It's hard to pin New Balance down. Head over to their UK web store, and you'd think they were nothing but a technical running shoe specialist - all breathable mesh and neon colours. Dig into their classic range however, and they turn up some of the most attractive casual lifestyle shoes money can buy.
Their latest sponsored_longform with J Crew fits very much into this latter bracket. To celebrate the 26th anniversary of the New Balance 996 - a running shoe that's made the successful transition to everyday use - the American lifestyle brand has put together four choice colour options.
![](https://www.shortlist.com/media/images/2019/05/d435229bed4c2253564a733734519874-1556698295-O6tb-column-width-inline.jpg)
![](https://www.shortlist.com/media/images/2019/05/c5a4b0d59c6f9cb4e678cd0d7b968de9-1556698296-rm3w-column-width-inline.jpg)
![](https://www.shortlist.com/media/images/2019/05/27b742aa177d52de6d15af85875c6fef-1556698296-e3LE-column-width-inline.jpg)
![](https://www.shortlist.com/media/images/2019/05/325e75e0814bc9908da2f90c5605be90-1556698297-zkAn-column-width-inline.jpg)
The suede and mesh upper of the classic runner has been decked out in faded grey, sandblast (our favourite), big apple (though we're keen to point out the New York state colours are blue and gold) and taupe gold.
Available from the J Crew online store, the you can pick up a set of the 996 for £150.
(Images: J Crew)