Zack Schlemmer 
Perhaps the first luxury running sneaker ever, the New Balance 990 broke new ground with its plush cushioning and premium pigskin suede upper when it released in 1982. From then on, every brand had to up their game when it came to their top-end running shoe models, as the 990—the first running shoe to break the $100 price point—proved the demand for high-end, more expensive sneakers was there. All these years later, the 990 is still the cream of the crop for New Balance, just now within the retro range instead of the performance catalog. With made in USA quality, premium suede, and a durable Vibram outsole, the 990 gets another excellent look this spring in beige and white. Pick up your pair now as they arrive at finer New Balance suppliers like Extra Butter.
