Double Tap to Zoom

Japanese fashion brand WTAPS' New Balance 998 is a classic sneaker tastefully tuned up with subtle enhancements.

Because less is more, especially in the case of throwback dad shoes.

Originally released in 1993, the New Balance 998 is a beautifully basic sneaker void of the bells and whistles that come with more trend-happy releases.

But still, it shines, as New Balance's knack for stylistically simple sneakers just can't be beaten.

Like the original 998, the WTAPS collab maintains New Balance's signature gray palette and mesh adornments at the toe box.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

This is all great news for those who love the unmodified look of the 998, as the two are so similar.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Tiktok.

However, the WTAPS 998 does employ some textured leather accents, whereas the OG keeps its materials pretty plain.

Further, the collaborative sneaker, available on the New Balance website on November 8 for $300, has WTAPS' logo on its insole, and "WTAPS Visuals Uparmored" is etched below the sneaker's upper.

These subtle distinctions keep the techy dad sneaker fresh without compromising its retro composition.

In an era of flashy sneakers and wow-factor-based designs, seeing collaborations stay true to core simplicities is a welcome return to form.

We Recommend
  • New Balance's All-Black 991 Is Surprisingly Colorful
  • New Balance’s Retro Dad Shoe Is Serving Something Salty
  • Fall Has Found Its Perfect Suede Dad Sneaker, It's New Balance (Obviously)
  • New Balance’s New Skate Shoe Is Having a Shell of a Time
What To Read Next
  • Larry June Is the Only Rapper We’d Trust To Design a $4,550 Chair
  • Hennessy Very Special Cocktails Presents: The Art of Hosting, According to Sierra Rena
  • Ronnie Fieg Knows He's Him (EXCLUSIVE)
  • State of the Art: An 85-Year-Old Artist Made Burberry Fashion Week's Most Fun Show
  • Alfa Romeo Made Literal Yacht-Tier Luna Rossa Cars