The New Balance 990v4 is getting a softer color treatment before summer wraps up. Part of the Made in USA line, the upcoming “Grey Violet” edition pairs a pale purple upper with Timberwolf underfoot, giving the longtime runner a noticeably different look without changing much about its familiar construction.

Most of the upper stays within the Grey Violet palette. New Balance uses open mesh across the toe box, tongue and side panels, then layers shaggy pigskin suede over the toe, eyestays and heel. The longer nap of the suede is especially noticeable around the mudguard and rear of the shoe, adding some texture against the smoother mesh underneath.

The same light violet shade carries onto the tongue and laces, so there isn’t much interruption across the front of the shoe. White outlined “N” logos provide the clearest contrast along the sides, while the heel tabs also switch to white. Metallic silver accents are worked into the tongue labels and rear branding, and the traditional “990” marking sits near the lateral heel.

Rather than continuing the purple tone through the sole, New Balance moves to Timberwolf for the midsole. The warm off-white shade separates the upper from the black rubber outsole and gives the shoe a slightly aged-looking contrast without going heavily into cream or yellow. Black rubber is visible around the toe and heel, with additional sections running underneath for traction.

Construction remains in line with what people already know from the 990v4. The model uses New Balance’s ENCAP cushioning system, combining the substantial midsole shape of the fourth-generation 990 with the suede-and-mesh build that has long defined the series. Small details around the heel and tongue finish off the Made in USA presentation without pulling attention away from the mostly tonal upper.

The New Balance 990v4 “Grey Violet” releases August 27, 2026 through NewBalance.com and select retailers. Retail is set at $185.

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Photos: mpastitsio