# Kith x New Balance “Osaka” Pack: Another Sneaker Collab I’ll Be Staying Up All Night For
So, I’ve been setting my alarm for ridiculous hours again. You know the drill – that 2 AM wake-up call that has my wife rolling her eyes and mumbling “not another sneaker drop” into her pillow. But guys, the upcoming Kith x New Balance “Osaka” Pack has me ready to sacrifice sleep once more, and I’m not even sorry about it.
Japan-Bound Hype
I still remember my first pair of New Balances. It was 2008, I was wandering through a mall in Seattle with a coffee that was way too hot (burned my tongue, naturally), when I spotted them – gray suede 574s that practically screamed “responsible adult who still has style.” Fast forward to today, and here I am, planning my strategy to cop the latest Kith x NB collab dropping in March 2025.
This release is extra special because it’s celebrating Kith’s new flagship store in Osaka. I’ve never been to Japan, though I did have a layover at Narita once where I panic-bought $70 worth of Kit Kats in flavors I didn’t recognize. Does that count as experiencing Japanese culture? Probably not.
The 992: Baby Blue Dreams
Let’s talk about these kicks. First up is the 992 MADE in USA, which features these gorgeous baby blue suede overlays that remind me of clear spring skies. You know that perfect blue that shows up after a week of rain? That’s what we’re looking at here.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the 992s. They’re chunky without looking like you’re wearing orthopedic shoes (which, let’s be honest, is a fine line that some sneakers cross). The craftsmanship on these is supposed to be top-notch, which makes sense since they’re part of New Balance’s MADE in USA lineup.
My buddy Jake got a pair of regular 992s last year and would NOT shut up about how comfortable they were. “It’s like walking on memory foam that remembers exactly how your foot likes to be held,” he kept saying, which was both poetic and slightly creepy.
The 991v2: Steel Blue Classics
The second pair in this pack is the 991v2 MADE in UK, coming in that “Steel Blue” colorway that apparently keeps Ronnie Fieg up at night. Can’t blame him – it’s that perfect shade that goes with literally everything in your closet. I tried to explain this to my mom last week, and she said, “Honey, they’re just blue shoes.” Some people just don’t get it.
The 991v2 is the slightly more refined cousin of the 992, with lines that somehow look both retro and futuristic. The UK-made New Balances have this certain je ne sais quoi that’s hard to describe. It’s like comparing a homemade burger to a fast-food one – they’re both burgers, but you can taste the difference immediately.
Release Day Jitters
Mark your calendars for March 21, 2025. That’s when these beauties will drop at Kith Osaka, Kith.com, and on their app. I’ve already warned my credit card about what’s coming.
I still haven’t recovered from missing out on the Kith x Asics collab last summer. I had the page open, finger hovering over the “Purchase” button, when my internet decided it was the perfect time to update something. By the time I refreshed, poof – sold out in my size. I may have dramatically collapsed onto my kitchen floor, prompting my dog to lick my face in concern.
The Japan Connection
What I really love about this release is how it bridges cultures. Kith has been expanding globally, but they’re not just opening stores – they’re creating these moments that celebrate local aesthetics while staying true to their New York roots.
Japanese street style has influenced fashion worldwide for decades, and seeing Kith tap into that energy feels right. Though I gotta admit, part of me wonders if I can pull off these kicks without looking like I’m trying too hard. My wife assures me I passed the “trying too hard” threshold years ago, so I might as well embrace it.
Final Thoughts
Will I manage to get my hands on either of these pairs? History suggests it’s a 50/50 shot at best. Will I be slightly grumpy for a week if I miss out? Absolutely. But that’s part of the fun of being a sneakerhead – the thrill of the chase and all that.
In the meantime, I’ll be clearing space in my closet (much to my wife’s dismay) and practicing my fastest checkout clicks. If you’re aiming for these too, may the odds be ever in your favor. And if you’re in Osaka, I’m not saying you should pick up an extra pair in size 10.5 for a dedicated blogger, but I’m not NOT saying that either.
See you in the virtual queue!
