Nature Calls Again: Salehe Bembury x New Balance 992 “Calm Be The Crater”

Salehe Bembury does not miss. After taking us through canyons with the "Peace Be The Journey" and desert oases with "Water Be The Guide," the visionary designer is taking his talents to the legendary 992 silhouette. Introducing the Salehe Bembury x New Balance 992 “Calm Be The Crater”, a release that beautifully captures the serenity of nature.

Set to launch on February 13th, this collaboration brings the 992 back into the spotlight with Bembury’s signature textural language. Priced at $220, it’s a premium execution that fans have been waiting for. Here is the full breakdown.

Design Breakdown: A Masterclass in Texture

The design (Style Code: U992SB) is clearly inspired by the volcanic landscapes and deep blue waters of Crater Lake. As always, Salehe plays with materials to create a shoe that feels as organic as the terrain it is named after.

• Signature "Hairy" Suede: The standout feature is the lush, long-hair suede overlays in varying shades of moss green. This adds a tactile depth that Bembury’s collabs are famous for, making the sneaker feel rugged yet luxurious.
• The Palette: Contrasting the green earth tones is a vibrant teal/blue mesh base, representing the water of the crater. Hits of orange/tan on the "N" logo and midsole detailing add a sunset-like warmth to the cool palette.
• The Midsole: The chunky ABZORB midsole is rendered in a two-tone earth and tan finish, grounding the colorful upper. It creates a harmonious look that fits perfectly with the trail-ready aesthetic.
• Branding: Expect Salehe Bembury branding on the lateral tag and tongue, cementing the partnership.

Hype Check: The Return of the 992

Why this matters: The New Balance 992 has been relatively quiet recently, making this return highly significant. Combined with Salehe Bembury’s track record—his 2002R and 1906R projects are modern classics—hype for this release is reaching a fever pitch.

Market Demand: Salehe's drops are notorious for selling out instantly. The "Spunge" community is loyal, and the 992 is a beloved silhouette among New Balance purists (famously worn by Steve Jobs).

Release Info: Be Ready

The release rollout follows Salehe’s standard "direct-to-consumer first" strategy.

• Initial Drop: The shoe will release first via salehebembury.com on February 13th.
• Global Release: While not yet confirmed, a wider release on New Balance.com and select Tier 0 retailers typically follows a few weeks later.

Retail Price: $220 USD.

Conclusion

The Salehe Bembury x New Balance 992 “Calm Be The Crater” is more than just a sneaker; it’s a piece of wearable art. It perfectly balances the dad-shoe DNA of the 992 with the adventurous spirit of Salehe Bembury.

If you want a pair, you'll need speed and a bit of luck on launch day.