Why Is the New Balance “996” So Popular? A Deep Dive into the Timeless Charm of a Classic Sneaker

The world of New Balance sneakers is vast — ranging from classic runners to cutting-edge tech models — but one silhouette continues to stand above the rest: the New Balance 996. Loved by sneakerheads and casual wearers alike, the 996 has become a staple across generations. What makes this model so enduringly popular? Let’s take a closer look.

🏃‍♂️ A Legacy of Comfort from a Heritage Brand

Founded in 1906 in Boston as the first company to produce arch support insoles, New Balance has always prioritized foot health and comfort. Over the decades, the brand transitioned from orthopedic shoes to performance runners, without ever losing sight of its roots in ergonomic design. The result? A sneaker lineup that fuses function and fashion — with the 996 at the center of it all.

👟 What Is the New Balance 996?

Originally launched in 1988 as the third installment in the iconic 990 series, the 996 quickly gained recognition for offering superior comfort and a sleek, stylish design. Its tagline “990 points out of 1000” emphasized how close it was to perfection — and more than 35 years later, the model still holds up.

The 996 now exists in multiple forms, with the most notable being the:

Made in USA 996 (crafted in the U.S. with premium materials)
CM996 (more affordable, made in Asia with high-quality standards)

🇺🇸 “Made in USA 996”: A Premium Experience

For sneaker purists, the Made in USA 996 is the gold standard. It’s based on the original M996 and built with superior craftsmanship in the U.S. It features the ENCAP midsole system for exceptional support and has a classic suede-mesh upper that blends style and function. Price: ¥35,200 (as of February 2024).

🌏 CM996: Budget-Friendly with Everyday Versatility

The CM996 offers the same iconic look at a more accessible price point. While it uses slightly different materials — such as a C-CAP midsole (EVA-based, lightweight) and a PU insole — the design remains faithful to the original. It’s ideal for those looking for all-day comfort without breaking the bank.

🔍 Design Details That Matter

Upper: Suede & mesh combo that balances breathability, rain resistance, and vintage style
Sole: Made in USA version uses ENCAP; CM996 uses C-CAP & PU insole for a softer ride
Silhouette: Built on the SL-1 last for a slim, modern fit
Iconic “N” Logo: Large and retro-styled, adding nostalgic flair
Size Note: Many wearers go up +0.5 to 1.0 cm from their regular size due to the narrow fit

🎨 Wide Range of Colors and Materials

One of the greatest appeals of the 996 is the variety of colorways and materials it comes in:

Standard Gray: Universally recognized as “the New Balance color”
Navy & Black: Highly versatile, ideal for everyday styling
Raw/Vintage Colors: On-trend with retro fashion styles
All-Leather Models: Dress it up with leather versions for a refined edge
Collaborations: Like the rare Franck Muller collab — a collector’s dream

🆚 CM996 vs. Made in USA 996

Feature	CM996	Made in USA 996
Price	Affordable	Premium
Build	Lightweight EVA + PU	ENCAP midsole, sturdier
Fit	Slightly narrow	True to classic NB fit
Availability	Wide color variety	Limited, higher demand

👞 A Classic That Pairs With Everything

Thanks to its elegant form and minimal design, the 996 works well with:

Jeans & a tee
Ivy League-style outfits
Oversized modern fits
Even jacket and slacks for smart-casual dressing

🎉 Final Thoughts

The New Balance 996 continues to dominate for good reason — it’s comfortable, versatile, stylish, and rooted in heritage. Whether you’re chasing retro aesthetics, performance comfort, or a sneaker that simply works with everything, the 996 delivers.

If you’re into classics that age well and never fall out of fashion, this is the pair to own.

New balance, shoes