Why It’s Hot: A longtime dad favorite borrows another retro shoe’s rugged trail outsole
- A longtime dad favorite borrows another retro shoe’s rugged trail outsole
- The EVA foam midsole with Ortholite insert feels plush underfoot
- Guide to Pro Runner Form
Price: $185
Style: Casual wear
Available: Now
New Balance just released a Foot Locker-exclusive hybrid version of its 801 trail runner. The shoe resurrects the midsole and outsole of its original 801 and combines it with a suede and mesh 990 upper for a rugged look designed to appeal to both fans of retro footwear and sensible dads of all eras.
Pros
- Running Shoes & Gear
- Rugged outsole
- Reflective accents
Cons
- The EVA foam midsole with Ortholite insert feels plush underfoot
The original 801 was a ‘90s lifestyle trail shoe with a compression-molded EVA foam midsole and burly rubber outsole for all-day comfort. The original 990, now more than 30 years old, had just the type of neutral-toned, suede-paneled upper that’s been re-embraced by the unpredictable fashion world.
A performance running shoe when first introduced, the 990 has long since created a fanbase among non-runners for its clean, grey look and wide, comfortable fit. New Balance has described the shoe as “a culture phenomenon,” releasing this video to explain the sneaker’s unlikely path to influencer appreciation.
With these two forces combined—the 801’s wavy, patterned sole and the 990’s upper, plus an added Ortholite insole for extra support and reflective accents—New Balance has created a normcore hybrid for casual trail wear. If “clunky” is the look you’re going for, this shoe serves it up on a thick layer of foam. Look for the shoe exclusively via Foot Locker’s site for $185.
