New Balance just doesn't miss lately, but honestly, the Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993 is different. It’s not just another sneaker drop in a sea of "must-haves" that end up in a landfill by next season. We’re talking about a specific colorway—that deep, earthy brown mixed with a forest green—that has deep roots in New York City street culture and the rugged aesthetic of classic workwear. It’s a shoe that feels like it belongs in a rainy trailhead in Oregon and a subway platform in Queens at the exact same time.
Most people see the "Beef and Broccoli" name and think it’s just a quirky marketing gimmick. It's not. The nickname actually pays homage to the iconic Timberland Field Boot colorway that dominated the 90s. When New Balance brought this palette to the 993, they weren't just making a "dad shoe." They were bridging the gap between high-performance athletic engineering and the gritty, utilitarian style of the East Coast.
The Design Language of the Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993
So, what are you actually getting when you unbox these? The 993 silhouette itself is a beast. It’s part of the legendary 990 series, specifically known for being the middle child that perfected the balance between the chunky 992 and the more streamlined 990v3. The upper is a premium mix of pigskin suede and breathable mesh. In this specific iteration, the suede takes on that rich, "beef" brown tone, while the mesh hits provide the "broccoli" green contrast.
It’s heavy. It’s sturdy.
If you’re used to those feather-light knit sneakers that feel like socks with soles, the Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993 will be a wake-up call. There’s a substantial amount of ACTEVA™ lite foam and ABZORB® cushioning packed into the midsole. This isn't just jargon. ABZORB is a proprietary blend of Isoprene rubber and foam that resists compression. It’s why you can stand in these for twelve hours at a trade show or a concert and your lower back won't feel like it's screaming at you.
The colorway is incredibly forgiving, too. White sneakers are a nightmare to keep clean, and triple-black shoes can look a bit like you’re heading to a shift at a restaurant. But this brown and green combo? It hides dirt like a pro. In fact, many collectors argue that the 993 "Beef and Broc" actually looks better when it’s a little beat up. A bit of scuffing on the suede adds character, making it look like you actually use your gear instead of just posing for the 'gram.
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Why This Specific Model Won the Culture War
New Balance has released this colorway on other models, like the 9060 or the 580, but the 993 version remains the gold standard for enthusiasts. Part of that is the Made in USA heritage. When you see that "Made" branding, you’re looking at a sneaker with a domestic value of 70% or more. This usually translates to better quality control and a narrower heel fit compared to their overseas counterparts.
Then there’s the Aimé Leon Dore factor. Teddy Santis, the founder of ALD and current Creative Director for New Balance Made in USA, basically revitalized the "Beef and Broccoli" hype with his own collaborations. While his specific ALD 993s (which featured a black midsole) trade for insane prices on the secondary market, the standard GR (General Release) version of the Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993 offers nearly the same vibe for a fraction of the cost.
It’s the ultimate "if you know, you know" sneaker. It doesn't have a giant "N" that glows in the dark or weird plastic wings sticking out the back. It’s just a perfectly engineered tool for walking that happens to look incredibly fly with a pair of double-knee Carhartt pants or some oversized vintage denim.
Technical Breakdown: What's Under the Hood
The 993 uses a full-length rubber outsole with Ndurance technology in the heel. This is a high-abrasion rubber compound that prevents the "heel drag" look where one side of your shoe wears down faster than the other.
The lacing system is also underrated. New Balance uses flat cotton laces that actually stay tied. It sounds simple, but in an era of slippery synthetic laces, it’s a relief. The tongue is padded—heavily. It hugs the top of your foot, distributing the pressure of the laces so you don't get that "lace bite" feeling during long walks.
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Sizing and Comfort: Don't Mess This Up
Sizing for the Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993 can be a bit tricky because the 993 is notoriously roomy. Most people find that they need to go down a half-size from their "true" size (the size they’d wear in a Nike Air Max or a Jordan 1).
- Wide Feet: Stay true to size. The 993 is one of the few hype-adjacent sneakers that actually comes in multiple widths (D, 2E, 4E).
- Narrow Feet: Definitely go down half a size. Otherwise, you’ll experience heel slippage, which can lead to blisters.
- The Feel: Out of the box, they feel slightly stiff. Give them about three days of consistent wear. The heat from your feet will soften the internal foam, and the suede will start to move with your foot rather than against it.
One thing to watch out for is the weight. Each shoe weighs roughly 13.7 ounces. That doesn't sound like much, but if you’re coming from a lifestyle runner like a New Balance 1906R or a Nike Pegasus, you’ll notice the 993 feels "planted." It’s a grounded experience. You aren't bouncing; you're stepping.
Styling the "Beef and Broc" Without Looking Like a Hiker
The biggest mistake people make with this shoe is leaning too hard into the "outdoor" look. You don't need to wear a full North Face kit to make these work. Because the colors are so muted and earthy, they actually function as a neutral.
Try pairing them with navy blue. Navy and brown is a classic menswear combo that never fails. A pair of navy chinos and a grey hoodie allows the shoes to be the centerpiece without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Black pants also work surprisingly well. Since the "Beef and Broccoli" palette is so dark, the shoes flow seamlessly into black trousers, especially if they are a wider cut that stacks slightly over the top of the sneaker. Avoid skinny jeans at all costs; the 993 is a "dad shoe," and its chunky proportions will make your feet look like boats if your pants are too tight.
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How to Maintain the Suede
Suede is notoriously finicky, and the "Beef" portion of this shoe is a high-quality pigskin that hates water. If you get caught in a downpour, don't panic.
- Let them air dry naturally away from a heater (direct heat makes suede brittle).
- Use a brass-bristle suede brush to "wake up" the nap once it's dry.
- For stains, a standard suede eraser works wonders on the brown sections.
If you’re planning on making these your daily beaters, it’s worth hitting them with a coat of water-repellent spray like Jason Markk or Crep Protect before the first wear. Just make sure you do it in a well-ventilated area. The dark green mesh is pretty resilient, but the brown suede will show water spots if you aren't careful.
The Verdict on the Secondary Market
Is the Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993 worth the resale price? Honestly, yes, but only if you can find them near the original retail price of around $200-$220. Prices on platforms like StockX and GOAT fluctuate based on whether New Balance has done a recent restock.
If you see them for $350, wait. New Balance is pretty good about cycling their classic colorways back into production every 18 to 24 months. The 993 is a staple of their "Made" line, meaning it’s rarely "gone forever."
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a pair, here is how to ensure you get the best experience:
- Measure your foot properly. Use a Brannock device at a local shoe store. If you’re a 10D, buy a 9.5D in the 993.
- Check the "Made in USA" tag. Ensure you are buying the authentic Made version to get the superior ABZORB cushioning.
- Swap the laces. Some people find the stock brown laces a bit dull. Swapping them for a cream or "sail" colored lace can brighten the shoe up and give it that vintage ALD aesthetic.
- Monitor the New Balance website. Sign up for restock alerts specifically for the 993 model. They often drop without a massive marketing campaign.
The Beef and Broccoli New Balance 993 isn't a trend; it's a permanent fixture in the rotation of anyone who values comfort as much as they value a clean silhouette. It’s the kind of shoe you buy once and wear for five years. In a world of disposable fashion, that’s a win.