These New Balance “Light Mushroom” 997s Are Making Me Nostalgic

Alright folks, I’ve got to come clean about something – I have a sneaker problem. Not the kind where I can’t stop buying them (okay, maybe a little bit that too), but the kind where I get ridiculously excited about new colorways like I’m a kid on Christmas morning. And let me tell you, New Balance’s latest offering has me feeling all kinds of ways.

Yesterday, while scrolling through sneaker news with my morning coffee (spilling some on my keyboard, as usual), I spotted the upcoming New Balance 997 Made in USA in “Light Mushroom” and nearly choked on my toast. They’re back! After what felt like forever, the 997 Made in USA has returned, and this new colorway is exactly the kind of understated heat that gets my heart racing.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I still remember my first pair of 997s from back in the day. I wore them until they practically disintegrated, taking them everywhere from music festivals to family reunions. There’s something about that silhouette that just works, you know? It’s like that reliable friend who never goes out of style no matter how many years pass.

This new “Light Mushroom” iteration is part of the Seasonal Collection that Teddy Santis is heading up. If you’re not familiar with Teddy, he’s the mastermind behind Aimé Leon Dore who’s been bringing a fresh perspective to New Balance’s classics. And boy, does it show in these beauties.

What Makes These So Special?

Have you ever seen a color and just thought, “Yep, that’s me in shoe form”? That’s how I feel about this “Light Mushroom” palette. It’s this perfect blend of neutral tones that’ll go with pretty much anything in your closet. I can already picture myself wearing these with jeans and a simple tee, or even dressed up a bit with some chinos. Versatility at its finest!

The materials on these? *Chef’s kiss*. We’re talking textured suede that looks so plush I want to reach through my screen and touch it. Plus, there’s perforated mesh that’ll keep your feet from turning into a swamp during those warmer days (learned that lesson the hard way with non-breathable sneakers at a summer wedding… not my finest moment).

One detail I’m particularly obsessed with is the shaggy suede treatments. It reminds me of those super soft blankets that you just can’t stop petting. And those light tan accents on the TPU eyestay? Perfect pop of contrast without screaming for attention.

The Retro Vibes Are Strong

Can we talk about the exposed foam on the tongue for a second? That little detail takes me straight back to the 90s, when I was rocking my first pair of “serious” sneakers and thought I was the coolest kid on the block. There’s something so satisfyingly nostalgic about it – like finding an old mixtape or catching a whiff of your mom’s signature cookies baking in the oven.

I walked into my local sneaker shop last week and the guy behind the counter (Dave, who’s seen me blow way too much money over the years) mentioned these were dropping soon. We spent a good fifteen minutes just chatting about how New Balance has been killing it lately with their Made in USA line. The craftsmanship is just different – you can feel it when you hold the shoe.

The Not-So-Fun Part

Now for the part that hurts my wallet: these bad boys are set to drop on February 27, 2025, with a price tag of $200. Is that cheap? Nope. Am I still going to set a calendar reminder and possibly skip my fancy coffee that week to justify buying them? You bet I am.

The way I see it, investing in well-made sneakers that’ll last for years is actually smart shopping. At least that’s what I tell my partner when another shoebox mysteriously appears in our closet. “They’re an investment piece!” I insist, while they roll their eyes for the thousandth time.

Why I’m Counting Down the Days

There’s something special about the Made in USA line that just hits different. Maybe it’s knowing that they were crafted with care not too far from where I grew up. Or maybe it’s the quality you can see in every stitch and panel. Whatever it is, these “Light Mushroom” 997s have got me checking my calendar daily.

Will I be staying up late to try and snag a pair when they drop? Probably. Will I be refreshing multiple browser tabs while simultaneously trying to order through the app? Definitely. Will I be crushed if I don’t get them? Absolutely. But such is the life of a sneaker enthusiast with too many pairs already and not enough sense to stop.

So mark your calendars, fellow sneakerheads. February 27th could be the day you add a little “Light Mushroom” magic to your collection. Just don’t tell my partner I’m eyeing another pair of New Balances… though at this point, I think they already know.