Ronnie Fieg doesn’t really do "subtle," even when he’s working with a shoe as famously understated as the 993. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through sneaker forums or staring at the "Sold" listings on StockX, you know the New Balance 993 Kith projects are basically the gold standard for what a collaboration should look like. It’s not just about slapping a logo on a heel. It’s about the materials. The specific, weirdly evocative shades of blue and grey. The way the mesh feels slightly more premium than what you’d find at a standard mall drop.
Honestly, the 993 is a "dad shoe." Let's be real. It was originally engineered for runners who needed extra stability and a wide toe box, featuring that chunky ABZORB DTS cushioning that feels like walking on a very firm, supportive marshmallow. But when Kith got their hands on it, they turned that utilitarian vibe into something high-fashion.
The Pistachio and Spring 101 Drops: A Masterclass in Color
You remember the "Pistachio" pack? It dropped late in 2022, right when the "sage green" trend was hitting its absolute peak. Most brands would have gone neon or something obnoxious to grab attention. Instead, Fieg opted for this muted, tonal sage that looked like it belonged in a mid-century modern living room. People went nuts. The New Balance 993 Kith "Pistachio" didn't need a giant "KITH" logo across the side to tell you it was special. You just knew by the way the pigskin suede caught the light.
Then there was the "Spring 101" version. This one was even more low-key. It featured a mix of grey, off-white, and blue tones that felt incredibly "NYC." It’s the kind of shoe you wear when you want people who know sneakers to nod at you in the subway, while everyone else just thinks you have nice taste in footwear. The 993 silhouette itself is actually quite technical, using a mixture of ACTEVA land and Ndurance rubber. It's built to last a decade. Kith just made it look like it belongs on a runway.
Why the 993 is Different from the 990 or 992
A lot of casual collectors get these confused. The 990 is the legend, the 992 is the "Steve Jobs" shoe, but the 993 is the refined middle child. It took the best parts of the 991 and 992—specifically the improved cushioning and the slightly sleeker toe—and mashed them together. When you look at a New Balance 993 Kith edition, you’ll notice the "Made in USA" branding is prominent. That’s a huge deal. It means the labor costs were higher, the quality control was tighter, and the materials were sourced with a bit more intention.
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New Balance produces these in their Maine or Massachusetts factories. You can actually smell the difference when you open the box; it’s that heavy, rich leather scent rather than the chemical odor of mass-produced foam.
The Madison Square Garden Connection
We can’t talk about these shoes without mentioning the MSG collection. Ronnie Fieg’s obsession with New York sports is legendary. When he did the 993 in the "Knicks" and "Rangers" colorways, it felt personal. The "Blue" and "Orange" wasn't just a gimmick. It was a tribute.
The Knicks-inspired 993 used a deep navy blue that felt regal. It didn't look like a sports jersey; it looked like a piece of luxury equipment. Collectors who usually stay away from bright colors were suddenly clamoring for orange accents. That's the Kith effect. They take colors that shouldn't work on a technical runner and make them essential.
The secondary market price for these hasn't really dipped much either. While other "hype" shoes from 2021 and 2022 have seen their resale value crater, the New Balance 993 Kith releases have stayed remarkably stable. Why? Because they’re wearable. You aren't going to look back at these in five years and cringe. They’re timeless.
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How to Spot a Fake (Because They Exist)
Because these shoes command $400 to $600 on the resale market, the "rep" market is flooded with them. You have to be careful. First, look at the embroidery on the tongue. On a real pair, the "993" and "Made in USA" text is crisp, with no "bleeding" between letters. Fake pairs often have slightly thicker, sloppier stitching.
- The Suede Texture: Authentic Kith pairs use a high-nap pigskin suede. If you rub your finger across it, the color should shift slightly as the fibers move. If it feels like cardboard or cheap felt, run away.
- The Reflective "N" Logo: New Balance uses a very specific 3M material. Under a camera flash, it should glow white-silver, not a weird yellowish hue.
- The Box Label: Check the font. Scammers often get the "Made in USA" flag logo on the box slightly wrong—either the colors are too muted or the stars look like blobs.
Sizing Tips: Don't Make This Mistake
If you're buying a New Balance 993 Kith online, sizing is everything. Generally, the 993 runs a bit large. Most people recommend going down a half-size from your standard Nike or Adidas size. If you’re a 10.5 in a Jordan 1, you’re likely a 10 in the 993.
The toe box is remarkably generous. This is great news for people with wider feet who usually feel cramped in trendy sneakers. However, if you have narrow feet and stay true-to-size, you might find your heel slipping out of the back. It’s a performance runner at its core, so it’s designed to be locked down.
The Cultural Shift Toward "Quiet Luxury"
The rise of the New Balance 993 Kith coincides perfectly with the "quiet luxury" movement. People are tired of giant logos. They're tired of shoes that look like they were designed by a highlighter factory. Kith understands that. By using the 993—a shoe that was historically the "uncool" choice for actual runners—and elevating it with premium suedes and sophisticated palettes, they tapped into a specific desire for understated wealth.
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It’s a "if you know, you know" kind of shoe. You can wear them with tailored trousers or $200 sweatpants and they look equally at home. That versatility is exactly why they sell out in seconds.
Caring for Your Investment
You spent half a grand on these. Please don't just throw them in the wash.
- Use a soft-bristle brush for the suede.
- Get a dedicated suede eraser for scuffs on the toe cap.
- Never use water directly on the pigskin; it will ruin the texture and cause spotting.
- Use a protector spray (like Jason Markk or Crep Protect) before your first wear.
The midsole is made of polyurethane and EVA foam. Over ten or fifteen years, it will eventually crumble (a process called hydrolysis), but that’s only if you don't wear them. Ironically, wearing your shoes keeps the foam "active" and prevents it from drying out and cracking. So, put them on.
What's Next for the Kith and New Balance Partnership?
While the 990v6 is the current "it" shoe in the New Balance lineup, the 993 remains a staple in the Kith rotation. Rumors often swirl about new "Loyalty" programs or "Kithstrike" drops. The best way to snag these for retail is to keep a close eye on the Kith app and make sure your "drawing" entries are in early.
They’ve recently moved toward a lottery system to combat bots. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than the old days of the website crashing every time a new New Balance 993 Kith colorway leaked.
Actionable Steps for Buyers:
- Check Verified Platforms Only: If a price on eBay or a random IG shop seems too good to be true (like $200 for a DS pair), it is. Use GOAT, StockX, or eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service.
- Verify the Style Code: Each Kith 993 has a specific code (like MR993KH1). Google this code to ensure the colors on the shoe match the official release photos.
- Go Down Half a Size: Unless you have extremely wide feet, the 993 is a "size down" shoe for a snug, secure fit.
- Invest in Suede Care: Buy a suede kit immediately. These shoes are magnets for dust and liquid stains due to the premium materials used.