New Balance Recreated Famous Steve Jobs Photograph

The brand honored the late tech visionary with a tribute featuring the iconic 992 shoe model.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Fashion

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pair of gray suede athletic shoes sitting on a simple wooden stool, representing classic footwear design. — New Balance has launched a promotional tribute to Steve Jobs, highlighting the classic gray sneaker model he famously wore during product keynotes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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New Balance has released a promotional image that pays tribute to Steve Jobs by recreating his iconic look. The photo features a model wearing a black shirt, jeans, and 992 sneakers while sitting in a leather chair.

Why it matters

The tribute coincides with the 15th anniversary of the death of Steve Jobs. It serves to highlight the lasting association between the tech pioneer and the 992 model, which he famously wore during major product launches.

The 992 model originally debuted in 2006 for the company's centennial. New Balance is also set to launch a collaborative 992 colorway with artist Aminé this week.

The players

New Balance

This athletic footwear company is based in Brighton and produces the 992 shoe model.

Steve Jobs

He was the co-founder and former leader of Apple who became known for his signature minimalist style including New Balance footwear.

Aminé

He is an artist and musician collaborating with the brand on an upcoming sneaker colorway.

The details

The promotional image, published on the Brighton-based brand's website, mimics the style of the late Apple founder by positioning a model in a black leather chair with one leg crossed. Jobs famously donned the 992 during the 2007 iPhone keynote and the 2010 iPad introduction.

The 992 model debuted in 2006.
Steve Jobs wore the shoes during the 2007 iPhone keynote.
Jobs wore the sneakers again for the iPad introduction in January 2010.
October 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of the death of Steve Jobs.
A new 992 colorway launches the week of October 6, 2026.

Culture Shift

This tribute highlights the growing trend of brand nostalgia, where companies leverage historical connections to cultural icons to sustain long-term relevancy. The strategy positions the 992 not just as a piece of footwear, but as a permanent fixture in modern minimalist style aesthetics.

Fans of the brand can look for the new collaborative colorway at retail partners starting this week. The campaign may influence styling choices for those seeking a classic, minimalist aesthetic popularized by tech industry figures.

The takeaway

Legacy branding continues to be a powerful tool for manufacturers to connect vintage product lines with modern consumers. Identifying and celebrating the specific figures who helped build a product's reputation can significantly increase its cultural capital.