New Balance 997 Made In USA Review

By Anthony Levine, longtime sneaker collector.

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I really like New Balance shoes, but they’re always so expensive that I never wind up getting a lot of pairs. In my opinion, the New Balance 997 is a model that gets slept on.

The 997 was designed by Steven Smith in 1990. It’s one of my all time favorite New Balance models due to its sleek profile shape and 90s aesthetic. Skip to the bottom of the article to find out where to get pairs for yourself!

How Are The Materials on the New Balance 997?

New Balance 997 Connoisseur Retro Ski wdywt — **New Balance 997 Connoisseur Retro Ski**
These came out as part of a pack with
colorways based on vintage ski sweaters,
hats and jackets. My first 997s!

If you know anything about Made In USA New Balance models, they’re expensive for a reason. The materials and quality really reflect the craftsmanship that comes along with the high price tag.

The suede on these is super buttery and the 3M and mesh help tie the shoe together. I could spend several minutes just touching the suede!

Of course, not every pair is created equal. The 997 has other versions available such as the 997H which do not always have the same level of quality. Be sure to double check whether the 997s you’re getting are from the Made In USA line if you want a better chance of getting that legendary quality.

How Do New Balance 997 Fit?

The New Balance 997 Made In USA fit true to size and are very comfy. The narrower toebox gives these a closer fit; wide footers might consider going up a half size from their normal size.

They feature the same type of cushioning as other pairs of NBs and are a great shoe to wear for long periods of time. I almost feel like I could have gone a half size down, but these still fit really well. The shape of course is perfection and all in all I highly suggest getting a pair of 997s even if you don’t get this colorway. A must have for the collection in my opinion!

Where To Buy the New Balance 997

You can sometimes find pairs on the New Balance website. More often than not though, they sell out quickly and so online sneaker boutiques and aftermarket sites like eBay are helpful.

See below for links to different 997 colorways I personally own or have owned: