New Balance has expanded its newest lifestyle sneaker lineup with the release of the 983 “Bayberry/Concrete,” a muted colorway that brings the silhouette closer to the brand’s familiar gray sneaker aesthetic. Following the release of more colorful Field Green/Fennel Seed and Shadow Red/Pebble editions, the latest drop provides a more understated alternative while retaining the model’s sculptural construction.
The new colorway also introduces a notable material change. For the first time since the 983 debuted, New Balance has incorporated suede into the upper, replacing some of the glossy, patent leather-like synthetic appearance that characterized its previous releases. The combination gives the futuristic silhouette a more traditional sneaker feel without significantly changing its overall design.
New Balance Introduces a Gray-Inspired 983 Colorway
Officially named Bayberry/Concrete, the new release draws inspiration from the understated gray combinations that have become closely associated with New Balance. While it is not an exact recreation of the brand’s classic gray colorways, its muted palette offers a familiar direction for sneaker enthusiasts who prefer more versatile footwear.
The release follows the introduction of the 983 in September and its first retail launch in October. Since then, the model has gradually received additional color options, with Bayberry/Concrete providing a quieter alternative to the brighter combinations that initially introduced the silhouette.
The latest edition retains the sneaker’s distinctive proportions and layered construction, allowing its neutral tones and contrasting materials to complement rather than compete with its sculptural design.
Suede Makes Its First Appearance on the 983
One of the biggest changes to the New Balance 983 “Bayberry/Concrete” is the introduction of suede across the upper. Earlier versions relied on glossy synthetic overlays that gave the sneaker a distinctly futuristic finish.
For this release, the suede works alongside mesh underlays and rounded synthetic overlays, creating a more varied material composition. Reflective details remain part of the design, while the molded ‘N’ logo on the saddle maintains the model’s recognizable branding.
The material update is significant because it gives the 983 a different visual character without abandoning the elements that distinguish it from traditional running-inspired sneakers. It also introduces a more familiar New Balance design reference to a silhouette that has otherwise leaned heavily into contemporary styling.
The 983 Reworks New Balance’s 2000s Running Heritage
Described by New Balance as “wholly new and progressive,” the 983 takes inspiration from the brand’s performance running footwear of the 2000s and reinterprets it for everyday wear.
Its defining feature is a wavy, sculpted midsole equipped with elliptic-shaped ABZORB SBS cushioning pods. The construction also incorporates a dual-density midsole, designed to provide cushioning and support, while the flowing outsole reinforces the sneaker’s distinctive profile.
Additional details include a mesh-based upper, reflective accents and a stitch-and-turn collar. Rounded overlays across the upper complement the molded ‘N’ logo, bringing together different design elements in a silhouette that balances performance-inspired construction with lifestyle appeal.
The sneaker weighs approximately 404 grams (14.3 ounces), making its substantial construction another defining characteristic.
Coco Gauff and Aminé Front New Balance’s 983 Campaign
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New Balance has also highlighted the sneaker’s styling versatility through campaigns featuring its athletes and brand ambassadors. Tennis star Coco Gauff appeared in the original campaign, wearing the 983 with different outfits to demonstrate how the model could complement different sides of her personal style.
Rapper and New Balance ambassador Aminé has since joined the campaign, appearing in the imagery for the Bayberry/Concrete release.
Gauff previously explained that the campaign developed from a creative meeting with the New Balance team, where she proposed using fashion to showcase different aspects of her personality. She also described the 983 as a fashion-forward sneaker that remains easy to wear with different outfits.
The approach reflects the brand’s effort to position the silhouette beyond its running-inspired origins, presenting it as an everyday footwear option that can accommodate different personal styles.
New Balance 983 “Bayberry/Concrete” Release Details
The New Balance 983 “Bayberry/Concrete” is available now through New Balance’s official website and select retailers. The sneaker retails for $160 and carries the style code U9834L5.
With its first-ever suede upper, subdued color palette and signature ABZORB SBS cushioning, the latest release introduces a more familiar aesthetic to New Balance’s newest lifestyle silhouette.
Featured image: New Balance
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