Salehe Bembury is officially the busiest man in footwear. Between his reign over the Crocs Pollex universe and his recent Puma ventures, Bembury has returned to his spiritual home at New Balance to ring in the New Year. Dropping on January 1, 2026, the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 992 Made in USA is a masterclass in organic storytelling, trading the desert sands of his past hits for a lush, lakeside expedition.

Following the nature-centric DNA of Bembury’s legendary 2002R collaborations, this 992 iteration is drenched in a “tree-canopy” palette. The upper is a tactile playground, featuring hairy suede in varying shades of forest green that transition from a deep, dark toe box to a lighter mossy hue at the heel. These earthy textures are punctuated by vibrant water-blue mesh panels, mimicking a hidden lake viewed through the foliage.

True to Bembury’s “maximalist-minimalist” style, the details pop where they matter most. A bold yellow “N” logo and tongue branding provide high-visibility contrast, while the midsole is finished in a dual-tone greenish yellow. Even the tongue stabilizer gets a hit of pinkish red, adding a subtle floral spark to the verdant design. 

Packaged in a custom box depicting a serene lakeside scene, this Made in USA heater is more than a sneaker—it’s a landscape on your feet. Start your 2026 resolution early: don’t miss this drop.

For more footwear news, check out the CNCPTS x New Balance 997 “Montage,”.