New Balance’s ability to present neutral palettes in refreshing ways is undoubtedly one of the brand’s strongest suits. However, beyond versatile designs, New Balance is also establishing itself as a master in hybridity — that is, amalgamating premium materials and the brand’s signature tech to produce a shoe that is high performance and stylish for functional and lifestyle use. The New Balance 920 silhouette is a testament to the brand’s ability to achieve just that, and its newest M920INV iteration expands this repertoire.

Manufactured in New Balance’s famed Flimby factory that produces the Made in UK line, the 920 was originally a design study that combined influences of the 900 series with that of the 1000 series. The result is an upper constructed of premium suede and smooth leather on a coarse mesh base. Color-wise, the upper blends shades of brown with muted navy and black. Reflective elements are also detailed on the N and along the upper. Overall, the design’s layering of textiles and intricate colorblocking gives the shoe depth and interest without looking too overwhelming.

Supporting the interesting upper of the New Balance M920INV is the same ENCAP sole unit found on the 990v3. For the unacquainted, the ENCAP material is a mix of soft cushioning and tough polyurethane, providing the trinity of good performance: support, comfort and durability.

This New Balance M920INV in Navy/Beige is slated to drop on 4 August and will retail for €219 (~US$225).

In other New Balance-related news, check out the minimalistic New Balance 574 “Navy”.