New Balance 991v2 Made in England ‘Limoges’

Limoges, the French city synonymous with fine porcelain, lends its name to one of the more quietly compelling colourways to come out of New Balance's Flimby factory this season. The 991v2 Made in England has spent the past couple of years reasserting the kind of measured, craft-led design philosophy that the original 991 built its reputation on, and this latest interpretation in Limoges and Pageant Blue continues that trajectory without fanfare or excess.

The upper arrives in a considered mix of premium suede and mesh, with the deep, ink-leaning blue of the Limoges base grounded by the slightly lighter Pageant Blue accent running through the overlays and branding. It is a tonal exercise in restraint, the kind of colourway that rewards prolonged attention rather than demanding it immediately. The ENCAP midsole sits beneath everything in its familiar off-white form, providing both the cushioning performance and the visual anchor that has defined the 991 lineage for decades. The 'Made in England' flag label stitched to the tongue remains a quiet but pointed reminder that this is a shoe assembled by hand at New Balance's Cumbrian facility, where production standards have remained consistent since the 1990s.

What makes the U991VB2 particularly interesting within the current 991v2 run is the way it positions itself between the warmer earth tones of previous releases like Gold Earth and the cooler, more saturated direction the model explored with Neo Synthesis. Limoges occupies a considered middle ground, a blue that reads almost neutral in certain light but reveals its depth outdoors. Paired with the textural contrast between suede and mesh panels, the result is a silhouette that feels both rooted in the 991's heritage and completely current.

The New Balance 991v2 Made in England 'Limoges', carrying style code U991VB2, is scheduled to release on 16 April 2026 through New Balance and select stockists including asphaltgold, Afew Store, Solebox, BSTN, and 43einhalb. Retail price is set at €250, which positions it in line with previous Made in England 991v2 releases and reflects the craftsmanship involved in its production.