For a premium leather sneaker made in the USA, that’s an absolute steal. Reviewers call them “hands down my favorite New Balance” and “the best shoes I’ve ever bought,” and for $50, you really can’t beat that!
Is New Balance Made In USA better? When it comes to build quality, yes.
Not every New Balance is made with American parts — the brand even has a non-USA-made version of the 996 — but the ones that are have a luxury quality to them. According to New Balance’s website, its Made In USA collection uses footwear with at least 70% domestic value. Although the shoe still uses synthetics for its upper, lining and outsole, its American-made leather gives it a suppleness not found in most of its other sneakers. Of course, those American-sourced pieces also make this shoe much more expensive.
Keep in mind that these USA-made components don’t make this sneaker better, just premium. If you need an anecdote: I still have a grey pair of New Balance 993s I bought back in 2018, and they’re just as comfortable today as they were on day one — though, admittedly, way dirtier. The insole gives me plenty of arch support, and the upper looks so much sharper, though still just as understated as I want in an everyday sneaker.
