New Balance 991 x SNS Review

When Chris and Pastor Mike published their recent New Balance reviews (Chris’ here and Mike’s here), both called New Balance “dad or grandpa shoes.” More or less, they called the shoes uncool. As someone who LOVES New Balance, this really got to me. So, I direct-messaged Drew, via the WearTesters Discord, and asked if I could write a review of my latest pickup: the New Balance 991 x SNS. This is a Made in the UK collab with Sneakersnstuff that’s part of a three shoe perforated pack. I bought the “Peter” colourway (yes, I spelled “colour” the British way). It’s dubbed “Peter,” in honor of SNS co-founder Peter Jansson.

But before I get into my review, I’d like to give you some background on myself. I’m Ryan Jans, a 22-year-old college student studying history at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Unlike Chris and Mike, I’ve only been a sneakerhead for around 4 years. And, also unlike both of them, the pair that made me fall in love with sneakers was a pair inspired by an adidas football boot (soccer cleat); the David Beckham Predator Accelerator Ultraboost. The reason I’m telling you this is so you know that I’m not a “Jordan or Nike head” nor do I have any nostalgia for any particular sneaker company or model. So, when I say how much I love New Balance, know that it’s a love formed not of nostalgia, but one that New Balance has earned by the shoes they make.

Pros

Easy Entry

As someone with spastic cerebral palsy, a physical limitation, this is something I look for in my footwear; can I get them on independently? I’m very happy to say that, yes I can. Like on all my other New Balances, I don’t lace through the top 2 lace, allowing a large enough opening for my foot.

Elite Materials

New Balance sneakers, and specifically the Made in the UK and USA lines, are known for their fantastic suedes. The materials on the New Balance 991 x SNS are no exception, using some of the best suedes I’ve ever seen. The suede is so soft, so buttery, and covers most of the upper. However, unlike most other 991s, these swap out New Balance’s signature mesh for some leather. And, oh boy, do I love it. Outside of some of my kangaroo leather football boots (soccer cleats), this leather is the best I’ve ever felt. The cuts are thick and somewhat stiff out of the box, but I wholeheartedly believe the leather will break in and become as buttery soft as the suede.

World-Class Craftsmanship

Constructed by hand in New Balance’s famous Flimby, England factory, the overall quality, and craftsmanship of the New Balance 991 x SNS are top-notch. To quote from New Balance MADE’s webpage: “All shoes are manufactured, but only a few are made.”

Simple Look

I really like how the New Balance 991 x SNS looks, both on and off feet. I don’t really care for most loud, crazy-colored, and/or extreme designs, so the simple, clean look appeals to me. Also, something worth noting is that in certain lighting the navy blue suede looks more black than blue.

Cons

So-So Cushioning

All 991 models use the same Abzorb foam midsole. This setup is not one of my favorites from New Balance. I much prefer the midsoles of the 990v3, 990v5, and even the 574. Those midsoles are all softer and, in my opinion, more comfortable than the Abzorb foam used on the 991.

Heel Slippage

My heels slip when walking in my 991. Other 991 reviews I’ve seen haven’t mentioned any heel slippage, so this is most likely just a me-thing, due to how I have them laced up.

High Price Tag

In the USA, the New Balance 991 x SNS retails for $260, a $40 premium when compared to a non-collab pair of the 991. Somewhat surprisingly, if you live in the UK or Europe there’s no premium compared to a standard 991.

New Balance 991 x SNS Summary

So, I absolutely LOVE the New Balance 991 x SNS. With fantastic materials and even better craftsmanship on a nice-looking sneaker I can get on independently, I can (and do) overlook my heels slipping and the sorta stiff midsole. If you want to grab a pair of the SNS 991, I recommend looking at resale sites like eBay because many sizes are going for under retail.

The next time you’re thinking about paying resale for some hyped Jordan or Nike sneaker, think back to this review and what New Balance has to offer.

And to Chris and Mike, remember, New Balances are VERY cool!!