Oregon rapper Aminé is collaborating with New Balance on their 992 for his debut MADE in USA project, and the inspiration is drawn from something nostalgic from his childhood living in Oregon. The first colorway is named “Outdoor School,” which stems from attending the MESD Outdoor School program his sixth grade year.

Aminé attended Outdoor School at Milk Creek where kids were taught about soil, water, plants, and wildlife outdoors. Upon arrival they were each given a wooden name tag, referred to as a “wood cookie,” students were able to decorate these with charms and other trinkets. Aminé hung onto his wood cookie for years, and when he saw it hanging in his childhood bedroom it sparked the inspiration for this New Balance collab.

The 992 is constructed in shades of reddish brown, with mesh, suede, and patent leather comprising the upper. There is branding on the heels, Club Banana logos on the tongues, and various graphics pertaining to Outdoor School on the insoles.

Many of the other goodies are taken directly from his trip as a child. Each shoe comes with a wood cookie hangtag branded with “Horizon Cabin” and charms in the shape of a frog, compass, whistle, slug, and fish. The shoe box itself is designed to mimic a fishing tackle box, continuing the theme past just the footwear.

The Aminé x New Balance 992 “Outdoor School” will drop on October 2, 2026 via Club Banana retailing for $220.

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