New Balance Brings Stealthy "Black & Grey" to the 1000

More than 25 years after its debut, the New Balance 1000 continues its quiet resurgence. The late-’90s design has slowly re-entered the rotation in recent seasons, often headlining collaborations and serving as a canvas for some of the brand’s more technical storytelling. That momentum carries into 2026 with a new New Balance 1000 “Black/Grey”, a tonal take that leans into the silhouette’s rugged, street-ready DNA.

The model retains its original blend of mesh and molded synthetic overlays, a construction that once positioned it in New Balance’s trail-running category but now feels right at home in city wear. This upcoming colorway layers rich black mesh with deep smoke-toned panels, creating a cohesive look that emphasizes the 1000’s curved, almost topographic paneling. The midsole arrives in solid black, maintaining the streamlined feel, while the ABZORB cushioning system keeps the ride soft and stable underfoot.

Despite its utilitarian aesthetic, the 1000 has always balanced function with distinct era-specific design cues — something this pair reinforces through its glossy molded overlays, raised “1000” branding, and sturdy outsole patterning. The monochrome approach also gives the shoe a future-classic versatility, slotting cleanly into the broader wave of minimalist technical footwear dominating lifestyle spaces.

There’s no confirmed release date for the New Balance 1000 “Black/Grey,” but expect pairs to land in the early part of 2026 through ewBalance.com and select retailers.