Image credit: Twitter/ @BenGeskin
Now, 15 years after his death, the sneaker brand appears to have quietly recreated one of his most memorable moments. On the 15th anniversary of Jobs’ death, New Balance featured a photo on its website that closely resembles a famous photograph of Jobs wearing the No Balance 992. Jobs wore grey New Balance 992 sneakers during his iconic 2007 iPhone keynote. The New Balance 992, introduced in 2006 as part of the company’s 100th anniversary celebrations, became closely associated with him after he wore the shoes during his public appearances. New Balance later brought the model back in 2020 as part of the wider revival of retro sneakers While the original 992 was discontinued in 2010 after a four-year run. The black leather chair resembles the one Jobs famously used during the first demonstration of the original iPad in January 2010. New Balance’s new image appears to recreate several details from that moment, including the chair, sitting position, jeans, black socks and New Balance 992 grey sneakers.
Because of the chair shown in the new product image, the tribute becomes more interesting. Apple founder Steve Jobs ‘ connection with New Balance was already part of his iconic public image. The photo, at the end of the gallery on the product page, shows a person sitting cross-legged in a black leather chair, wearing blue jeans, black socks and the same grey sneakers associated with Jobs. For Apple fans familiar with Jobs’ keynotes, this ‘secret’ tribute is hard to miss. Steve Jobs was known for keeping his stage outfit simple: a black turtleneck, blue jeans, black socks and sneakers. During that presentation, Jobs sat in the chair while demonstrating the tablet in a relaxed setting. The presentation was designed to show the device in a more casual and intimate way. The company does not appear to have made a major announcement around the image. Instead, the tribute is subtle, allowing people familiar with Jobs’ history with the shoe to recognise the reference.
The 992 continues to be part of New Balance’s Made in USA range. It is listed for $200. Its design retains the cushioning technology and layered construction that helped make the model popular. The latest version uses a combination of grey, off-white and black tones. It features an off-white mesh base with darker grey leather, synthetic and suede overlays. The shoe also uses ABZORB cushioning and an ENCAP midsole, combining foam cushioning with a polyurethane rim for support and stability. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.