Salehe Bembury's New Balance 991v2 sets high expectations

Following a leaked look at the anticipated sneaker, Salehe Bembury took to his social media to officially unveil the currently named “Colors Be The Palette” version of the New Balance 991v2 that he is credited for. The shoe was originally leaked back in August of 2024, but with the post from Bembury himself, the official release for the collaboration could be right around the corner. 

The vibrant sneaker is plastered in a suede purple upper combined with an array of other colors forming the overall sneaker. The midsole showcases a tone tone switch from cream into a darker hue of purple that seamlessly transitions into the suede upper. A release date has still yet to be officially dropped, even with the Instagram post from Bembury himself. With the vibrant nature of the new sneaker, it looks to keep the theme of Bembury's designs as the aesthetic is largely in conjunction with a loud, unique, different type of style that can often be used to complete a more subtle look or outfit, adding its own flair to the type of outfit as well. 

To me, this is a strong collaboration. Bembury has yet to shock the culture and foundation of a traditional New Balance sneaker like he was able to under his Crocs deal, changing the model of the signature clog compeltely by putting his vision and spin onto the design, but there is a possibility that this is still something that could come in the future with NB. It isn't easy to create a design for a new sneaker off the top of your head, after all.