New Balance's newest 996 may look normal, but, really, it's a magical dad shoe. It can make water disappear.

Really, the GORE-TEX uppers are where the magic happens. The material helps water slide right off, promising a dry, breathable ride even on messier days.

Elsewhere, classic New Balance 996 energy unfolds. The lifestyle model offers its usual casual looks, including an upper made of mesh and matte leather plus top-tier cushioning provided by New Balance technology.

Of course, the brand washes it all down with clean essential color schemes like all-black and New Balance's signature grey (simply New Balance Grey).

New Balance and GORE-TEX go way back, honestly. The brand has released several dad shoe models featuring the waterproof material, including 200R2 sneakers and even the 1906Rs (the latter essentially became "trail" sneakers). And they were all the good kind of dry.

But by giving the 996 a GORE-TEX raincoat, New Balance struck dad-shoe gold, creating a super-normal sneaker with a hidden rugged talent.

And for those interested in NB sneakers that can do a waterproof party trick, the GORE-TEX New Balance 996 answers prayers. It's now available on Mita Sneaker's website for approximately $140.

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