Montreal’s pride and joy- JJJJound is gearing up for another collaboration in their successful partnership with New Balance.
This time, it will be on one of the more active models in the the New Balance library- the 993.
Of course, a collaborative sneaker from JJJJound is always polarizing in the sneaker space. When the sneaker is made of a brown upper (this time referred to as mushroom) sneakerheads’ seemingly come to an agreement and approve the sneaker. This time is no exception- as the hype surrounding this JJJJound 993 is making for one of the biggest releases of the year.
But how did JJJJound get so many people to care about a primarily brown sneaker? Why are so many people excited to see another collaboration with New Balance?
Understanding how this colorway got to this point is the key to understanding why sneakerheads care, and why JJJJound has stayed among the upper echelon of New Balance collaborators.
The Pair that Started it All
Long after establishing itself as your favorite mood board, JJJJound released their first New Balance collaborative sneaker on the 990v3- in an “Urban Grey” colorway. With only 100 pairs releasing, the sneaker quickly sold out. By the time the sneaker space caught up to both JJJJound and the New Balance hype train, the pair was essentially inaccessible. Thus begun the allusive feeling associated with obtaining a JJJJound and New Balance collaboration.
The Right Shoe at the Right Time
At the cusp of the New Balance boom- JJJJound released their collaborative effort on the 992. At the time, there was not a more exciting model than the 992. The collaboration released in summer of 2020- in a “Mossy Green” and a “Grey” colorway. The green pair was, of course, a welcomed addition and likely the favorite amongst fans. There again, though was the familiar colorway that camouflaged itself between a shade of grey and brown. This pack helped elevate JJJJound amongst New Balance’s best collaborators and opened the eyes to many people who were just about ready to hop on the NB wave.
A Trip Across the Pond
In the following years, JJJJound and New Balance linked up several times- including releasing one of the best sneakers of 2022. It was not until 2023, though, that the now classic brown color returned. This time JJJJound worked on a UK 991, again dubbing it the “Grey” colorway. The return to home, so to speak, was welcomed by sneaker fans around as the UK 991 sold out quicker than you could throw back a pint. It was a very welcomed addition to the JJJJound family.
Play the Hits
Two years since last releasing a sneaker in the trademark colorway, JJJJound is once again playing the hits. This time, the 993 is getting the spin. Originally released in 2008, the 993 has become a recent collaborative favorite for New Balance heavy hitters like Teddy Santis and Joe Freshgoods. Now, JJJJound is getting the nod, and is not taking it lightly. There is a second pair slated to release in this collection, as well.
Though the sneaker year is only getting off to its start, it is clear JJJJound is planning to stay in the conversation this year. The brand has built a legacy of quality collaborations with New Balance- and this 993 is no exception.
The JJJJound x New Balance 993 “Mushroom” releases on January 16th via jjjjound.com. The pair will release the following day via newbalance.com on the 17th.
Stay up to date on this release and more via the SoleSavy DROPS app. There you can find the latest news details as well as release info and raffle management.
