Latest Pickup: New Balance Made in USA 990v4 "Monarch Burgundy"

New Balance is launching the Made in USA 990v4 in a colourway that’s perfect for autumn. The new ‘Monarch Burgundy’ features dark red, warm brown tones and an almost entirely tonal look, without appearing dull. It’s precisely this combination that makes the shoe so appealing: plenty of colour, yet understated enough for everyday wear.

The 990v4 remains one of those models where New Balance doesn’t need to change much. The fit is spot on, the proportions are strong, and the ‘Made in the USA’ craftsmanship brings exactly that premium feel you’d expect from the 99x range.

With the ‘Monarch Burgundy’, the colour scheme is the main focus. Burgundy runs through the mesh, nubuck overlays, tongue, lining and laces. As a result, the shoe appears very cohesive at first glance, almost monochrome. Nevertheless, New Balance breaks up the look in just the right places.

Pumpernickel Brown is added around the toe box, side panels, ‘N’ logo and midsole. This takes some of the sharpness out of the red and gives the colourway a warmer, earthier feel.

It is precisely the combination of dark Burgundy and Pumpernickel Brown that makes this shoe so interesting. The red adds depth and appears slightly different depending on the material: a little more technical on the mesh, and softer and more muted on the nubuck.

The brown inserts, by contrast, provide a more subtle contrast. They do not clash with the colourway, but rather lend it an autumnal feel. The midsole, too, stays within the dark colour scheme with its Pumpernickel Brown hue, giving the 990v4 a more substantial look.

Added to this are small, light-coloured details that make all the difference: reflective accents on the toe box, the silver ‘990’ branding on the heel and the reflective elements in the heel area. It is precisely these details that prevent the shoe from looking too dark.

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The trainers feature tone-on-tone burgundy laces, which give the colourway a very cohesive look. This keeps the 990v4 firmly in this dark, velvety aesthetic and makes it look almost as if it were cast from a single mould.

The brown laces, on the other hand, give the shoe a different vibe altogether. They echo the pumpernickel details and add more contrast to the upper. This really makes a difference, especially with such a dark colourway.

We’d probably even give the brown laces a go, as they enhance the autumnal look even further. The burgundy laces are cleaner, but the brown laces give the shoe a bit more depth.

In technical terms, the 990v4 remains exactly where you’d expect it to be. The ABZORB cushioning in the heel and forefoot absorbs impact cleanly, whilst the ENCAP midsole provides stability.

This makes the shoe comfortable to run in, but not too soft. It is precisely this balance that makes the 990v4 so good for everyday wear: enough cushioning for long days, enough support for a stable feel.

The black rubber outsole also complements the colourway well. It gives the look a slightly more rugged feel at the bottom and prevents the shoe from looking too elegant or too clean.

The ‘Monarch Burgundy’ works because New Balance hasn’t simply created a red 990v4 here. The burgundy is deep enough to look high-quality, and the brown details give the shoe a warm, almost slightly dessert-like touch without making it too playful.

The colourway is eye-catching but not garish. You spot it straight away, yet it remains wearable. Especially when compared to classic grey pairs or lighter seasonal releases, this 990v4 feels distinctly more autumnal and slightly heavier.

It complements the silhouette nicely. The 990v4 has enough technical lines to carry off colour, yet never looks over-designed. That’s exactly why a dark red-brown mix like this can work really well here.

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The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 ‘Monarch Burgundy’ is a standout autumn release. Dark burgundy, warm pumpernickel details, reflective accents and the classic 990v4 cushioning combine to create a trainer that feels premium, understated and yet distinctive.

It’s not a flashy colourway, but one with plenty of depth. That’s exactly what makes it exciting for anyone looking for something other than grey, navy or beige in the 990v4.

👉 The New Balance Made in USA 990v4 ‘Monarch Burgundy’ launches on 24 September for €240.