New Balance has pushed its Made in USA line into much pricier territory, with the new 2040v5 coming in at a hefty $400.
The sneaker is designed to show what the brand’s American factories can do when cost takes less of a back seat. New Balance describes it as one of its most ambitious products yet, following the original 2040v1 that arrived in 2012.
A lot of that price goes into the materials. Two-tone mesh is layered with premium Horween nubuck leather across the upper, joined by contrasting stitching and custom TPU details. The mostly grey finish keeps everything relatively understated despite what is going on underneath.
That is where the 2040v5 gets especially technical. New Balance has fitted two carbon-fibre plates, with one running the full length of the shoe and another positioned along the medial side for extra support and stability.
Cushioning is just as elaborate, combining FuelCell, ABZORB SBS and ENCAP in a three-part setup. It is a lot of performance technology for a sneaker aimed largely at everyday wear, but it helps explain why New Balance is positioning the 2040v5 above its usual lifestyle models.
There is a bit more to the Made in USA label than the name suggests. New Balance says footwear carrying the designation contains at least 70% domestic value, and its US-made shoes account for only a limited portion of the company’s American sales.
The 2040v5 launches exclusively in North America on August 20 for $400 through New Balance and selected retailers. Buyers elsewhere face a much longer wait, with global availability not expected until May 2027.
At twice the price of plenty of premium sneakers, the 2040v5 is certainly expensive. But New Balance has packed in enough unusual materials and engineering to show exactly where that money is going.