In the wonderful world of running, New Balance are a leading name when it comes to trainers and clothing, with athletes the world over donning their gear to set new personal bests. Away from the running track though, New Balance have been turning out quality products for years.

Their lifestyle range of trainers is so diverse in their selection that you can have a different style for every day of the week without ever looking at any other brands. For years, New Balance have been known as the “Original Dad Shoe Company” and yes, this is true, but just take a minute to look at the shoe of choice of todays youngsters and I guarantee you’ll see a fair few pairs of New Balance. This just proves that quality shoes transcend generations.

For me, their Made in USA range is by far their strongest, and coincidentally, it’s also their most Dad-like. On 3rd March, they will be releasing the new Made in USA 990v3 JJJJound.


This shoe has only had three updates since its introduction back in 1982; the v3 is the first of the 21st century and its update is most welcome. The shoes now fashion a breathable mesh upper and a more spacious overlay design and the use of two forms of cushioning, ABZORB and ENCAP, all which create a much more modern and streamlined silhouette. One thing I’ve always admired about New Balance is their ability to always find the greatest shade of any colour, and they have not let me down this time. The olive and black colourway is exactly what this shoe needed: a modern colour to go with the new modern shape.

Kudos New Balance, very well done.

Written By Tom Loughran