Andrew Rizzo Australian sneaker boutique UP THERE delivered one of the best New Balance collaborations of 2024, releasing a two-pack of 860v2 styles featuring beautiful pastel mixes that helped push the UP THERE name deeper into the mainstream sneaker zeitgeist. That success has earned the boutique a promotion, now set to release its first collaboration on a Made in England model with a 991v2 arriving later this month.
The sneaker moves away from the flashy colorways of the shop’s 860v2s (and much of its work with ASICS) and opts for an understated black and grey palette. That might disappoint some, but it’s an understandable decision given names like Action Bronson and Salehe Bembury already have the colorful New Balance collab lane covered. According to the boutique, the inspiration stems from early 2000s Made in England releases, when the original 991 was just getting started and the cult-classic New Balance 1500 was arguably the brand’s most coveted model. The specific inspiration is a Made in England New Balance 577 from 2007 (style code M577NBW) which features the exact same material assortment.
Instead of bold colors, the design is driven by a series of texture changes. Black leather replaces suede on the heel, mudguard, and toe cap, while the quarter panel is cut from carbon fiber material. Text for Australia’s dial code appears on the lateral heel window, and the “Made in England” lettering on the tongue is flipped upside down as a nod to the land down under, presented in the store’s signature green shade. This marks UP THERE’s first collaboration on a Made in England silhouette, though the shop did play a role in the rollout of New Balance’s 991v2 “City Pack” last year.
The UP THERE x New Balance 991v2 releases exclusively through UP THERE on Black Friday (8:00 AM AEDT on November 28th, 4:00 PM ET on November 27th). Retail is set at $420 AUD, which translates to roughly $275 USD before shipping. See detailed images below if you’re planning to cop.
