The New Balance 991 “Year of the Ox” is a special look for the retro inspired lifestyle shoe that honors the traditional Chinese holiday. Turning 20 years old in 2021, the “Year of the Ox” also celebrates the model’s heritage with this ultra versatile look for the former running shoe. A rustic plush brown suede material is layered over the brown mesh base on the mid-panel and eyelets. Tonal leather overlays appear on the forefoot and heel. A brown “N” logo with yellow accenting can be found on either side of the shoe and brown embroidered “991” detailing is stitched onto the branding window on the heel. Additional branding efforts include yellow embroidered “New Balance” and “991” on the brown leather overlay on the brown mesh tongue. The midsole displayed a two-tone white-and-grey look. New Balance’s renowned Abzorb cushioning is embedded within the midsole for impact absorption. True to New Balance’s less-is-more branding ethos, the only references to Chinese New Year appear on the red nylon overlay on the underside of the tongue. Release date: April 21, 2021. Black Coffee.