New Balance is seeing a level of popularity reminiscent of its zenith in decades past, having experienced the complete ebb and flow of the industry. These days, they’ve been steadily rising, and might even have built enough wind in their sails for inertia to last awhile. They don’t have the same extensive catalogue as their rivals but the shifting palate of the market has played to their hands, and they’re proving they’ve always had the right cards.

They’re forward-thinking enough to keep pushing their technology, but never too proud to rely on their past. For now, their pedigree is the one pushing them forward by retrofitting their classics—such as the titular shoe. First released in 2001, the New Balance 991 is a contemporary update of the classic 990. It was the 8th model in the 99X series to be equipped with their visible ABZORB technology. In celebration of its two-decade anniversary, comes this new grey colorway.

Part of their Made in England catalogue, the pair is crafted from their factory in Flimby, Cumbria, UK. The upper arrives in a tonal outfitting with variance coming in the form of different shades of grey. The construction features a mesh base from forefoot to heel, given character by the various pigskin suede overlays. Branding elements include the minimized ‘N’ logo on the profiles along with the logo and model embroidery on the tongue.

From a performance standpoint, the M991GL comes equipped with the aforementioned ABZORB technology on the sole unit with a “blown rubber outsole that provides superior rebound.”

The pair will be available online from 5th November at New Balance JP and atmos’ website with a price tag of ¥30,800 (≈US$208).

If this’s right up your alley, then consider the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 “Bone Beige” that carries a similar energy.