The New Balance 997R Emerges in a Heritage Navy and Grey Colorway

The New Balance 997 has had a winding journey in the sneaker world. Despite a soft spot for this silhouette shared by the most hardcore New Balance fans, it has struggled to gain traction with the wider market. But in an inspired twist, the Boston-based institution is about to catapult the 997 into the limelight once again. The magic potion? The same elixir that brought the 2002R and 1906R to prominence — an 'R' retooling.

Making a grand entrance, the 997R dances into the scene in a triumphant trio of colorways: the time-honored gray, the sumptuous “Navy,” and the elegant “Arctic Grey.” The 997R is a delightful visual feast, as New Balance plays with delicate touches of gray, which ornately brush against the shoe’s trims and accents. It's as if a master painter adroitly used the gray hues on both the leather and the reflective “N” logo, reminiscent of whispers of mist at dawn.

But the craft doesn’t stop there. The laces, as pristine as freshly fallen snow, complement the subtle cream midsole, which might remind you of your favorite latte. The pièce de résistance, though, is the majestic upper. Here, the “Navy” and “Arctic Gray” flirt and dance with each other in an alternating embrace.

This modernized gem is now available at select retailers now, and you can expect a slew of new color variations to follow soon.