A watershed moment for New Balance, the 991v2 represents the first in-house 99x series model to be created completely in-house by the UK design team. Designed as evolution—compared with the 990v6's revolutionary approach—the 991v2 sees familiar 99x cues reworked with modern-day technology. For the uppers refinement is the key word with more technical shapes and reduced panels allowing the shoe to fit more comfortably than the original 991. The sole unit is where the real magic happens. NB's tech in 2001 was great but nowhere near as advanced as today. Where the 991 introduced ABZORB to the forefoot for the first time, the 991v2 hosts a plethora of new innovation. The familiar names of ENCAP and ABZORB are present—the former offering heel support whilst the latter is housed in ABZORB SBS pods along the midsole—along with top-tier FuelCell cushioning which runs full-length. The result is a shoe with archival looks and cutting-edge comfort.