Give all-black or all-white a break
When we choose sneakers of a predominant colour, we tend to go for black or white. Any shade between that isn't close to the divergent two is considered by many to be "off". This is why we find this particular colour of New Balance's classic '80s silhouette, the 990 (a model in the spotlight across the causeway recently and in the US), to be extremely pleasing. New Balance calls it mahogany, but it is not as wood-brown as it is burnt orange, which is totally fine, especially when you want it to be less of a running shoe (the 990 was originally made for that when it debuted in 1982) than kicks to wear with Gorpcore-friendly cargos, especially anything by Kolor.
Despite its sleek leather upper (atop a black mid-sole that feature the brand's proprietary ENCAP cushioning technology), this mahogany 990, in the newer version 4, it should be noted, is ruggedly handsome, just as the original was "a mark of quality and superior taste". It comes under the Made in USA series of sneakers (which explains its high price and the no return policy that comes with a pair) and, as New Balance touts, "continue[s] to refine the v3's modernization of the silhouette". In the leather and in this colour, this 990 plays down its still-desirable dad shoe vibe (which may be a deal breaker for some sneakerheads). New Balance also reminds us that this colour is part of their seasonal collection. Miss it now, and you may regret it for many seasons to come.
New Balance 990v4 in mahogany, SGD339, is available in New Balance stores. Photo: Chin Both Kay
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