New Balance India Drops “Made in USA” Season 9: Teddy Santis Reinvents the 99X Series

Following the global unveiling, New Balance India is set to launch the second phase of the “Made in USA” Spring/Summer 2026 collection on March 2. The drop features the high-energy 993 “Passion Fruit” and the heritage-focused 992 “Team Royal,” marking a bold new chapter for the brand in India.

The Gold Standard Returns: New Balance “Made in USA” SS26 Drop 2

On the evening of March 2, 2026, the Indian sneaker landscape officially welcomes “Season 9” of the New Balance MADE in USA program. Under the meticulous creative direction of Teddy Santis, this second drop successfully moves the brand beyond its traditional grey-scale comfort zone. This launch is a significant milestone for New Balance India, signalling a synchronized global rollout that ensures Indian collectors have immediate access to these coveted handcrafted silhouettes, which utilize at least 70% U.S.-sourced materials.

The focal point of this release is the New Balance 993 “Passion Fruit” (U9934JA), priced at approximately ₹22,999. It features a “Passion Fruit” purple suede body contrasted by “Dusted Grape” overlays and high-visibility “Firefly” yellow hits, all resting on the ultra-stable ACTEVA and ABZORB midsole. For those seeking a slightly more traditional look, the New Balance 992 “White/Team Royal” (U99278L) launches alongside it, blending fuchsia and royal blue accents against a clean white leather and mesh base. Both models are available at exclusive “Grey Tier” locations in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Chennai, as well as online through Ajio Luxe and Superkicks India.

The Global Shift & The Competition

Globally, the premium sneaker market is experiencing a “Craftsmanship Renaissance.” While competitors like Nike focus on high-volume digital drops and Adidas pushes into the “Terrace” trend with the Samba, New Balance is dominating the “Ultra-Premium Heritage” space. By maintaining rigorous domestic manufacturing standards, New Balance creates a level of quality and scarcity that justifies its premium price point. This strategy has successfully carved out a niche that sits comfortably between high-street athletic wear and luxury fashion houses, appealing to a demographic that values longevity over fast-fashion trends.

Trivia: Did you know that the New Balance 992 was famously the favorite shoe of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs? He was often seen wearing the classic grey version during his most iconic keynotes. Today, under Teddy Santis, that same silhouette has been transformed from a “tech-pioneer staple” into a high-fashion streetwear essential that retains its original podular midsole design.

UDHQ Take: Now that the drop is live, the real value of these pairs becomes evident the moment you step into them. At Unbox Daily HQ, we view the “Made in USA” series not just as a fashion statement, but as a lifestyle upgrade for the urban Indian professional. Our cities demand a lot from our feet, uneven pavements and long hours of standing at events require more than just a thin sole. The ABZORB cushioning in the 993 isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s a tangible reduction in daily fatigue that makes a real difference in your energy levels by the end of the day.

By choosing a pair from this collection, you are opting out of the “throwaway” culture of fast-fashion footwear. These are sneakers built to be worn, cleaned, and kept for years. The 993 “Passion Fruit” in particular is a game-changer for those who want to add a vibrant “pop” to their wardrobe without sacrificing the maturity of a premium brand. It’s an investment in your personal comfort and your style identity, bringing a piece of global craftsmanship directly to the stores of VegNonVeg and other premium boutiques across India.

Source: New Balance