New Balance 998: the cult Made in USA silhouette released in 1993

Step into the world of the New Balance 998, the founding Made in USA silhouette of premium runner heritage from the 90s. Released in 1993 in the workshops of Boston then Maine, it remains one of the most respected pairs by brand purists, worn by Steve Jobs daily and integrated into pop culture by Ferris Bueller. MTHOR Shop curates the most coveted 998 versions for you: silhouettes authenticated by our team of experts, shipped sealed and delivered worldwide.

The story of an icon: from Made in USA to Concepts culture

The New Balance 998 was born in 1993, manufactured in New Balance's historic workshops in Boston (Massachusetts) then in Maine. At its release, it fits into the brand's premium lineage and marks the introduction of ABZORB technology into the sole, which will define NB high-end cushioning for the next decade. Its refined leather/suede/mesh silhouette quickly becomes a benchmark among heritage runner enthusiasts.

In the 2000s-2010s, the 998 experiences a major renaissance thanks to several factors: Steve Jobs who wears them daily in his famous monochrome outfits (the gray 998 has become inseparable from the image of Apple's founder), and New Balance's explosive collaboration series with Concepts (Boston). The drops 998 "Tannery" (2017), "C-Note" (2014), "Mint Julep" and "Tassie Devil" become absolute grails of the sneaker game. Today, the 998 remains one of the most respected Made in USA silhouettes, worn by purists who prefer its sober silhouette to bulkier ones.

A unique technology: how does the 998 work?

The New Balance 998 introduces the technical combination that will define the premium NB Made in USA. The midsole pairs a classic EVA foam with an ABZORB cushioning unit at the heel (first integration on this silhouette) and the peripheral ENCAP system for stability. The upper combines full-grain leather, premium suede and mesh, in the tradition of late 80s and early 90s NB runners.

Three clear benefits: long-lasting ABZORB cushioning at the heel, premium Made in USA manufacture in the Boston/Maine workshops, and sober heritage silhouette that goes anywhere effortlessly.

Iconic models in the collection

The New Balance 998 collection at MTHOR covers the most coveted Made in USA versions: the NB 998 Grey/Silver iconic Steve Jobs OG colorway, the NB 998 Black in elegant monochrome, the NB 998 Made in USA "Made in USA Pack". On the collab side, you'll find the legendary NB 998 x Concepts "Tannery" in luxurious leather, the NB 998 x Concepts "C-Note" tribute to the $100 bill, the NB 998 x Kith "Beach" and the rare NB 998 x Aimé Leon Dore.

Why buy your New Balance 998 at MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specializes in authenticated sneakers. Every pair in our New Balance 998 collection goes through a rigorous check by our team of experts: we verify the box and size label consistency, the materials, smell, stitching, shape and sole, as well as the laces and accessories. For the most thorough checks, we rely on specialized tools such as UV lamp or microscope. Every order ships with a seal, a tangible guarantee that the quality control was performed and authenticity validated. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide home delivery against signature in 2 to 8 days, with real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay, and a France-based customer service available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy protects you.

FAQ — New Balance 998 at MTHOR

How do you verify the authenticity of a New Balance 998 Made in USA?

Our team of experts checks every pair against a rigorous grid: box/size label consistency, material, smell, stitching, shape, sole, laces and accessories. On the 998 Made in USA, attention focuses particularly on the Made in USA stamp on the tongue, the quality of the leather and suede used, and the presence of the authentic ABZORB and ENCAP logos on the sole. We use UV lamp and microscope. Every order is sealed before shipping. See the full process.

What size should I choose for New Balance 998?

The New Balance 998 fits true to size, like most Made in USA NBs of this generation. If you already wear 990v3, 991, 1500 or 576, take your usual size. The interior is comfortable from the start and retains its shape over time thanks to Made in USA quality.

What box comes with my pair?

You receive the original New Balance Made in USA box with its size label affixed by NB and all the official accessories (replacement laces, tissue paper, marketing inserts). For Concepts, Kith or ALD collabs, the special drop collector box is kept intact.

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You benefit from real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, regardless of your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs fees and taxes, regardless of your destination worldwide. The price displayed on the website is the final price you pay: no nasty surprises on delivery.

Can I return my pair if it doesn't suit me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your pair, provided it's in its original condition (never worn, intact box, seal not removed). Refunds are processed within 24h of receiving the return.

Going further

Also discover our New Balance and New Balance Made in USA collections. To learn everything about our sneakers' quality, check our detailed authentication process or our guide How to recognize a genuine pair of sneakers.