Kith x New Balance 992 “Dusty Blue”: A Love Letter to Osaka
I still remember my first pair of New Balance sneakers. It was 2011, and I was wandering through a little boutique in Brooklyn when I spotted them—grey suede with that iconic “N” logo. They weren’t flashy, but something about them spoke to me. Fast forward more than a decade later, and here I am, still getting excited about New Balance releases like a kid on Christmas morning.
And boy, do I have something to be excited about today!
The Blue Beauty That’s Coming Our Way
Kith and New Balance are at it again, folks. The dynamic duo that’s been blessing our feet since the mid-2010s has just announced their latest creation: the Kith x New Balance 992 “Dusty Blue.” And let me tell you, these kicks are an absolute dream.
I was scrolling through my phone at 2 AM last night (bad habit, I know) when the news popped up on my feed. I literally gasped so loud I woke up my dog. Sorry, Baxter!
These sneakers are basically a love letter to Kith’s Osaka store, wrapped up in the most gorgeous dusty blue colorway you’ve ever seen. The blue is subtle but eye-catching—the kind of color that makes you do a double-take without being obnoxious about it.
Breaking Down the Beauty
What makes these 992s so special? For starters, they’ve got that classic mesh base that feels like walking on air. I’ve spent whole days walking around the city in my 992s, and my feet have never complained once. Trust me, when you’re chasing down three different coffee meetings and a lunch date, comfortable shoes aren’t just nice—they’re essential.
The suede overlays add texture and a touch of luxury that elevates these from just regular sneakers to something you’d want to display on a shelf. And those light grey mid-layers? *Chef’s kiss* They provide the perfect contrast against the dusty blue.
The neutral-toned midsoles ground the whole design, making these versatile enough to wear with just about anything. Jeans? Check. Chinos? Absolutely. Shorts on a warm day? You bet.
The Kith and New Balance Love Story
I’ve been watching Kith and New Balance dance around each other for years now. Their partnership has produced some of the most sought-after sneakers in my collection. There’s something about the way Ronnie Fieg (Kith’s founder, for those who might not know) approaches these collaborations—he respects the heritage while adding just enough modern flair to make them feel special.
I actually met Ronnie briefly at a sneaker convention in 2017. He was super down-to-earth, and we chatted about how the right pair of sneakers can change your whole outlook on a day. I’ve found that to be true countless times. There’s nothing like lacing up a fresh pair to add a little pep to your step.
When Can We Get Our Hands (Feet?) on These?
Here’s the slightly painful part—we’re going to have to wait a bit. Word on the street is that these beauties won’t be dropping until Spring 2025. I know, I know. I’m as impatient as you are. My calendar is already marked, even though we don’t have an exact date yet.
As with most Kith releases, these will be exclusive to their official channels. So don’t expect to waltz into just any sneaker store and find them. You’ll need to keep an eye on Kith’s website and physical stores when the time comes.
No word on pricing yet, but based on previous Kith x New Balance collabs, I’d guess these will be in the $200-250 range. Start saving those pennies now!
Why I’m Already Obsessed
Last summer, I took a trip to Japan and spent a few days in Osaka. The city has this incredible blend of traditional and ultra-modern elements that somehow work perfectly together. It’s vibrant yet peaceful, chaotic yet ordered. Looking at these sneakers, I can see how they’ve captured that essence.
The dusty blue reminds me of the early morning haze over the city as I walked to find the best coffee spot. The gray accents echo the stone gardens and temple paths I wandered through. Even the silhouette of the 992 itself—balanced between chunky and sleek—feels like a nod to Osaka’s unique character.
Final Thoughts
Will these be hard to get? Probably. Am I going to try anyway? Absolutely. There’s something about the thrill of the chase when it comes to limited sneaker releases that I just can’t resist, even after all these years.
So mark your calendars for Spring 2025, fellow sneakerheads. The Kith x New Balance 992 “Dusty Blue” is coming, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already figuring out what outfits you’ll pair with them.
Until then, I’ll be here, scrolling through the teaser images and dreaming of dusty blue suede. Some might call it obsessive. I call it passion. And isn’t that what makes the sneaker community so special?
