Grey Day, an annual celebration of New Balance’s unrivalled legacy in the world of grey footwear, has arrived once again. This year, New Balance is celebrating its signature colour with two distinct capsule releases. The first is the Made in USA capsule which celebrates footwear manufactured entirely in the US from at least 70% domestic value. And the second is a ‘Moon Daze’ pack which asks the question “what if New Balance was the first sneaker on the moon”?
That question is answered over a series of silhouettes including the 550 and the Fresh Foam V3, each delivering a different vibe from the rugged to the glowing. Check out the Grey Day releases below, presenting a strong lineup of exclusive sneakers that pay homage to the brand’s iconic grey colourways and represent the epitome of style, comfort, and craftsmanship.
RELATED: The New Balance 550 Has Never Been Easier to Cop.
Our Picks From New Balance Grey Day
These are our favourite picks from this year.
- New Balance Made in USA 996 – $350 AUD
- New Balance Made in USA 990v4 – $350 AUD
- New Balance Made in USA 990v6 – $350 AUD
- New Balance 550 – $220 AUD
- New Balance 580 – $220 AUD
- New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail V3 – $250 AUD
Now, let’s check out the sneakers in depth.
New Balance Made in USA 996
This exclusive ‘Grey Day’ version of the MADE in USA 996 showcases a premium combination of pigskin hairy suede and mesh, exuding a luxurious and refined aesthetic. The special-edition colourway pays homage to the celebration, adding a touch of exclusivity to this classic silhouette. Complete with an ENCAP midsole cushioning system for unmatched support and an adjustable lace closure for a personalised fit, this limited release exemplifies New Balance’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. It goes without saying that the upper is mostly grey, although it’s undercut nicely by navy blue accents – $350 AUD.
New Balance Made in USA 990v4
Since its inception, the 990 has undergone subtle design updates and expanded its colour palette. However, its status as a symbol of quality and timelessness remains unchanged. The MADE in USA 990v4, introduced in 2016, further refined the silhouette’s modernisation. As a part of the Grey Day celebration, the exclusive edition features a premium combination of hairy suede and mesh, enveloped in tonal shades of grey with understated hints of navy. Crafted with sleek pigskin leather and mesh upper, the 990 delivers unparalleled comfort and support. Its ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam and a durable polyurethane rim, ensuring all-day responsiveness. The adjustable lace closure provides a customized fit for each wearer – $350 AUD.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
The latest silhouette in the 990 series, the 990v6 is yet another breakthrough. The transformation is clear on the upper with the conventional midfoot saddle, allowing the pigskin and synthetic overlays to seamlessly flow from heel to toe across the mesh underlay, creating a sleek and aerodynamic aesthetic. The introduction of FuelCell midsole cushioning revolutionises the experience, delivering a new sense of propulsion and responsiveness. For Grey Day, the release features grey suede overlays on top of mesh and topped off by a reflective logo outline. The cream laces are also a classy touch – $350 AUD.
New Balance 550
This exclusive 550 drop showcases a mesmerising Moon Daze colourway, adorning a premium nubuck and mesh upper construction in an elegant shade of grey. The unique stain finish adds a touch of character, making each pair truly one-of-a-kind. With a rubber outsole for durability and an adjustable lace closure for a customised fit, the New Balance 550 epitomises comfort and style. Delivered with a roughed-up look, this is the kind of sneaker that looks like it already has history even though it’s waiting for you to create it for it – $220 AUD.
New Balance 580
Also part of the ‘Moon Daze’ collection, the 580 is perhaps the most grey-heavy shoe in the collection. The 580 is a newly reissued icon, presenting a chunky Dad shoe look that’s distinctively ’90s. The return of the shoe features a slightly slimmed-down toe and reduced collar height but the construction is almost an exact recreation of the original. The ‘Moon Daze’ release features grey mesh and nubuck leather overlays a reflective side logo and a 580 logo tongue – $220 AUD.
New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail V3
New Balance’s premier running shoe gets the ‘Moon Daze’ treatment too defined by a unique stain finish. The Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning looks like it’s been dipped in grey while the detailing on the upper looks like it’s been collected from the moon. Grey neutrals on the upper mesh meet reflective overlays that are topped off by a ‘Cement’ heel. It sticks to the monotone theme apart from on the tongue where the logo adds a pop of colour. For those unfamiliar with the technology and comfort of the Fresh Foam, its innovative design boasts a stacked height, dual-hardness Fresh Foam X midsole, delivering an optimal blend of plush cushioning and structural support. Meanwhile, the excellent grip of the Vibram lugged outsole provides traction and durability – $250 AUD.
What is New Balance Grey Day?
Every sneaker brand needs a colour that resembles its design philosophy and history – Jordan Brand has Red (the colour of MJ’s Chicago Bulls), Nike has Orange (the colour of their famous sportswear boxes), and New Balance has Grey. “Grey is balance. Grey is neutral. Grey is calming,” said Paul Kaseumsouk, the senior project manager for the Grey Day pack. Ultimately, Grey matters.
Since the 1980s New Balance has been exploring neutral colour palettes to create some of the most famous sneakers of all time. None have been more influential to fashion than the 990 and it’s the grey colour palette that was, and continues to be, “worn on supermodels in London and dads in Ohio.” It goes beyond that though, when the 990 was first released in 1982, its $100 USD price point and premium grey suede upper made it an instant status symbol, cementing it as the colour of sneaker royalty. Fast-forwarding six years to 1988, the 574 brought the hue to the masses. With its affordable price and status as New Balance’s first true ‘lifestyle’ sneaker, it became a wardrobe staple without any more than a little word of mouth.
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