“Made in Japan” stitching appears on the heel of a newly teased New Balance 991, a change for a model long tied to British manufacturing. Shared by New Balance Japan, the first image shows familiar 991 tooling beneath an upper with several window-like openings around the heel.

That revised construction is the main detail visible so far on the New Balance 991 “Made in Japan.” Much of the shoe remains out of view, leaving a full look at the design—and confirmation of its official name—for a later reveal.

Both previous versions of the 991 have belonged to the Made in England range. The original arrived in 2001, while the 991v2 followed in 2023. This teaser suggests a Japanese-made version is next, though the image alone doesn’t reveal how much it shares with either upper.

The Made in Japan collection began in 2020 with the 1300JP, released for the 1300’s 35th anniversary. Editions of the 1500 and 996 came afterward, so the 991 would join a line that has already covered several established New Balance models.

A release date for the New Balance 991 “Made in Japan” has yet to be announced, but expected in early 2027.

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