After nearly five years in the archives, the New Balance 997 is coming back as a mainline offering. Pairs of the Made In USA model were spotted in an image posted by Teddy Santis earlier this summer, and the Boston brand’s Paris-exclusive footwear collection for the 2024 Olympic Games included a special 997 colorway; two developments that may have hinted at a broad return for the beloved running-turned-lifestyle shoe.
Now there’s less guesswork to be done, as the quintessential New Balance 997 “Grey” appears to be landing at retailers abroad. Taken with a mesh base, buttery suede overlays, textured leather, and ABZORB and ENCAP cushioning underfoot, the shoes are identical to grey colorway that was readily available in 2019/2020 before New Balance shelved the model. New Balance habitually archives different Made In USA/UK models to diversity its product line and avoid oversaturation, resulting in warm receptions from its customer base when fan favorite models are brought back (like we recently saw with the New Balance 998).
Notably, while the New Balance 997 proper hasn’t released regularly since 2020, a number of offshoots have helped carry its weight in the meantime. The 997R, 997S, and 997H all work off the defining features of the original model, although none boast the premium materials of Made In USA footwear and aren’t nearly as applauded by devoted ambassadors of the brand.
The New Balance 997 Made In USA “Grey” is available now overseas for £210, but you’d be best advised to exercise patience as the shoes should also hit stateside retailers and the New Balance website eventually. It’s also likely we’ll see “core” black and blue colorways surface in the near future, as well as more pairs included in the Teddy Santis Made In USA FW24 catalog. In any case, see official retailer images of the 997 “Grey” below and tap our Sneaker Release Dates page to browse other upcoming drops.
