New Balance 990v4 Made in USA "NB Navy/Meteorite": leather and nubuck in place of suede. Out 24 September

New Balance 990v4 Made in USA "NB Navy/Meteorite": leather and nubuck in place of suede. Out 24 September

One of the most recognisable silhouettes in American manufacturing changes material for the colder season. The 990v4 in NB Navy/Meteorite/Kombu arrives on 24 September, with leather and nubuck on the upper in place of the usual soft suede.

• Out 24 September 2026, style code U990BG4

• Three colours: NB Navy, Meteorite and Kombu, though the name usually lists only the first two

• Leather and nubuck replace the soft suede, chosen for autumn and winter

• Pricing reported inconsistently: $180 or $195, depending on the source

• This is the third of seven drops in the Made in USA autumn-winter 2026 collection

The material change is the whole point

A standard 990v4 rests on mesh and soft suede, and that is how most releases look.

Here the suede gives way to leather and nubuck, a rarity on this silhouette though not entirely new. New Balance has reached for that combination in previous Made in USA collections aimed at colder months.

The reason is practical. Leather and nubuck give the build more rigidity and handle damp better than soft suede, which loses its appearance quickly in autumn weather. New Balance's own release describes this drop plainly as a deep-hued nubuck take on the model.

One thing is worth flagging, though: several outlets describe the upper as the standard mesh-and-suede combination, so there is no full agreement before release on exactly how much leather is in this shoe.

How it looks

The whole thing sits within a narrow palette, with no strong contrasts.

NB Navy covers the mesh base, the structural overlays and the midsole, giving a coherent mass from top to bottom.

Meteorite, a dark green, sits on the underlays beneath the upper and introduces tonal depth without breaking the monochromatic character. The same shade returns on the outsole.

The third colour, dropped from the shortened name, is Kombu, another dark green, appearing on the laces, tongue and heel tab. Added to that are silver N logos on both sides, the only clearly lighter element of the build.

Inside sits ENCAP cushioning, meaning lightweight foam within a polyurethane rim. Reflective accents and a reflective back tab complete the detailing.

The pricing discrepancy

Worth treating carefully, because sources disagree.

Some outlets list $195 and others $180. More recent reporting leans towards the higher figure, but the fifteen-dollar gap remains unresolved until release.

No sterling price has been confirmed. Made in USA models sit clearly above standard 990s, since this is a premium line assembled domestically.

Where this sits in the collection

Context helps, because this release does not stand alone.

The Made in USA autumn-winter 2026 collection runs to seven drops spread from September to December, covering the 990v4, 992, 993 and 1300.

This pair belongs to the third drop, which brings two dark 990v4s. The other pairs Monarch Burgundy with Pumpernickel, so if navy does not appeal, the same drop offers a burgundy alternative.

Where to buy

Sales run through New Balance and select retailers worldwide. Buying through Soleback returns part of the order value:

• New Balance

• BSTN

• END.

• size?

• Offspring

• Solebox

• Sneakersnstuff

The click through Soleback has to be the last one before the shop, and cashback clears once the returns window closes.

Our promotions section is worth a look too.

FAQ

When does the New Balance 990v4 "NB Navy/Meteorite" release?

24 September 2026, through New Balance and select retailers.

What is the style code?

U990BG4.

How much does it cost?

Sources report $180 or $195. No sterling price has been confirmed.

How does it differ from a standard 990v4?

In the upper material. Leather and nubuck replace the soft suede, giving a firmer build that handles autumn damp better.

Which colours are actually in it?

Three: NB Navy on the base and midsole, Meteorite on the underlays and outsole, and Kombu on the laces, tongue and heel tab.

Is there anything else in this drop?

Yes. The collection's third drop includes a second dark 990v4, in Monarch Burgundy and Pumpernickel.

In summary

This is a release for someone who knows the silhouette, because the entire change sits in the material rather than the look. From a distance the shoe reads as an ordinary navy 990v4; the difference registers in the hand.

For autumn and winter wear it is a change for the better, though, because soft suede is this model's weakest point in wet weather. Leather with nubuck will take more.

Out 24 September. If a specific size is the target, watching several retailers at once is worth the effort.