UP THERE’s 991v2 Is a Time Capsule for the Forum Generation

and are back in sync, levelling up their partnership with their most ambitious project yet: the New Balance by UP THERE. This one isn’t just a colourway – it’s a time capsule. Drawing directly from the ‘golden era’ of early-2000s sneaker collecting, the pair taps into a moment when forums, blogs and dial-up message boards stitched together a global community obsessed with grey mesh and Made in England craftsmanship.

Working side-by-side with New Balance designer Sam Pearce, UP THERE have retooled the modernised 991v2 with materials that feel instantly archival but unmistakably upgraded. Technical mesh sits beneath full-grain leather overlays, while a carbon-effect leather saddle brings a sharp, engineered edge to the silhouette. Underfoot, translucent SBS pods and a matching heel cap update the familiar ABZORB cushioning package, anchored by a timeless gum outsole.

The palette stays true to the era: black, reflective silver, and selective hits of UP THERE’s signature green. But it’s the details that seal it. A neatly embroidered '+61' marks the heel – a quiet flex for the store’s Australian roots – while the upside-down 'Made in England' tongue script flips the traditional branding as a playful nod to life Down Under.

Born in 2010, UP THERE have grown from a low-key Melbourne boutique into one of Australia’s most respected curators of global sneaker culture. Known for their tight edit, meticulous storytelling and genuine community roots, they've built a reputation for treating product with the same care and reverence as the collectors who chase it. This 991v2 marks their most mature expression yet, pairing Flimby craftsmanship with Melbourne sensibilities to deliver a shoe that feels both nostalgic and newly minted.

The New Balance 991v2 by UP THERE launches online this Black Friday, November 28 at 8 am (AEDT) for $420.

For more on the 991v2, make sure to get across recent edition.