Salehe Bembury has emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in modern footwear, and nearly every move he makes sends ripples through sneaker culture. From redefining outdoor-inspired palettes to placing texture at the center of design, Bembury’s collaborations rarely feel like surface-level color swaps. That reputation only strengthens with news of the Salehe Bembury x New Balance MADE in USA 992, a project that surfaced quietly yet immediately commanded the attention of New Balance loyalists and collectors alike.
Notably, this collaboration arrives at a moment when both parties are operating at peak momentum. New Balance’s MADE in USA line continues its well-earned renaissance, while Bembury’s design language (rooted in nature, movement, and material exploration) feels more refined than ever. Together, they return to one of the brand’s most beloved silhouettes, setting the stage for what could become one of 2026’s most discussed sneaker releases.
A Milestone Year for Salehe Bembury
By the time this collaboration lands, Salehe Bembury will be coming off one of the most productive stretches of his career. In 2025 alone, he debuted his first signature basketball shoe alongside Tyrese Haliburton with PUMA Hoops, expanded his ongoing Crocs Pollex line, and officially launched his own footwear imprint, SPUNGE. Few designers manage that level of output without diluting their vision. Bembury, however, continues to sharpen his.
That clarity is precisely what makes the Salehe Bembury x New Balance MADE in USA 992 so compelling. Rather than chasing trends, he remains committed to storytelling through color, texture, and material nuance. His earlier New Balance collaborations, most notably the celebrated 990v2, demonstrated a deep respect for the brand’s heritage while pushing it forward with confidence.
Revisiting the Iconic New Balance 992
The New Balance 992 occupies a revered place in sneaker history. Originally released in 2006, the model quickly earned praise for its premium construction, balanced proportions, and exceptional comfort. Over time, it evolved from a performance runner into a lifestyle staple, gaining cult status among purists and casual wearers alike.
Choosing the 992 feels intentional. Its layered construction offers the perfect canvas for Bembury’s material-driven approach, while the MADE in USA designation aligns seamlessly with his emphasis on craftsmanship. Rather than reinventing the silhouette, the collaboration enhances what already works, elevating texture, depth, and finish.
Nature as a Design Language
True to form, Bembury once again turns to the outdoors for inspiration. Early looks reveal a blue mesh base paired with shaggy suede overlays in forest green, mossy hues, and muted gray. The result feels less like a conventional colorway and more like a captured landscape—earthy, grounded, and immersive.
This approach recalls Bembury’s earlier New Balance projects, including the 2002R collaborations that first introduced his aesthetic to a wider audience. However, on the Salehe Bembury x New Balance MADE in USA 992, that language feels more evolved. The textures are bolder, the contrasts more assured, and the overall execution noticeably more mature.
Thoughtful Details That Tell a Story
Where this collaboration truly excels is in its detailing. Subtle branding appears via a small lateral tag featuring Bembury’s name, placed beside the iconic “N” logo without disrupting the shoe’s balance. Inside, a cork sockliner provides comfort while reinforcing the natural-material theme.
Meanwhile, the midsole features New Balance’s trusted ABZORB cushioning, tinted in complementary green tones, while a black outsole anchors the design. Even the packaging contributes to the story, reportedly featuring reservoir-inspired graphics that tie back to the shoe’s outdoor influences. Together, these elements confirm that this release is a fully realized concept, not merely a reworked colorway.
Release Information and What We Know So Far
As of now, neither Salehe Bembury nor New Balance has officially unveiled the collaboration. That said, retailer listings are beginning to fill in the gaps. The sneaker is listed under SKU U992SB, carries an MSRP of $220 USD, and is expected to release in Spring 2026 via New Balance.
Interestingly, London-based retailer Offspring has already listed the pair with a January 1, 2026, release date, priced at £220 GBP. Whether this indicates an early regional launch or a placeholder remains unclear. Regardless, anticipation around the Salehe Bembury x New Balance MADE in USA 992 is already building, and demand is expected to be high.
Why This Collaboration Matters
In a market saturated with collaborations, substance is what separates the memorable from the forgettable. This release succeeds by blending heritage, craftsmanship, and modern design restraint. For New Balance, it reinforces the continued relevance of the 992 and the strength of the MADE in USA program. For Bembury, it represents another thoughtful chapter in a portfolio defined by authenticity.
More importantly, the collaboration feels honest. It reflects Bembury’s ongoing exploration of nature-driven narratives while honoring a silhouette that doesn’t require gimmicks to endure.
Looking Ahead to the Release
While official imagery and confirmation are still pending, all signs point to this being a standout release in an already crowded future calendar. With its balance of premium materials, intentional storytelling, and timeless design, the Salehe Bembury x New Balance MADE in USA 992 is one to watch closely.
As more details surface in the months ahead, expect this collaboration to become a centerpiece of New Balance’s 2026 offerings, and another reminder of why Salehe Bembury remains one of the most influential designers in sneaker culture today.
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Featured image: New Balance
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