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Melbourne-based retailer Up There reunites with New Balance for a collaboration on the 991v2, inspired by Made in England releases from the early 2000 — often considered the “golden era” of sneaker collecting, when the internet first brought the global community together.
In partnership with New Balance designer Sam Pearce, this 991v2 is crafted with new material and design elements, elevating the silhouette to greater heights. Performance meshes combine with carbon-effect leather for a technical edge, whilst full-grain leather overlays provide a luxury contrast. The white and cream midsole features translucent SBS pods and heel caps, paired with a timeless gum outsole. The palette of black and reflective silver hues are interrupted by flashes of Up There’s signature green on the tongues, heels, and outsoles.
In homage to the antipodean partnership, the shoe features “+61” embroidered at the heel — the international calling code for Australia. Another nod is the upside-down “Made in England” tongue embroidery, reflecting the store’s location “down under.” The upside-down detail has become an Up There staple, as seen in their previous sneaker collabs such as the recent ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1.
Ahead of the online release, Up There and New Balance surprised locals with a “Family Shoe Mart” pop-up in rural Victoria this past Saturday. Those who made the interstate trip were able to buy the 991v2 in-person — as well as previous Up There x New Balance collabs — before the shoes were even revealed to the public.
Up There’s partnership with New Balance began in 2022 with the debut release of the 2002R “Backyard Legends”. Since then, the Australian boutique and Boston-based brand have continued to cook up popular collaborations, including their silver 1906R and last year’s “Acid Green” and “Blossom” 860v2s.
The Up There x New Balance 991v2 Made In UK drops this Black Friday, November 28th at 8am AEDT exclusively on the Up There website. Check them out below.
Up There x New Balance 991v2
Style Code: U991UT2
Release Date: November 28, 2025
Price: $420 AUD
