Steve Jobs was characterized by always wearing the same clothes and that included a specific shoe model.
Steve Jobs was a peculiar man who will be remembered for being a technological genius, and for always dressing the same: with a black turtleneck, blue jeans and sneakers. This was Steve Jobs’ “uniform” that always included the same New Balance of gray color. In fact, he only wore two New Balance models during his lifetime, in addition to his very expensive sandals.
Steve Jobs always dressed like this for a clear reason, as he himself explained: wanted a daily uniform to save time and make faster decisions. And in that uniform were his New Balance sneakers.
Do you know why I always wear a black turtleneck? It’s a uniform. I decided I had a lot of decisions to make every day, so I wanted to simplify my life.”
New Balance 991 and 992, the shoes that Steve Jobs used
Steve Jobs has only worn two styles of New Balance sneakers since he decided that this would be his daily uniform: the New Balance 991, which he later upgraded to the more modern 992. During the period of 2001 to 2006, Steve Jobs opted for the New Balance 991although on occasion he could be seen wearing Nike sports shoes.
since the year 2007 until his death in 2011, Steve Jobs always used the New Balance 992 model. Curiously, this model was released the same year as the iPhone, so during the presentation of the original iPhone, one of the most important in Apple’s history, Jobs could be seen wearing these shoes on stage.
The difference between the New Balance 991 and 992 were quite subtle, especially since they both had the same greyish colors. Probably seen from a distance they were indistinguishable, although the new model included more technology in the sole, which made them more comfortable.
The New Balance 992 was launched on the occasion of the brand’s centenary and legend has it that the president of New Balance, Jim Davis, turned to Jobs, already a true 991 fan, for his input on the design of the 992 sneakeralthough it is only a myth.
The New Balance 992 was discontinued in 2010, although they returned in 2020 with a retro version identical to the one used by Steve Jobs. In the official website of New Balance you can buy themalthough we already warned you that its price is not cheap.
This is just one more story great Steve Jobs, who was a most peculiar person in many aspects. She always cried with the same song, she walked in a very strange way and she refused to put a license plate on his car.