There are plenty of rumors surrounding the New Balance 993 and 1260 sneakers.
Many believe that both models have been discontinued. But how true are these rumors? We reached out to the official New Balance customer support for answers.
Here’s what we found out. Are the New Balance 993 and 1260 discontinued?
The New Balance 993 is not discontinued and is still available for purchase. The New Balance 1260, however, has been discontinued. So if you are looking for the 1260 replacement, the New Balance 880 is the officially recommended option.
In this post, we will explore the availability of the New Balance 993 and 1260. We will also share with you the best tips on where you can buy discontinued New Balance shoes.
Does New Balance Still Make 993?
So, does New Balance still make the 993?
For the record, the New Balance 993 shoes are still in production. In fact, the New Balance 993 shoes are still available for purchase in most online stores.
To get a definitive answer, we have emailed New Balance. Here is the email response from New Balance customer support to Style and Run regarding the 993 and 1260 availability:
The New Balance 993 has a special place in the hearts of loyal New Balance fans and is widely considered to be “the ultimate dad shoe”.
Thanks to its premium materials and responsive cushioning, it’s easy to see why the New Balance 993 is a favorite from the legendary 990 series.
So if you’re interested in buying the New Balance 993, be happy because it has not been discontinued and is available for purchase. Let’s talk about the 993 in greater detail.
When Did the New Balance 993 Come Out?
The New Balance 993 was originally released in 2008 as an upgrade over its predecessors, the New Balance 991 and 992.
By combining the best aspects of 991 and 992, the New Balance 993 is designed with premium materials and responsive cushioning, resulting in a lightweight but amazingly supportive sneaker.
According to Just Fresh Kicks, the New Balance 993 was originally released in 2008 with the “Vintage Indigo” colorway. Today, the most popular colorway of the New Balance 993 is the classic grey, widely regarded by many New Balance fans as the ultimate dad shoe.
Is New Balance 993 a Stability Shoe?
So, is New Balance 993 a stability shoe?
Compared to its predecessors, the 991 and 992, the New Balance has several key features that make it one of the best stabilizing shoes. Not only is it an excellent stabilizing shoe for running, but it is also comfortable for all-day wear.
The key features of the New Balance 993 include:
- ABZORB midsole
- ACTEVA cushioning
- Full-length rubber outsole with Ndurance rubber heel
- Premium suede/mesh upper
The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance, while the ACTEVA cushioning delivers flexible support.
Additionally, the full-length rubber outsole with Ndurance rubber heel adds more durability to help get more wear out of the shoe. Combined with the premium suede/mesh upper, you get an aesthetically pleasing shoe with responsive cushioning that is supportive too.
So if you’re keen on buying the timeless New Balance 993, we recommend the classic grey colorway because it goes well with almost anything.
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Is the New Balance 1260 Discontinued?
The New Balance 1260 has been discontinued. The official New Balance customer support recommends the New Balance 880 as the replacement for the 1260 because of its exceptional shock absorption and comfort.
It’s a bummer that the New Balance 1260 has been discontinued because many runners have been wearing it for years. In fact, many top podiatrists have been recommending the New Balance 1260 because of its excellent ankle support and lightweight fit.
This is why many runners are looking for a viable replacement for the New Balance 1260.
What Shoe Replaced the New Balance 1260?
The New Balance 880 is considered the replacement for 1260. Updated and built on the Fresh Foam midsole, the New Balance 880 provides exceptional shock absorption and delivers incredible comfort.
Weighing in at just 10.5 oz, The New Balance 880 comes with a Fresh Foam midsole cushioning that is precisely engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride.
Compared to its predecessor, the New Balance 880 features a new and improved soft knit upper for breathability and targeted areas of stretch and support.
So if you’ve been wearing the New Balance 1260, consider the New Balance 880. It is extremely lightweight and will snuggly fit your feet, all the while providing much-needed support for your ankles, making it the ideal shoe for regular runs.
You may also want to consider either the New Balance 880 or 860.
Where to Buy Discontinued New Balance Shoes?
Finding the perfect pair of New Balance shoes requires research and effort. We always hope to buy the same pair of sneakers once we find the ideal shoe model. Sadly, New Balance discontinued one of the most popular running shoes for ankle support — 1260.
So where can you buy discontinued New Balance shoes?
Your best bet in buying discontinued New Balance shoes is to visit a local store and ask the store consultant to find the specific model. You can also browse factory stores as they often carry discounted products from past seasons, and this includes discontinued shoes.
Let’s talk more about these options:
1. New Balance Store
The best option when looking for discontinued New Balance shoes is the local store because the sales consultant can help you look for specific models. Just be sure to give the consultant a complete description of the shoes.
It is possible for a New Balance store to have a pair in stock, even if the shoes are discontinued. Moreover, your local store can even have the shoes shipped to your house if they manage to find them for you.
2. Factory Store
The next option when looking for discontinued New Balance shoes is the factory store. Fortunately, New Balance has factory store outlets scattered across the United States.
Factory stores sell discounted items from past seasons, so you may be able to find your desired discontinued shoes. And the best part is, if you do find what you’re looking for, you will get a factory discount.
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3. Online Store
The most famous online store for discontinued items is eBay. Several eBay vendors sell personal items, so you may have a chance to find the discontinued New Balance shoes that you’re looking for.
Additionally, online discount shoes retailers like Onlineshoes and Zappos may have limited quantities of some discontinued New Balance sneakers. So if you’re looking for the highly-coveted, but discontinued New Balance 1260, you may be lucky to find it online.
Final Words
And there you go, the answer to the question: are the New Balance 993 and 1260 discontinued?
The New Balance 993 is still available for purchase, while the New Balance 1260 has been discontinued. If you are looking for the 1260 replacement, the New Balance 880 is an interesting option to consider.
We hope that by sharing the official answer from New Balance, we can clear up every incorrect information out there on the internet. Have an amazing day!