The New Balance 990v7 is right around the corner, marking the next chapter in one of the most consequential sneaker lines ever made. Since its debut in 1982, the 990 has become the unofficial uniform of dads everywhere, a badge of honor that, yes, we mean as a compliment. But reducing the series to its middle-aged fanbase does a disservice to a line that has helped shape New Balance as we know it today. From performance innovations that continue to influence the brand’s broader lineup to the Baltimore sneaker culture that helped fuel its rise, the 990’s fingerprints are all over the modern footwear landscape.

What began as the first athletic shoe to retail for $100 has grown into one of New Balance’s most celebrated platforms, both in performance and in collaboration. Joe Freshgoods, Action Bronson, JJJJound, and an ever-growing roster of influential names have put their own spin on the series, turning heritage runners into vessels for connection within the broader sneaker space.…