Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA - latest pickup

Lately, I've neglected the New Balance brand somewhat. Sure, the 997s from the sale at END still had to go, but I haven't really given the brand much thought in recent weeks, but I found the collab between Premier and New Balance really interesting right from the start. Not just because of Premier itself, but because the result of the collaboration between the two partners is simply really successful, and of course the Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA doesn't break new ground in terms of design. The so-called color blocking is still very popular in the scene and should continue to work in the coming years. Apart from the last Solebox collabo with Puma, I can't think of a model where this technique hasn't worked. If I'm wrong, feel free to correct me, but I'm actually pretty sure of my opinion and I have to admit that I'm not 100% satisfied with the workmanship of MY Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA. We don't need to talk about the materials. The brand simply delivers what it promises with its Made in USA models. I have to criticize the workmanship, because a shoe that costs over 200€ should be free of any manufacturing defects, and I'll be happy to explain what I mean by that: I noticed a few flaws on the leather of the mudguard, and the Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA isn't really cleanly glued either. It is particularly annoying that the glue is not visible on the rear, black area, but on the front, on the light-colored mudguard. A nasty dark stain that has defied my previous attempts to remove it. I don't think you can imagine how annoyed I am. The quality control department at New Balance just let it slip...or had the day off...or what do I know :DTespite all the annoyance about the workmanship, the Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA is simply a great sneaker. In my opinion, the silhouette is one of the best that New Balance currently has to offer. The new colorways of the 997, especially the Rockabilly, shave everything, but for me personally, the 998 is still a little bit ahead, even though I'm still annoyed about the workmanship of the Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA, I will definitely not give the sneaker away again. For me, it's usually the case that models with slight flaws become my everyday shoes. It will probably be the same with the Premier x New Balance 998 Made in USA. Let's just hope that there won't be any more...beaters because I have enough! :D Here are the remaining pictures from my shoot last week. I'm going back to the pool....with my brudilettes! :D