Action Bronson and New Balance have built a lane where performance heritage meets unruly color—loud palettes, rugged materials, and thoroughly wearable comfort. That formula flowers again on the New Balance 992 “Digitalis Purpurea,” a vivid take on the Boston brand’s cult-favorite runner that borrows its name from the foxglove plant. Expect a Baklava-site drop in October followed by a wider rollout in November, with pricing set at $250 / €250 / £225. If you live for pinks and purples that don’t apologize, this one’s already calling your name.

Design

The “Digitalis Purpurea” reads like a botanical study in saturation. The upper starts with rich magenta suede overlays that trace the 992’s iconic paneling, from the toe wrap to the quarter and heel. Cut sharply into that suede are hot-pink synthetic windows, a playful counterpoint that adds a glossy punch without overwhelming the texture. Beneath everything is golden honeycomb mesh, a breathable base that turns the negative space into part of the color story.

At the midfoot, the “N” logo appears in magenta backed by soft grey, while the tongue shifts to a cool light-grey patch that carries the model script—an intentionally calmer note amid the color riot. Around the collar and eyelet stay, lavender-violet hits connect the magenta to deeper purple shades, and a coal-black heel counter hints at durability. You’ll spot BAKLAVA embroidery near the lateral heel, a small signature that confirms Bronson’s hand in the recipe.

Underfoot, the 992’s tooling arrives in split-tone olive—lighter along the sidewalls, darker through the core—finished with a black outsole. The contrast grounds the upper and suits the 992’s “workhorse” reputation. Cushioning stays faithful to the model’s DNA with ENCAP/ABZORB-based comfort, a setup known for a stable ride and long-day wearability. Rope-style laces in light grey and reflective accents across the upper do what good performance details should: they function first, then elevate the look.

What makes the colorway sing is Bronson’s balance. It’s undeniably loud, but the earthy olive midsole, grey tongue, and dark heel clip keep the shoe from tipping into novelty. Much like his previous palettes, it’s “maximalist,” yet it still behaves like a sneaker you’ll reach for several times a week.

Collaboration context

The relationship between Action Bronson—chef, rapper, TV host, and serial storyteller—and New Balance has become one of the brand’s most distinctive partnerships. Instead of locking into a single silhouette, Bronson has approached NB like a studio: choosing classic running models and then pushing them chromatically. His projects have turned into color studies—riotous on paper, surprisingly versatile on foot—backed by savvy rollouts through his Baklava label.

Why the 992? Among NB die-hards, the 992 occupies a special place. It’s chunky without being clumsy, sculpted without looking delicate, and it carries a comfort reputation that made it a late-2000s favorite before the wider 99x renaissance. Bronson’s decision to bring this silhouette back into the spotlight feels intentional: it bridges high-energy style with a shape purists respect. “Digitalis Purpurea,” with its plant-coded name and blush-to-violet spectrum, continues the artist’s habit of drawing from the natural world while keeping one foot in New York grit.

On-foot impressions & styling

If you’ve worn the 992 before, you know the script: a supportive, slightly firm step-in that breaks in beautifully, with enough midsole heft to soak up daily miles. Sizing typically runs true to size for most feet; wide-footed wearers often appreciate NB’s multiple width options. On the style side, the shoe loves neutrals—olive cargos, khaki shorts, washed denim—but also pairs surprisingly well with navy tech pants or a slate-grey tracksuit. Let the magenta lead; everything else should play rhythm.

Release information

Bronson is expected to launch the Action Bronson x New Balance 992 “Digitalis Purpurea” first through his Baklava channels in October, with a broader release likely in November via New Balance and select retailers. Retail is $250 / €250 / £225. As with most Bronson drops, expect raffles and queue systems to mitigate demand spikes; boutiques may split inventory between online draws and in-store pick-ups.

Why it matters

Collaborations hit hardest when they extend a story rather than repeat it. “Digitalis Purpurea” shows Bronson in full colorist mode while treating the 992 with reverence. It’s not just loud for the sake of it; the palette charts a familiar Bronson arc—nature, nostalgia, nightlife—onto an American-made-feeling runner that still eats pavement like a performance shoe. In a holiday season crowded with heritage retros and safe palettes, a foxglove-bright 992 feels like the risk worth taking.

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