The New Balance 993 Mushroom / Midnight Violet is a clean, straightforward entry in the Made in USA lineup, brought to life under the direction of Teddy Santis, who has led the premium heritage-focused vision for New Balance’s Made in USA program since 2021. Known as the founder of Aimé Leon Dore, Santis has emphasized elevated materials and cohesive color palettes, and this earthy, outdoor-inspired colorway reflects that approach well.
Introduced in 2008 as the 10th generation of the 99X series, the Made in USA New Balance 993 combined design elements from the 991 and 992 while upgrading comfort through ABZORB cushioning. This particular release keeps things simple, letting the Mushroom and Midnight Violet palette do the heavy lifting, resulting in a versatile colorway that feels both classic and slightly rugged.
I was able to pick these up for about $116 shipped from Joe’s New Balance Outlet, essentially getting them for close to half off retail, which made the decision easy. The outdoorsy, ACG-like color palette that reminds me of hiking footwear also made these especially appealing, giving the pair a subtle trail-inspired look that still works perfectly for everyday wear.
Packaging is standard for the line. The sneakers come in the basic tan Made in USA 993 box and include sets of both sail and greyish brown flat laces.
Materials
Material quality is about what you’d expect from a Made in USA release. The upper features somewhat soft suede paired with breathable mesh, and the overall construction feels premium and durable. Even at full retail the materials feel justified, but at a discounted price these easily feel like a steal given the craftsmanship and finish.
Fit & Comfort
Fit is roomy at true to size and extremely comfortable. The 993 uses a specialized ABZORB midsole combined with ACTEVA cushioning, delivering a stable yet well-cushioned ride with strong impact absorption. Among retro New Balance models, the 993 is widely considered one of the most comfortable, making it an excellent option for long hours of casual, all-day wear.
If these are sold out at different stores online, you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: Mushroom / Midnight Violet
Style Code: U993MU
Retail Price: $220
Year of Release: 2024