Hype in the streetwear world can be gained or lost at an incredibly rapid pace, but Aimé Leon Dore and New Balance have sustained demand for their sneakers throughout their numerous collaborations. Three years after their debut design, the duo has introduced two autumnal takes on the chunky 991 sneaker. One dresses its upper panels in burnt orange leather while the other flaunts a more neutral gray suede.
New Balance and Aimé Leon Dore initially teased the two pairs in March through the latter’s Spring/Summer ‘22 lookbook. Other projects from the two, including additional versions of their 650s and a “Made in USA” 990v2, were also featured in the lookbook. The 991s served as the highlight of all the offerings, however, and were modeled by Andreas Makaris, a legendary fifth-generation potter from Athens, Greece. Aimé Leon Dore has yet to reveal why it chose to showcase Makaris in its collaboration, although his presence alludes to a deeper meaning in the sneaker’s design.
