[Review] J. Crew x New Balance 998 "Death Valley"

In this review, we take a look at the J. Crew x New Balance 998 “Death Valley” men’s running shoe, that was a part of the “National Parks” pack. It features a colorway perfect for fall, but keep reading to see exactly what we think about it.

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ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE

$180

RELEASE DATE

Early 2018

MANUFACTURER

J. Crew x New Balance

SHOE STYLE

Retro Running Shoe

Sneaker Video Review:

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Sneaker Quality

Materials: J. Crew x New Balance 998

I’ll keep saying it until I’m in the grave…..New Balance has the best suede in the game and this shoe proves it once again.

As you can see from the pictures, the suede has a luxurious look and adds a lot of dimension to the shoe.

Something should also be said about the mesh. Its golden-brown color complements the darker brown of the suede in a classy way and it feels plush and soft to the touch.

Construction: J. Crew x New Balance 998

Not all New Balance “Made in the USA” shoes are perfect, but this pair is pretty much spot on.

All of the stitching is clean, and the toe box shape is just the way I like it for this model.

Sneaker Fit & Comfort:

Sizing: J. Crew x New Balance 998

New Balance shoes like this heritage version are pretty generous when it comes the fit. The shoe seems wider overall compared to running sneakers from brands like Nike and Adidas.

For that reason, most people with narrower feet can afford to go down half a size, however, going true to size may work as well….It all just depends on how you like to have your shoes fit.

Cushioning: J. Crew x New Balance 998

This shoe model was originally released as one of New Balance’s flagship running shoes. This means that the shoe was designed for ultimate comfort, stability, and durability.

Although this shoe is now being marketed as a lifestyle shoe, it’s original DNA is still present which means this is still and incredibly comfortable shoe.

Although, this shoe’s ABZORB midsole isn’t a soft and bouncy as Nike React or Adidas Boost, you can bet will maintain its feel and become more comfortable with each wear.

Sneaker Style & Value:

Wearability: J. Crew x New Balance 998

In theory, this shoe would be the perfect addiction to a fall sneaker rotation. However, the colors are indeed a bit unique and may require a bit more fashion expertise to properly include into an outfit.

This may prove to be too big a challenge for those who aren’t fashion inclined, but may be a great opportunity for the right menswear guru.

Pricing Value: J. Crew x New Balance 998

At retail, this shoe comes in at a price point that’s comparable to other shoe brand’s top running models. However, the fact that this shoe is made in the USA, is comprised of premium materials, and crafted by experienced workers, you start to see it’s value.

What makes this shoe even better, is the fact that I was able to purchase it on sale for only $67. A complete steal for a shoe of this quality and design.

The Insider Rating:

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