Latest Pickup: New Balance Made in USA 993 ‘Morel’

The New Balance Made in USA 993 ‘Morel’ is one of those colourways that, at first glance, appear almost entirely tonal – and that’s precisely why they become so intriguing the moment you take a closer look. No loud blocks of colour, no stark contrasts, no unnecessary twists. Instead, New Balance has opted for a light, slightly yellowish cream upper, plenty of texture and that typically understated ‘Made in USA’ look that simply works on the 993.

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The colourway is officially listed as Morel/Timberwolf/Black and fits quite well into the Autumn/Winter 2026 range. It’s not dark, not a classic grey, but not too summery either. It’s more of a warm neutral shade, somewhere between faded cream, light beige and pale yellow.

The 993 doesn’t need much to look striking. You can see that quite clearly in this version. Almost the entire upper is in a light shade of Morel, which makes the shoe’s silhouette stand out more than any individual colour accents.

The toe box and the side panels are made of mesh, with overlays of rough suede on top. It is precisely this ‘hairy suede’ that makes all the difference. From a distance, the shoe looks clean and understated; it is only up close that you realise just how much texture there is in the upper.

Added to this are tonal synthetic details, the N logo on the side in a light finish, and small reflective accents. None of these elements dominate, but they all help ensure the shoe doesn’t look flat.

The standout feature of the 993 ‘Morel’ is clearly the material. The rough suede has a deliberately uneven texture, lending the light-coloured upper more depth. This is particularly important for an almost monochrome trainer, as the shoe might otherwise look too clean or too smooth.

New Balance strikes a good balance here. The Morel shade remains understated, whilst the suede adds just the right amount of dynamism. Combined with the open mesh, this creates that signature 99X blend of running DNA and premium finish.

The heel is also an interesting feature. The USA patch is positioned within an oval on the heel, complemented by the transparent New Balance strip above the midsole. These are small details, but they are precisely what define the ‘Made in the USA’ look.

Beneath the light-coloured upper sits a Timberwolf-beige midsole, which appears slightly darker than the rest of the shoe. This keeps the look tonal, whilst giving the trainer a little more weight at the bottom.

The black outsole is the most striking contrast on the whole shoe. You can see this particularly clearly from underneath and around the edges. This makes quite a lot of sense for everyday wear, as it means the shoe doesn’t look entirely delicate.

Technically, the 993 delivers exactly what you’d expect: ABZORB cushioning, an ENCAP midsole and a stable, comfortable base. The 993 doesn’t feel as modern and soft on the foot as some newer models, but it’s precisely this firm, reliable feel that defines it.

The shoe features white laces, which provide a fresh contrast to the Morel upper. This works well, as the trainer otherwise stays almost entirely within the same colour palette.

It’s also nice that an extra set of laces is included. The extra laces are more in line with the trainer’s colourway and would make the look even more tonal. For us, though, the white laces work almost better because they make the shoe stand out a bit more. With such a light colourway, a little contrast is fine.

The 993 ‘Morel’ isn’t a trainer that draws attention through its colour. Its appeal lies in its shape, material and that slightly vintage-style brightness. That’s precisely why it’s so easy to wear.

Paired with denim, it looks relaxed; with loose-fitting trousers, it looks a bit smarter; and the shoe goes really well with lighter-coloured outfits anyway. The Morel shade isn’t as delicate as pure white, but of course it’s still not a shoe for all weathers. Hairy suede and rain are rarely the best of friends.

It probably works best precisely where the 993 already excels: as a high-quality everyday car with enough details to appeal to those who look a little closer.

Our thoughts
The 993 ‘Morel’ isn’t a high-profile release, but it’s a very good one. New Balance demonstrates once again just how striking an almost monochromatic colourway can be when the materials and design are just right. The hairy suede gives the shoe character, the light ‘Morel’ shade makes it easy to wear, and the black outsole ensures the overall look doesn’t appear too soft.

👉 The New Balance Made in USA 993 ‘Morel’ is now available online. It’s priced at €240.