Why I use a freight forwarder to buy the New Balance 990v7 from US stores

May 14, 2026

The 2026 New Balance 990v7 Hype

I have been waiting for the New Balance 990v7 'Made in USA' launch since the first leaks appeared last year. Now that it is May 2026, the sneakers are finally hitting the shelves. The v7 maintains the iconic grey aesthetic but introduces a more streamlined FuelCell midsole that I find much more comfortable for daily wear. While the quality remains top-tier, the availability in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands, is often delayed or limited to high-end boutiques with massive markups.

Why I use a freight forwarder to buy the New Balance 990v7 from US stores
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Comparing US Prices to Netherlands Retail

In the US, the 990v7 retails for approximately $220 USD. In the Netherlands, I often see the 'Made in USA' line priced at €260 or higher. When I factor in the current exchange rate, buying directly from a US retailer via a freight forwarder makes financial sense. By using a tax-free US address provided by comGateway, I avoid US sales tax entirely, which usually adds another 7-10% to the price at checkout in other states.

My Shipping Estimates for the 990v7

Before I buy any footwear, I always use a shipping calculator to see if the math adds up. Here are the logistics details I used for my 990v7 order:

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) including the outer shipping box.
Box Dimensions Medium (roughly 14 x 10 x 6 inches).
Volumetric Warning Sneaker boxes are generally dense enough that volumetric weight is not a major issue, unlike pillows or large plush toys. However, keep an eye on oversized collector boxes.
Battery Check This item contains no lithium batteries. It follows standard shipping rules for apparel.

Using Proxy Shopping for Restricted US Stores

One challenge I frequently face when shopping at major US retailers like New Balance or certain high-end boutiques is that they often block international credit cards. I have had my orders cancelled because my billing address was in the Netherlands or because I used a known forwarding warehouse address. This is where I find proxy shopping essential.

I use comGateway's "BuyForMe" service to bypass these restrictions. We simply tell them what we want to buy, and they purchase the item using a US-based domestic credit card. This is the most reliable way to ensure the order is not flagged or cancelled by the store's security filters. It makes international shipping much less stressful when I know the purchase is guaranteed to go through.

Understanding Import Tax and VAT

When I ship to Netherlands, I have to account for local regulations. Since the value of the 990v7 exceeds €150, I am responsible for both VAT (21%) and a small percentage of customs duty. You should check our guide on import tax to understand exactly how these fees are calculated for sneakers. Even with these costs, the total price often remains lower than local Dutch retail prices for limited edition 'Made in USA' drops.

A Step-by-Step Guide to My Process

If you want to follow my lead, here is my step-by-step guide to getting the 990v7 delivered to your door. First, I secure my US address through comGateway. Then, I either shop directly or use the BuyForMe service if the store is being difficult. Once the shoes arrive at the warehouse, I can choose between DHL international shipping or FedEx international shipping for the final leg to the Netherlands. I usually opt for the express options to get my sneakers within 3 to 5 business days of them leaving the US warehouse.

By managing the process this way, I get the exact colorway I want the moment it launches in the States, rather than waiting for a local release that might never happen.

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