There was a time when we were forced to choose between sneakers that looked good and those with outstanding durability. But thanks to the advancement of technology, those lines are more blurred than ever before. In fact, two of New Balance’s most favored silhouettes have just gotten some major upgrades in the toughness department with these “Made In The USA” SuperFabric sneakers.
The two shoes in this release are the brand’s lauded, ever-classic 997 and 998 — done up in olive and tan, respectively. And while their styling is as spot-on as ever, there are a few hidden details you might not otherwise notice. For starters, they’re both made with pigskin suede and leather for a timeless look. But they also feature underlays on the tongue, collar, and midfoot made from SuperFabric — a highly cut- and abrasion-resistant material that’s kind of like space-age chain mail, making these shoes a lot tougher than they’d otherwise be without sacrificing their appearance. Available now, the 998 is priced at $180 and the 997 will run you $210.
