Andrew Rizzo Tweaking old running silhouettes to produce something new is a strategy that’s served New Balance extremely well. Take the New Balance 2002R and 1906R, two of the brand’s most notorious models, each brought to life on the platform of the 860v2. Now New Balance has done it again with the New Balance 1890, set to enter the general release pipeline in multiple styles following an introductory collab by Action Bronson.
Two past models make up the 1890. Sitting underfoot is the sole unit of the original New Balance 2002 from 2010. Not to be confused with the 2002R, which arrived in 2020, the original 2002 was a short-lived Made in USA model once touted as the brand’s most premium and expensive running offering.
The upper, meanwhile, adopts the teardrop-shaped synthetic paneling of the 890v3, a rather forgettable marathon runner that arrived a few years later. The end result may be the most distinct addition yet to New Balance’s stable of retro-inspired runners, set to headline 2026 through collabs, general releases, and even an imaginative Wallabee-like spinoff called the 1890A. This “Faded Black/Utility Green” colorway underscores the model’s techy heritage, pairing a neutral foundation with a smattering of neon accents throughout.
“For projects that reference archival models, a lot of the design process is focused on refining and improving existing elements without losing what made them special in the first place,” says James Lee, Lead Designer. “The goal is always to strike the right balance—creating something that feels modern and compelling while still staying authentic. I’ve been at New Balance for long enough that the shoes I wore early in my career are now starting to show up as archive references, which is a pretty full-circle moment. I actually used to run in the 890v3 when it was on the market, so having the opportunity to modernize a silhouette I’m personally familiar with made the process especially fun and meaningful.”
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We’ll wait for the rollout to begin before saying for sure, but one of the biggest factors working against the New Balance 1890 could be its price. The model is priced at $180 USD, flirting with the New Balance Made in USA/England bracket. It’s worth noting that a high price point is one reason the original New Balance 2002, saddled at $250, flopped in the first place. The 1890 isn’t that aggressively marked up, but how it’s received is something we’ll be tracking nonetheless.
The New Balance 1890 “Faded Black/Utility Green” is confirmed to release March 12th, 2026 via NewBalance.com and select retailers. Again, retail is set at $180 USD. See official images below if you’re set on copping.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens New Balance 1890
US 03/12/2026 Thursday
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