First released in 1982, the NB 990 has spent the proceeding decades evolving, each update embracing the design markers and technological advancements of its respective era. The visible throughline from versions 1 to 6 is also undeniable, one that makes each update irrefutably connected to the other. But, the best part about the New Balance 990 is that it speaks to all walks of life, no matter old or young.

As a fellow admirer of the New Balance 990, putting together a list of only 15 colourways was no easy task, so I’m sure we’ll have a few loyal fans arguing why this and that colourway were left out. Either way, check out our list of the best NB 990 colourways of all time (which is in no particular order) and see what you think!

Auralee and New Balance dropped this 990v4 in 2024, imbuing the model with its quiet elegance. The “London Fog” was one of two pairs in the capsule, taking the 990 down a familiar route with its mostly brownish grey upper. Small tweaks in the form of a cream set of laces and light blue ENCAP on the midsole took the collaboration into a league of its own.

JJJJound really did its thing on this NB 990v3 in 2022, turning the gentle grey powerhouse into a piece of footwear so covert, President Zelensky of Ukraine ended up rocking them. That dark brown is beautifully mixed in with black webbing panels and a midsole, no wrong decisions were made on this edition.

Inspired by the infamous NB 1300CL colourway, this Beams SSZ x Akio Hasegawa x New Balance 990 V5 "Grey Blue" is a glimpse of what Japan-exclusives are all about. Mixing in the Surf Skate Zine ‘Legal Pad’ colours onto the flag and insole, what we end up with is a playful homage to a beloved colourway.

The “Life in the Balance” edition from Aimé Leon Dore is so distinct in its use of colour, speaking to the late-2010s era of the brand. Taking inspiration from nautical wear, the regal shades of each respective colourway and use of yellow across the upper is what truly gives this 990v2 that grail status among New Balance heads.

Engineered Garments knows a thing or two about construction, giving the NB 990v5 an asymmetrical twist with this premium navy colourway. Soon after the version 5 had dropped in 2019, Daiki Suzuki of EG was masterfully tweaking the panels of the NB 990v5. Faux crocodile-textures and supple leather all mixed in beautifully with the standard set of suede, giving us a seriously premium edition of an already high quality shoe.

A personal favourite for me is this Stüssy x NB 990v4, a pair that is arguably as timeless as the typical Grey editions. Given the delicate colour palette, it is rare to come across pristine pairs in this day and age, making this Stüssy 990 that much more precious.

The “Daytona” 990v3 is widely regarded as a beautiful addition to the New Balance library. Ronnie Fieg’s ability to translate his childhood memories of Daytona beach into a piece of footwear that is equally as vivid, is nothing short of brilliant. That shade of pink on the sidewall “N” is the absolute cherry on top.

What may seem like a jumble of chaotic colour choices at first glance, slowly starts to make sense the more you look at this Action Bronson x NB 990v6. As eclectic as Bronson’s music and culinary dishes, this 990v6 is the result of a man whose history with the brand could only have turned out like this. The “Baklava” is the wild ode to a silhouette that had spent decades in refinement.

One of the many Breast Cancer New Balance editions, this version from the Susan G Komen organisation was part of the Lace Up for the Cure collection. A vibrant pink Komen logo on the heel and good cause behind this shoe makes it a gem within the 990 library.

Salehe Bembury's take on the version 2 truly was the designer showing off his best. Transforming the Version 2 of the 990 series, a shoe from 1998, into this pink masterpiece was a great example of Bembury’s ability to tell stories. Not one for the more conservative sneakerhead, yet one that anyone can appreciate from afar.

Returning to the infamous M1300CL colourway, Kith served up a 990v3 steeped in history. As part of Kith’s Fall collection in 2022, this one will be admired for decades to come, both by Kith and New Balance loyalists.

A Teddy Santis New Balance edition that had all the makings of a top tier collaboration. Melding soft browns and pinks seamlessly together, the version 4 looks caught between a neapolitan at the height of summer and a wardrobe staple.

Of course, we had to get a Joe Freshgoods number on the list at some point. Browns, blues and greens all lean into one another on this 990v3, making for another chaotically-tasteful piece of footwear, Freshgoods being a master of juxtapositions.

JJJJound came correct again for the NB 990v3, proving it is far from a one-trick pony. Taking to a shade of green at a time when an earthy palette was all the rage, the Canadian studio managed to separate themselves from the crowd with carefully considered cream accents.

We might be calling it a little early on this Teddy Santis 990v4 colourway, although this shade of burnt red is hard to pin down to a specific era. Just seeing how good they look in editorial images, it’s clear that this general release will be a low-key favourite for years to come. So, if you see community threads talking about Santis' “Monarch Burgundy” in five years, just know we did tell you so.