The New Balance 991 was released in 2001, cementing itself as the first 99X-series model of the 21st century. That was a pretty monumental moment. The 991 helped kick off the now-legendary “Made in U.K.” legacy and became the first 99X model to feature visible ABZORB cushioning, along with a mix of premium suede and mesh. Early adopters of the silhouette included European sneakerheads, Japan’s famously meticulous sneaker culture, and, somewhat improbably, Steve Jobs, who wore a pair during an Apple iBook presentation in 2002.

It wasn’t until about three years ago that New Balance decided it was time to update the 991. Version 2 ended up being my favorite of the bunch I tried on, mainly because it nails that sweet spot between performance and lifestyle. The FuelCell midsole replaces much of the original ABZORB setup, the “N” logo is debossed, the signature ENCAP midsole cushioning feels soft and supportive, and I’m especially into the semi-translucent ABZORB SBS pods.

The brand recommends going down a half size, which I probably could’ve done, but I almost always swap in my own insoles to dial up the coziness anyway. Out of all the pairs I tried, this was the one I kept coming back to. I think I naturally gravitated toward it because of how sleek it looks, and because it genuinely feels like the best crossover lifestyle shoe the brand currently makes.

The Fit