The KITH x New Balance 990 Anniversary Collection Dials Up the Nostalgia Factor

When it comes to collaborations, KITH and New Balance seem to have the formula pretty much locked down, coming together to drop some of the most covetable collabs going. Now, Ronnie Fieg’s label and the Boston-based brand are once again joining forces on a new collection, only this time they’ll be taking a trip down memory lane.

In honour of the cult classic New Balance 990’s 40th anniversary, KITH has reimagined four iterations of the sneaker: the 990v1, v2, v3 and v4. And, if that wasn’t nostalgic enough, each pair calls back to classic KITH styling, referencing previous collaborations in the colourways.

The KITH x New Balance 990v1 “Dusty Rose” utilises KITH's preferred muted pink shade for its colour palette. It’s not as on-the-nose as the other pairs, but the hue has been spotted on previous KITH collabs, including an RC_1300 and a 990v2. Giving way to New Balance’s signature grey shade on the ‘N’ logo and sole, it’s a suitable tribute to both brands.

Next up, you’ll recognise the reference on the 990v2. Taking on the “Cyclades” colour scheme originally seen on the 997.5, the KITH x New Balance 990v2 “Cyclades” sees the pair come dipped in that same shades of blue, orange and beige that the original Mykonos-inspired colourway took on.

Following on from that, the KITH x New Balance 990v3 “Daytona” is another pair that KITH fans will recognise. Inspired by trips to Daytona Beach, the blue, cream, brown and pink palette appeared on the New Balance 1600 in 2013, but has been given new life on one of the 990’s most popular iterations.

Finally, the 990v4 arrives in one of the most iconic colourways going. Riffing on KITH’s 2018 take on the KITH x UNITED ARROWS & SONS. New Balance 997 (which was originally a homage to UA’s 2009 997.5 collab) the KITH x New Balance 990v4 "United Arrows & Sons" appears in striking hues of grey, pink and purple.

The celebrations aren’t limited to the 990’s anniversary, either – as the collection serves to celebrate Kith’s 10th anniversary from late last year, as well as Ronnie Fieg’s 40th birthday on June 15th, which is the day the KITH x New Balance 990v4 “United Arrows & Sons” is set to drop. From there, the party is set to continue throughout the rest of the week, with the 990v3 “Daytona”, 990v2 “Cyclades”, and 990v1 “Dusty Rose” dropping on the 16th, 17th and 18th respectively. Each pair is set to drop on KITH, but be sure to keep it locked for news of a wider New Balance release.

In related news, New Balance is suing Steve Madden over "Deliberate Knock-offs" of its 327 model.