New Balance MIUK 991v2 ‘Elephant’ Brings Heritage Craft Into the Wild

The New Balance 991v2 continues its quiet domination of premium sneaker conversations, and the ‘Elephant’ colourway might be one of its most assured expressions yet.

Rooted in New Balance’s Made in UK legacy, this release leans into texture, tone and storytelling rather than hype, proving once again that subtlety often speaks the loudest.

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A Closer Look at the New Balance MIUK 991v2 ‘Elephant’ (U991GC2) …

At first glance, the ‘Elephant’ 991v2 feels earthy and intentional. Soft grey nubuck panels anchor the upper, layered with plush pigskin suede in deeper, stone-like hues that nod directly to elephant hide without feeling literal or gimmicky. Breathable mesh underlays keep things balanced and wearable, while understated off-white accents on the midsole add a touch of contrast that elevates the whole silhouette. As with all MIUK pairs, the craftsmanship is front and centre, with clean stitching, premium material selection and that unmistakable Flimby factory finish.

Underfoot, the 991v2’s updated tooling sets it apart from its predecessor. Full-length FuelCell cushioning is paired with ENCAP support, delivering a noticeably more responsive and modern ride while retaining the stability the 99x line is known for. It’s a sneaker that looks archival but feels contemporary, equally at home on long city walks or styled into a refined everyday fit. The ‘Elephant’ colourway only strengthens that versatility, sitting comfortably within New Balance’s greyscale canon while still feeling fresh.

In a market saturated with loud collaborations and forced narratives, the New Balance MIUK 991v2 ‘Elephant’ succeeds by staying true to the brand’s core values. It’s a celebration of material quality, thoughtful design and evolution through refinement rather than reinvention. For fans of the 99x lineage, this is the kind of release that doesn’t shout, but quietly earns its place in the rotation.

The Drop Date!

The New Balance MIUK 991v2 ‘Elephant’ (U991GC2) is expected to release in January 2026 via New Balance and select premium retailers. As with most Flimby-produced pairs, availability is likely to be limited. Shop via the banner below…

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