New Balance 993

The Golden Era of the Noughties in One Body: The New Balance 993 Delivers the Perfect Mix of History and All-Day Comfort

When New Balance concluded the decade-long golden era of its iconic 99X series in 2008, it did so with absolute grace. The New Balance 993 took the best elements from its renowned predecessors – the DNA of models 991 and 992 – and embodied them into a noticeably lighter and more aerodynamic silhouette. It became the tenth generation of the entire series and its symbolic culmination. More than fifteen years since its launch, this sneaker remains one of the most balanced and sought-after pieces from American production by New Balance. At Queens, we perceive it as an absolute pillar of modern, sophisticated streetwear.

History: A Synthesis of Two Legends in a Lightweight Coat

The model debuted in 2008 as the direct successor to version 992. The designers' goal was clear: to create a versatile, maximally comfortable shoe for everyday wear that would not appear overly robust.

The New Balance 993 merged the construction elements of its predecessors into a cleaner, more organic design. The key word became “lightness”. This combination of a relaxed vintage look and improved weight made the 993 an extraordinarily popular model. To this day, it remains at the top of the offering from the Made in USA division, thanks in part to strong limited collaborations with prominent names in contemporary fashion, such as designer Joe Freshgoods.

Technological Trio: ABZORB, ENCAP II, and Ndurance

What makes the 993 a reliable companion for all-day city wandering is the sophisticated technical foundation hidden in the sole:

• ABZORB DTS Midsole: A top-tier foam compound that perfectly absorbs impacts upon landing on hard asphalt and instantly returns energy for the next step. Interestingly, the principle of this cushioning foam originally emerged as a material for shock absorption on railway tracks.

• ENCAP II: The legendary support system for the midsole, developed by New Balance in collaboration with chemical giant DuPont. It provides the shoe with necessary stability and strength.

• Ndurance Outsole: The full rubber outsole is reinforced in the heel area (where the most friction occurs) with an extremely durable rubber compound Ndurance, significantly extending the shoe's lifespan.

Premium American Craftsmanship and Timeless Styling

The 993 model is proudly manufactured under the prestigious Made in USA program, meaning that over 70% of the work and materials are sourced domestically. At first touch, you will feel uncompromising quality in the form of premium plush suede and breathable technical mesh.

Who is the model intended for?

The New Balance 993 is the ideal choice for anyone seeking an authentic American heritage shoe. At Queens, we recommend pairing it with looser fits – it pairs beautifully with baggy jeans, cargo pants, or comfortable heavy cotton sweatpants. Simply throw on an oversized hoodie or flannel shirt, and you have the perfect, casual urban uniform. Opt for a model that masterfully closed a significant chapter in sneaker history.