New Balance 991v2 Made in England "Grape Sorbet Pack - Mauve" U991PR2

The second drop in the Grape Sorbet Pack arrives with a mellow tone and familiar comfort. Officially Made in UK at New Balance’s Flimby factory, this mauve edition follows the bolder purple pair, bringing a softer expression of the fruit-inspired theme.

Hairy suede panels wrap around the upper in dusty pink hues, layered over dark mesh that hints at ripe grapes fresh from the vine. The textures do most of the talking here, with that slightly fuzzy suede playing off the clean lines of the 991v2 silhouette. Subtle hits of light grey on the heel tab and lace area give it structure without going too far off palette.

The ABZORB SBS sole unit returns with its usual plush feel. Underfoot, there’s a touch of burnt rust on the pods, grounding the otherwise sweet colour mix with something earthier. It’s still built for everyday wear — soft cushioning, decent grip, and that dependable 991 shape.

Following the “Brandied Apricot” and the original Grape Sorbet release from earlier in 2024, this version leans more laid-back, but it’s far from plain. For those deep into the New Balance catalogue, it’s another thoughtful addition. For everyone else, it’s just a good-looking pair that doesn’t try too hard.