[Update 9 Nov 2023] For those looking forward to the release of this Made-in-Japan 996, it’s finally time—although you have to prepare your wallet for it. It will release on 1 December, at a whopping retail price of 74,800 JPY (~US$495). These pairs are all handmade in Japan’s M.Lab. Take a better look at the pair via the top slider above!

Following the announcement of the New Balance MADE in USA Season 3, which includes a number of New Balance 996s in fresh colorways like yellow and green, a special made-in-Japan edition pair of New Balance 996 has surfaced.

Featuring a standard suede-and-mesh construction in varying shades of grey, this MIJ New Balance 996 also comes with the OG C-CAP cushioning midsole. If the model stays true to the original design, the “N” logo on the profile and heel tab should be made from reflective 3M material.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of NB 996 silhouette, the Bostonian brand released the runner in one of its original colorways. For this Japan limited edition, the differentiating feature is the “Made in Japan” text  above the embroidered “996” on the tongue label.

However, for now, release details are scant, so follow along for more updates on this pair of New Balance 996 Made in Japan “Gray”.

In other sneaker-related news, check out the 10 best sneakers of 2023 (so far).

Images via @dane3fune