SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | New Balance |
| Model | 991v2 |
| Colorway | Karanda Red/Burgundy |
| Style Code | U991RS2 |
| Release Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Retail Price | $270 |
| Available At | newbalance_com |
New Balance made in UK. Three words that carry weight in the sneaker world. The 991v2 “Karanda Red” is the latest colorway to come out of the Flimby factory, and it drops October 1, 2026. If you care about build quality and materials, this one is worth your attention.
The colorway is called Karanda Red, named after the Karanda fish. I had to look that up. It is a freshwater fish found in South Asia, and apparently someone at New Balance thought it was a good name for a burgundy and red sneaker. The color is more burgundy than true red, with fiery suede overlays that give it depth.
Style code is U991RS2 and retail is $270. Yes, that is expensive. But this is a Made in UK shoe, which means it was handcrafted at the Flimby factory with premium pigskin suede, mesh underlays, and ABZORB cushioning. You are paying for construction quality, not hype.
The 991v2 is an updated version of the original 991, which released in 2001. The v2 keeps the overall shape but modernizes the tooling with updated ABZORB and SBS units. It is a shoe that looks retro and performs modern. The Karanda Red colorway leans into that by using a classic color palette with contemporary material finishes.
New Balance has been on a run that no other brand can match right now. The 1906R, the 990v6, the 2002R, the 9060. Every silhouette they touch turns into a hit. The 991v2 has been more of a quiet performer, but the Karanda Red might be the colorway that gets it more mainstream attention.
October 1. $270. NewBalance.com and select retailers.
