Made in Usa 990v6 - 'Lavender'New Balance Made in Usa 990v6 'Lavender' The 990s original designers were tasked with creating the single best running shoe on the market. The finished product more than lived up to its billing. When it hit shelves for the first time in 1982 the 990 sported an elegantly understated grey colorway, and a then unheard of three figure price tag. For avid runners and ahead of the curve tastemakers alike, the 990 was a mark of quality and superior taste.