the new balance 99x series is the reason i love new balance shoes.  i bought my first pair in 8th grade after discovering that all phish-loving college students wore these to shows (not embarrassed to admit that detail).  since then, i’ve been a loyal new balance customer with a penchant for 574s as well as many other models (1400s, 420s, u455s, 1300s, etc).  i was very pleased to see their latest press release.  on december 1st, new balance is releasing the 30th anniversary edition of their 990 shoe which is made in the usa and true to the original 1982 shoe.  only 990 pairs will be available at select new balance retailers i.e. you can’t buy them online.  “on a scale of 1000, this shoe is a 990.”