In celebration of the five-year anniversary of their collaboration, footwear brand New Balance and Chicago-based designer Joe Freshgoods are releasing Joe Freshgoods Aged Well New Balance 992.
Joe Freshgoods’ “Aged Well” New Balance 992
Releasing on February 21 on joefreshgoods.com and February 28 on New Balance channels, as part of Joe Freshgoods’ ongoing partnership with New Balance, this limited-edition in an aged colourway, combines vintage aesthetics with craftsmanship.
Per Sports Illustrated: ‘To further commemorate the anniversary, Joe Freshgoods and New Balance will host an intimate pop-up tour in cities significant to the silhouette’s cultural impact, including Chicago, Boston, and Washington, D.C.’
Joe Freshgoods’ “Aged Well” New Balance 992
Joe Freshgoods’ ‘Aged Well’ New Balance 992 draws inspiration from their inaugural collaboration, the ‘Aged Well’ 992, in 2020.
We remember the night of the original launch. It was a chilly February evening in 2020 when sneakerheads were buzzing with excitement as Valentine’s Day and All-Star Weekend coincided with the release of Joe Freshgoods’ highly anticipated New Balance collaboration. The all-red “Heartbreaker 574” dropped at midnight on New Balance and Don’t Be Mad’s websites.
Fast forward to 2025: the muted, pastel colour palette evokes the subtle effects of time and the elements, as though the fabric of the sneaker has been embraced by the warm glow of a fading sunset. Suggested retail is $220. ‘Aged Well’ embodies a narrative that chronicles the organic evolution of a partnership that has weathered years of creative synergy.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 “Aged Well”
“I first realised the power of Joe during the Chicago 2020 All-Star Weekend,” Chris Davis, Brand President and Chief Marketing Officer at New Balance told msn. “We always knew he was special and had a unique perspective, but that was a special moment for me. It was probably 2 degrees outside, and we saw all of these kids from all over waiting in line, hungry for the first 992 release, but also the depth of storytelling.”
“It’s all about having the right product story and the right cultural ambassadors at the right moment. So, you have Kawhi Leonard’s signature shoe with Joe Freshgoods at NBA All-Star, where Kawhi won MVP. The way that Joe and Kawhi interacted was so awkwardly natural. It was perfect. A match made in heaven. That’s when I knew this could be a special relationship and it hasn’t failed since then. This latest 992 project is a perfect culmination of just that.”
The new release is already being projected as one of the most hyped New Balance shoes of 2025. It checks off a lot of boxes including the revival of a popular model and Joe Freshgoods’ artistic vision.
AT A GLANCE
- 📌Product: Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 “Aged Well”
- 📌MRP: $220 USD
- 📌Release Date: February 21 [Joe Freshgoods] and February 28 [New Balance]
- 📌Where to Buy: Joe Freshgoods and New Balance
- 📌Colourway: Rose
FAQS How to style Joe Freshgoods’ “Aged Well” New Balance 992
📌What colour palette is the “Aged Well” New Balance 992?
The “Aged Well” 992 features a light pink gradient, with subtle tones that evoke the natural fading effect of sun exposure.
📌What clothing should I wear with the “Aged Well” 992?
To style the “Aged Well” 992, pair it with denim jeans, pastel-coloured shorts, or soft-coloured sweaters
📌Can I wear the “Aged Well” 992 with bold or bright colours?
While the “Aged Well” 992 is a statement piece, it’s best paired with soft, muted colours to let the shoe take center stage. For a pop of colour, pair it with a bold-coloured socks.
📌What type of outfit is the “Aged Well” 992 most suitable for?
The “Aged Well” 992 is perfect for casual wear, making it ideal for running errands, meeting friends, or lounging on a weekend.
📌Can I dress up the “Aged Well” 992 for a more formal occasion?
Yes! Try pairing the “Aged Well” 992 with a blazer, dress pants, and a crisp white shirt for a stylish.
📌How can I add texture to my outfit with the “Aged Well” 992?
Mix and match different textures like suede, velvet, or corduroy to add depth and interest to the outfit.
📌Can I wear the “Aged Well” 992 in winter?
Yes! The light pink colourway can be worn in winter by pairing it with dark, rich colours like navy or olive.
📌How can I style the “Aged Well” 992 for a sporty look?
Try pairing the shoe with joggers or leggings, and add a windbreaker or sports jacket for a sporty look.
📌Can I wear the “Aged Well” 992 with loafers or slip-ons?
Yes! The sleek design of the “Aged Well” 992 makes it a great pairing with loafers or slip-ons.
📌What are some key accessories that pair well with the “Aged Well” 992?
Try pairing it with a minimalist watch, a slim belt, or a simple necklace.
The Evolution Of Sneaker Culture
Sneaker culture has its roots in the late Seventies, fueled by the popularity of basketball and hip-hop. Adidas and Puma were early players, but the game changed when Nike signed Michael Jordan in 1984, creating the Air Jordan line. This marked the beginning of signature sneakers, transforming athletic footwear into coveted fashion statements.
The Air Jordan 1, banned by the NBA for violating uniform rules, ironically became a symbol of rebellious style, solidifying the sneaker’s place in popular culture. Hip-hop artists like Run-DMC further amplified the trend, adopting Adidas Superstars as their signature footwear, cementing the connection between sneakers, music and street style. This era laid the groundwork for the collector mentality, limited releases, and the overall obsession that defines sneaker culture.
The Nineties experienced the rise of sneaker collaborations and technological advancements. Brands like Nike, Adidas and Reebok experimented with innovative designs, cushioning technologies, and partnerships with athletes and artists beyond basketball. Skateboarding culture also contributed significantly, with brands like Vans and Converse gaining popularity for their durable, stylish designs.
Limited edition releases became frequent, creating hype and fueling the resale market. The internet’s growing influence allowed sneakerheads to connect, share information, and buy or sell sneakers, expanding the culture’s reach beyond local communities. This period established the modern pillars of sneaker culture: exclusivity, innovation, and community.
Today, sneaker culture is a global phenomenon encompassing art, fashion, sports, and technology. Collaborations are commonplace, with high-fashion brands like Dior and Comme des Garçons partnering with sportswear giants to create sought-after sneakers. The resale market has exploded, with platforms like StockX facilitating the buying and selling of sneakers for often astronomical prices. Social media plays a crucial role in shaping trends, with influencers and celebrities dictating what’s “hot.”
Furthermore, sustainability and inclusivity are becoming increasingly important, with brands exploring eco-friendly materials and designs and promoting diverse representation in their marketing. Sneaker culture is no longer just about footwear; it’s a complex ecosystem that reflects broader societal trends and continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Examples of this evolution include Kanye West’s Yeezy brand and Virgil Abloh’s Off-White collaboration with Nike which deconstructed iconic silhouettes.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
