The New Balance 990v7 Core Grey costs significantly less in America than in French retail stores.
The 990v7 Core Grey is the king of 2026 style
It is now March 2026, and the New Balance 990v7 in 'Made in USA' Core Grey has solidified its place as the essential sneaker for anyone who values both comfort and a certain "dad-chic" aesthetic. While the silhouette has evolved, the commitment to high-quality materials in the 990v7 remains consistent. The Core Grey colorway is particularly sought after because it matches everything from Parisian streetwear to casual office attire. However, there is a recurring pattern where these premium sneakers are much easier to find and much cheaper to purchase within the United States than they are across the Atlantic.
The math behind the US price advantage
As of mid-2026, the retail price for the New Balance 990v7 in the United States sits around $210 USD. In contrast, French boutiques and online retailers often list the same pair for €265 or more. When you factor in the current exchange rates, French shoppers are frequently paying a premium of $70 to $80 just for the privilege of buying locally. Even when you account for the cost of an international shipping service, the total expenditure of importing the shoes from a US retailer often remains significantly lower than the local French retail price.
Buying from US stores from your couch in France
Many US-based retailers do not offer direct shipping to Europe, or if they do, the costs are prohibitively high. The most efficient way to secure your pair is to shop US store websites using a tax-free US address. By doing this, you avoid US sales tax at the point of purchase, which can save you another 7-10% depending on where the retailer is based. Once your 990v7s arrive at your US-based address, a freight forwarder can consolidate your package and prepare it for its journey to France.
Shipping Estimates for New Balance 990v7
To help you use a shipping calculator effectively, here are the physical specifications for a standard pair of New Balance 990v7 (Made in USA - Core Grey) in an adult size:
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) including the shoebox and outer shipping carton. |
| Box Dimensions | Small/Medium (Standard shoebox size is roughly 14 x 8 x 5 inches). |
| Volumetric Warning | Sneakers are generally dense enough that volumetric weight is not a major concern. However, if you are shipping multiple pairs in a single oversized box, the volume may exceed the actual weight, increasing costs. |
| Battery Check | This item does not contain lithium batteries. No special hazardous material handling is required. |
Check our guide on prohibited items to ensure you aren't adding any restricted cleaning kits or aerosols to your sneaker order.
Getting your sneakers to France efficiently
When you use comGateway to forward packages, you gain access to competitive rates from major carriers like DHL and FedEx. For a single pair of sneakers, the France delivery time usually ranges from 3 to 8 business days depending on the tier of service you select. Using a package forwarding specialist ensures that your 990v7s are handled with care and that you have full visibility of the tracking until they reach your doorstep in Paris, Lyon, or Marseille.
You can estimate shipping cost for your specific French postal code by visiting the shipping calculator. This allows you to see the final price before you even hit the "buy" button on the US website.
Managing French import costs
When you ship to France from outside the European Union, you should be prepared for potential import duties and VAT. France typically applies a 20% VAT on imported goods. While this adds to the cost, the initial $80 saving on the US retail price often absorbs most of this expense, still leaving you with a better deal than if you had purchased the shoes in a French mall. For more details on how these fees are calculated, you might also like to read our overview of customs tax and how it applies to international shoppers in 2026.
By using a dedicated buy from US ship to France workflow, you can bypass the limited stock and high markups found in Europe. Your 990v7 Core Greys are just a few clicks and a short flight away.
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