depth.

Grey details on the toe box, midfoot and collar tone down the colourway slightly and give the shoe that classic "Made in the UK" look. The silver-rimmed "N" logo stands out sharply against the blue upper and provides just the right amount of contrast.

Compared to the "Green Banana", the "Baja Blue" has a much more striking presence. More energy, more colour, more of a summer vibe. Nevertheless, the 991v2 DNA remains clearly recognisable here too.

Technically, New Balance hasn’t made any fundamental changes – and there’s no need to here. The 991v2 continues to feature a full-length FuelCell midsole, ENCAP cushioning and semi-transparent ABZORB-SBS pods.

As a result, the shoe feels significantly more modern than many older "Made in UK" models, whilst remaining sturdy enough for everyday wear. It is precisely this combination that makes the 991v2 so impressive right now: a classic runner look on top, modern cushioning underneath.

Added to this are premium pig suede, mesh, synthetic nubuck, reflective details, embossed lines in the "N" logo and the embroidered "v2" branding on the tongue. Everything retains its high quality; only the colours are bolder.

In addition to the standard grey laces, both pairs also come with a second set of laces in the respective colour. On the "Green Banana", the extra laces echo the light yellow-green hue of the upper, whilst the "Baja Blue", with its matching blue laces, leans even more towards a full-colour look.

With the grey laces, both pairs maintain a slightly more understated look, staying closer to the classic 991v2 aesthetic. With the coloured laces, however, the "Summer Brights" vibe becomes much more apparent. This makes particular sense with this pack, as it allows you to wear the look either a bit cleaner or significantly more colourful, depending on your outfit.

The "Summer Brights" pack works because New Balance embraces colour without disguising the 991v2. The "Green Banana" is lighter, softer and a bit more laid-back. The "Baja Blue" is bolder, more striking and immediately draws more attention when worn.

Both colourways show that "Made in the UK" doesn’t always have to mean grey, navy or brown. The silhouette takes these summery colours really well, precisely because the shape and materials are so strong.

With the Made in UK 991v2 "Summer Brights" pack, New Balance is launching two colourways that are perfectly suited to the season. The "Green Banana" offers a light, slightly washed-out summer look, whilst the "Baja Blue" has a much bolder appearance and brings more energy in terms of colour.

Both remain premium, both remain wearable, and both demonstrate just how well the 991v2 works even outside the classic New Balance colour palette.

View this post on Instagram

👉 The New Balance Made in UK 991v2 "Green Banana" and the New Balance Made in UK 991v2 "Baja Blue" are now available online for €250 each.