Kith’s New Balance 991v2 “Osaka” – Another Collab I Can’t Afford But Will Probably Buy Anyway

You know that feeling when you’ve just paid off your credit card and then a sneaker collab drops that makes your wallet start sweating? Yeah, that’s me right now looking at the upcoming Kith x New Balance release celebrating their new Osaka flagship store. I’ve been covering sneaker collabs for over a decade now, and somehow they still manage to make me feel like a kid pressing my nose against a candy store window.

Let me back up a bit. So Kith – you know, the brand that somehow makes your basic hoodies cost three times what they should – is opening a fancy new store in Osaka, Japan. And because apparently opening a store isn’t exciting enough on its own, they’re dropping not one but TWO special New Balance sneakers to mark the occasion.

The Blue Suede Shoes (Sorry, Elvis)

Last weekend, I was sorting through my sneaker collection while my wife gave me that look – the one that says “you promised to donate some of these six months ago” – when I got the news about these drops. The timing couldn’t have been worse (or better, depending on how you look at it).

The collab features two models: the MADE in USA New Balance 992 and the MADE in UK 991v2. Both come in these gorgeous blue suede colorways that honestly made me stare at my phone for a solid minute. The 992 is this soft baby blue that reminds me of clear spring skies, while the 991v2 rocks New Balance’s classic “Steel Blue” – that perfect mix of blue-gray that somehow matches everything in your closet.

I still remember when the original Steel Blue colorway dropped years ago. I was writing my blog from a tiny apartment, cup of coffee in hand, debating whether I could justify another sneaker purchase. I ended up buying them, and they’re still one of my most-worn pairs. The suede on those things has aged like fine wine – unlike me, unfortunately.

The Nitty-Gritty Details

If you’re planning to grab these (and let’s be honest, you are), mark your calendar for March 21, 2025. That’s when the Osaka store opens its doors and when these beauties will drop both in-store and on Kith’s website.

I’ve already set three alarms on my phone and warned my family that I’ll be completely unavailable for the first hour of that day. The last time I tried to cop a Kith release, my internet decided to buffer at exactly the wrong moment. I still haven’t emotionally recovered from that trauma.

The quality on these is supposed to be top-notch – as it should be for the price we’ll inevitably pay. The MADE in USA and MADE in UK lines represent New Balance’s premium manufacturing, with materials and craftsmanship that actually justify their cost. When I got my hands on previous MADE models, I could actually feel the difference. The suede is always butter-soft, and they somehow manage to be comfortable right out of the box – no week-long break-in period where you’re nursing blisters and regretting your life choices.

Why This Release Matters (or Maybe It Doesn’t and I’m Just Obsessed)

There’s something about these region-specific releases that always gets me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been saving for a trip to Japan for years (current status: about halfway there if you don’t count inflation). The closest I’ll get to Osaka in 2025 is probably these sneakers.

What makes this release special is how it connects to the physical location. The blue colorways apparently take inspiration from Osaka’s architecture and vibe. I’ve never been, but my friend Mike went last year and wouldn’t shut up about it for months. According to his endless Instagram stories, Osaka is this perfect blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern urban design – kind of like how these New Balances blend classic silhouettes with contemporary colorways.

The Internal Debate Begins

Now comes the part where I try to convince myself I don’t need these. I already have seven pairs of New Balances. My sneaker rack is literally sagging in the middle. I promised my wife I’d cut back this year.

But then I think: these are commemorative! They’re special! They mark a moment in sneaker history! This is the kind of justification that has led to my current collection situation and the reason I now store shoes under our bed (don’t tell my wife).

If you’re like me and trying to decide whether to join the release day madness, just know you’re not alone. I’ll be right there with you, clutching my coffee at an ungodly hour, refreshing multiple browser tabs, and praying to the sneaker gods.

Whether you’re in it for the love of the design, the connection to Osaka, or simply because you can’t resist the allure of limited-edition anything, I wish you luck. May your internet be fast and your clicking finger faster.

And if anyone has tips on how to explain yet another sneaker purchase to a very patient spouse, my inbox is open.