In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the New Balance 996 “Gray” will make its grand return in a few days’ time.

Back in 1988, the Boston-based footwear company introduced the NB 996 as its state-of-the-art running shoe. Two colorways were dropped during the initial release, a “Gray” and a “Black”, with both featuring New Balance’s C-CAP cushioning in the midsole.

The 35th anniversary New Balance 996 revisits the “Gray” colorway and stays true to the OG—mostly. Reprising is the standard suede-and-mesh construction in varying shades of New Balance grays. Silver 3M reflective material returns on the profile “N” logo and New Balance-branded heel. Similarly, the “NB 996” label at the tongue has been kept unchanged.

The design twist on the NB 996 “Gray” 35th Anniversary takes place on the midsole. The white midsole is now yellowed out to give it a worn-in, vintage look. A simple but smart detail fitting for this New Balance classic and its big day.

The New Balance 996 “Gray” 35th Anniversary releases on 17 February via New Balance Japan with a JPY19,800 (~US$150) price tag. Take a first look at the shoe as we count down to its release day.

In other sneaker-related news, Teddy Santis teases his latest work for New Balance.