Sneaker topic of the week, the New Balance 990 V7. But first, let’s go back 1982, when New Balance debuted the 990 as the most expensive sneaker on the market at $100.

Sneaker literature will tell you New York City wanted in-your-face colorways, flash. The guys from the DMV were more toned down. They wanted to be on the low. The hustlers wanted the gray and the navys. It was hitting around the John Thompson era of Georgetown basketball. The sneaker was connecting multiple worlds. Ask about Rayful Edmond . And know what else dropped in 1982? The Nike Air Force 1 . What a year in sneakers. A year before I was born. You think JLP Sr. thought his baby boy was gonna be here talking sneakers decades later?

990s have gone through multiple eras: dope boy shoes, dad shoes, supermodels in London. And now we're here. The exceptional retooled 990 V7. New logo. Premium leather tongue. A weathered yellow midsole. A blue hint throughout.…