Your cool dad's shoes will see new colourways to its MADE in USA line. New Balance will drop new hues for the 990v4 and the 990v6 model for its second instalment of its MADE in USA Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Given the world's stage today, if you ever wonder if anything good can come out of America, this release would be one of those.
New Balance revisits the iconic 990v4, painting it in two new colourways: "Arctic Grey" and "Macadamia Nut". These sneakers flaunt a streamlined design that seamlessly merged mesh with pigskin suede overlays. With a touch of elegance, the arctic grey variant features a buffed and sanded down Nubuck leather accents. The "N" logo is stitched across the lateral sidewalls in leather. Unlike the classic flat laces that you'd find on other 990v4s, this version is tied together with two-tone chunky rope ones, which gives off a rugged trail shoe inspired look. Not feeling the rope laces, there's an extra pair of plain black laces when you feel like switching it up. The contrasting black soles and breathable mesh offers a striking blend of tones and textures. Overall, the sleek look is a testament to New Balance's penchant for contemporary aesthetics.
Next, New Balance introduces fresh hues for the legendary 990v6 model. Called 'True Camo', just as its name suggests, the shoe comes in a mix of olive, forest green and brownish shades. The colour palette makes this shoe a versatile companion for various outfit configurations. Light brown suede wraps around the heel, side portions and toe, extending to the shoe’s eyestays. Green mesh panels and leather webbing of the upper complements the subdued grey and off-white midsole, making it perfect for those who seek style and functionality.
The second chapter to New Balance’s MADE in USA Spring/Summer Collection 2024 series is available online and at the following stores from tomorrow:
ION Orchard, Jewel Changi, Suntec City, Paragon
(Made in USA 990v4 in 'Arctic Grey' and 'Macadamia Nut' (SGD339)
Jewel Changi, Suntec City, Paragon
- Made in USA 990v6 in 'True Camo' (SGD359)
It was hard to spot amongst the fire and the rage. But thanks to Getty Images, Travis Scott was wearing his brand-new, original Jordan trainers during his recent Grammys performance.
That same shoe that was the centre of the Travis Scott x Jordan commercial (embedded below) which aired during the ad breaks of the award show.
Jumpman Jack is its name. And it's ready to take on any activity imaginable—basketball, boxing, snowboarding, clubbing, you name it—apparently.
“The all-new Jumpman Jack attacks every challenge life throws down,” reads the description under the ad posted by the official Jordan Brand account on YouTube.
It's inspired by Travis Scott's “non-stop lifestyle as an elite performance athlete”. And built to create “traction, comfort and confidence when embracing day-to-day extremes”.
Bold claims. But since the sneaker was able to withstand Scott's vigorous jerking across his dystopian set at the Crypto.com arena last Sunday (here's a clip), there's a possibility that the sneaker really is as practical, durable and versatile as Jordan Brand claims it is.
Essentially, the Jumpman Jack is an amalgamation of Nike's most popular sports and lifestyle silhouettes. Particularly those of the basketball and skateboarding genres.
It's substantial but not bulky, tall but not boot-like and concurrently retro and modern.
And it's all about layers.
At the top is a sizeable velcro strap complete with an embossed emblem that's positioned over the laces. It's a component that feels very nineties, the era in which Scott was born and raised. It also harks back to Scott's Nike Air Trainer 1 from 2022.
A layer down we have a reverse swoosh. This is the calling card of the Travis Scott x Jordan collab—on the sidewall. The decorative element that protrudes from the lateral sidewall (there's an unreversed swoosh on the medial side) comes in sail on this first colourway, a creamy hue that complements the tread's chocolate brown canvas and white leather upper, as well as the gum outsole that bleeds onto the midsole.
Behind the laces, a brown tumbled leather tongue (reminiscent of that of the Air Jordan 3) is seen. It's finished with a red embroidered version of the Jumpman logo. Red is only otherwise found on the embroidery located on the heel. That comes in the form of a Cactus Jack face motif many will recognise from previous Travis Scott drops, such as last year's Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low 'Olive'.
Like that wasn't enough to get excited about, the outsole of the sneak is printed with the name 'Jack' in a handwritten typeface. It's another detail that feels very nineties as many will associate the design choice with 1995's Toy Story (because, you know, Andy writes his name on the feet of Buzz and Woody).
Following his performance, Scott dropped a very limited quantity of Jumpman Jacks on his eponymous website, meaning you will surely start spotting pairs on your socials and sneaker marketplaces in the coming weeks.
A shock drop like this usually indicates that a general release is just around the corner (rumours are pointing to Tuesday 5 March), so check back soon for more information.
