Is it actually cheaper to import the New Balance 990v6 Forest Moss to Belgium? Here is why your US order might fail
The Hype Behind the 2026 'Forest Moss' Edition
Have you been scrolling through Instagram lately and noticed that deep earthy green popping up on every sneakerhead's feed? That is the New Balance 990v6 'Made in USA' (2026 'Forest Moss' Edition). This specific colorway has become one of the most sought-after us trends of the year. Unlike previous iterations, the 2026 release features a unique tactile mesh and a specific shade of moss that seems to change under different lighting conditions.
The problem for those of us living in Belgium is that this is a US-first launch. While a few boutiques in Antwerp or Brussels might get a handful of pairs, they are often gone before the shop doors even open, or worse, they are marked up to nearly double the original retail price.
The Belgium Markup vs. US Retail
Is it actually cheaper to buy from a US store and ship it halfway across the world? In 2026, the answer is a resounding yes. If you look at local retailers, you are not just paying for the shoes; you are paying for their import overhead, VAT, and a hefty boutique premium. By using a freight forwarder, you can access the standard US retail price, which is significantly lower even after you factor in the cost of transport.
Why Your International Credit Card Might Get Declined
If you think you can just head over to the official New Balance US site or major retailers like Sephora or Nike and checkout with your Belgian Mastercard, you might be in for a frustrating surprise. Many high-demand US stores have strict security protocols that automatically flag and decline orders made with international credit cards or those attempting to ship to known forwarding addresses.
Nothing is more disappointing than seeing a 'Confirmed' screen only to receive a 'Cancelled' email ten minutes later because your payment method didn't match the region. This is where many shoppers lose out on limited drops like the Forest Moss 990v6.
The BuyForMe Service: Ensuring Your Order Sticks
To avoid the heartbreak of a cancelled order, you should look into the BuyForMe service. This is essentially an assisted purchase where a team in the US buys the item on your behalf using a domestic US credit card. This bypasses the regional blocks that these stores put in place. It is the safest way to guarantee that your pair is secured and won't be put back into inventory because of a 'suspicious' international transaction. If you are serious about getting these sneakers, proxy shopping is the most reliable strategy.
Shipping Estimates and Logistics to Belgium
Before you commit, it is important to estimate shipping cost to ensure the deal still makes sense. Here is a breakdown of what to expect when shipping a pair of New Balance 990v6s:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg) including the outer shipping carton. |
| Box Dimensions | Standard shoebox is roughly 14 x 10 x 5 inches. It is considered a small-to-medium package. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. Since sneakers are relatively dense for their size, you likely won't be hit with high volumetric weight charges unless you are shipping several pairs in one massive box. |
| Battery Check | No batteries. This item contains no lithium or electronics, so there are no special air freight restrictions. |
You can check the current international shipping rates to see how different carriers compare for Belgium delivery.
Importing to Belgium: What You Need to Know
When you buy from US ship to Belgium, your package will pass through customs. You will be responsible for VAT and potentially a small import duty. However, even with these costs added, the total usually remains lower than the 2026 boutique prices in Europe. Plus, you get a tax-free us address to use during the checkout process in the US, which saves you from paying US state sales tax.
If you are new to this, follow our step-by-step guide to see exactly how the process works. From the moment you shop us store sites to the moment the courier rings your doorbell in Brussels, the process is streamlined to keep your sneakers safe. Don't risk losing your money on a cancelled order or overpaying locally when you can get the real deal directly from the source.
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