2023 is a big year for the New Balance 996. Marking 35 years since its debut, celebrations are under way for the New Balance heritage running shoe, with the reissue of the OG “Gray” colorway from 1988 and, now, an appearance in the MADE in USA lineup—a first for the silhouette.

Under Teddy Santis’ charge, New Balance’s inhouse MADE in USA is now in its second season where highly-coveted colorways and styles continue to be churned out in high volume. So far, though, MADE in USA has been focused on the brand’s main 990 series.

All that will change with the upcoming New Balance MADE in USA Season 3. Surfacing for the first time under the MADE in USA line, a pair of New Balance 996 in “Navy” has caught the attention of NB heads.

New Balance has made sure to stay faithful to the NB 996’s legacy with this “Navy” colorway. Atop a sky blue mesh upper, Navy suede overlays cover the toebox and forefoot, while tan pigskin suede wraps the heels. However, a shaggy suede has been chosen for the overlays, adding texture and contrast to an otherwise-safe color palette.

Other important details like the New Balance “N” logo and C-CAP cushioning have been kept unchanged. The “N” logo appears on the profile in the titular shade; while C-CAP is encased in the midsoles under a cream-hued heel counter.

As of the time of writing, release details of the New Balance 996 MADE in USA “Navy” have not been confirmed. Stay tuned for more info on this special anniversary pair.

In other sneaker-related news, the Bad Bunny x adidas Campus surfaces in an all new colorway.