Just last week, Stone Island took to Instagram to tease the Stone Island x New Balance 991v2. And a collision between one of the biggest cult brands on the planet and one of the biggest sneaker brands on the planet had sneakerheads shook.
But many fans were left wondering if Stoney's social media team had accidentally made a bit of a typo, considering the 991v2 has never actually existed before. Well, it turns out that they knew exactly what they were doing (we never doubted you!), and this trainer marks the first time that this silhouette is making its big debut.
Compared to Stone Island's other New Balance shoes, this one is painted in an extremely understated black, grey, and olive palette. Working on top of a ballistic mesh base, the upper is wrapped in premium leather and pigskin suede, with 3M reflective accents scattered throughout. It's all very brutalist, and that's probably because it's actually inspired by the industrial spaces that also happen to serve as venues and clubs; from abandoned train stations to warehouses.
Underfoot, you'll find a highly-sculpted Abzorb foam midsole, and the rubber outsole is finished off with a blown-up version of the famed compass logo, that has made a cameo on every roadman's left sleeve since 1982.
Other than the fact that this is the first 991v2 in the history of the planet, another thing that makes this sneaker so special is that it's proudly made in NB's factory in Flimby, Cumbria. This means that you can expect exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. It also comes in a special shoebox and is packed with equally-as-special laces and accessories, which is always nice.
The Stone Island x New Balance 991v2 ‘Black’ is scheduled to drop at Stone Island on October 4 for £230, followed by a much wider release at New Balance and select stockists globally on October 18. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, but these are gonna sell out in mere seconds.
