Joe Freshgoods x Don't Be Mad x New Balance 992 Made in USA 'Anatomy of a Heart'
Colorway: Pink/Red/Burgundy · Style code: M992JFG1 · Release date: February 14, 2020 · Price: $1800 · Availability: Available now
More colorways: New Balance 992 Made in USA 'Violet Purple' (M992AA) · New Balance 992 Made in USA 'Easter Pastels' (M992AB) · New Balance 992 Made in USA 'Plaid' (M992AD) · New Balance 992 Made in USA 'Black Volt' (M992AF) · New Balance 992 Made in USA 'Grey Blue Red' (M992AG)
New Balance's 99X line moved in order for its first fifteen years (990 in 1982, then the 995, 996, 997, 998 and 999) before doubling back to fill gaps. The 991 came in 2001 and the 992 in 2006, both made in the United States, where the series has stayed while most footwear manufacturing left.
The 992 is a heavier, more panelled shoe than the 990 that started it, which is what makes it useful to a designer working in colour blocks rather than silhouettes. Joe Freshgoods, working through his apparel label Don't Be Mad, built his around a date rather than a theme: it went out on 14 February 2020, and the shoe is titled after the anatomy of a heart.
The upper mixes burgundy mesh with tan leather and suede overlays in red and pink, a palette that would look garish on a lighter shoe and reads as deliberate on this one. The midsole splits the difference underneath: white on one half, black on the other. It listed at $175.