Is the price gap on the New Balance 990v7 'Made in USA' big enough to justify shipping to Italy?
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Why the 990v7 is the sneaker of 2026
Have you noticed the 990v7 popping up everywhere on your feed lately? While it has become a staple of New Zealand street fashion this year, the trend is hitting Italy just as hard. The 2026 iteration of the 990 series remains the gold standard for that "dad shoe" aesthetic, but with updated FuelCell cushioning that makes it feel like you are walking on clouds. The "Made in USA" badge isn't just for show; it represents premium pigskin suede and mesh construction that local European releases often can't match in terms of sheer quality and archival colors.
The massive price difference between US and Italy
Is it actually cheaper to buy from America? In short, yes. If you look at high-end boutiques in Milan or Rome, the retail price for a 2026 New Balance 990v7 "Made in USA" is often inflated by nearly 40% compared to US retail prices. By using a tax-free US address from comGateway, you can shop directly from US retailers like New Balance US, Kith, or Bodega, where the base price is significantly lower. Even with shipping costs, the total usually ends up being much friendlier to your wallet than buying locally.
How to shop US stores effectively
To get the best deals, you need to act like a local. Using a freight forwarder allows you to access limited-edition colorways that never even touch European soil. You can shop US store sites that offer seasonal discounts, making the price gap even wider. If you are worried about the math, you should use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you hit the checkout button.
Buying from US stores that don't like international cards
Have you ever tried to buy something from a US site only to have your order canceled immediately? It is a common frustration. Many iconic US retailers, including the official New Balance site and shops like Sephora or Nike, frequently block international credit cards or refuse to ship to known forwarder addresses. This is where the "BuyForMe" service becomes your best friend.
With "BuyForMe," comGateway acts as your personal shopper. They use a US-based domestic credit card to purchase the 990v7 on your behalf, ensuring the order goes through without being flagged. This is the safest way to guarantee your order doesn't get stuck in "canceled" limbo, especially during high-heat releases where every second counts. If you have more questions on how this works, the FAQ at the help center has a full breakdown of the process.
Shipping logistics for your new kicks
Before you ship your shoes across the Atlantic, it helps to know what you are dealing with in terms of size and weight. Here is a quick breakdown for the New Balance 990v7:
- Box Weight: Approx. 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) including the outer shipping box.
- Box Dimensions: Usually around 14 x 10 x 6 inches (35 x 25 x 15 cm).
- Volumetric Warning: Sneaker boxes are generally dense enough that volumetric weight isn't a huge issue, but if you order multiple pairs in one large box, the volume might increase the cost. Always consider consolidating your packages to save money.
- Battery Check: This item contains no lithium batteries, so there are no special air travel restrictions to worry about.
Importing to Italy: What you need to know
When your package arrives in the EU, it will go through customs. For an Italy delivery, you should be prepared for VAT (IVA) which is currently 22%, plus any applicable import duties for footwear. While this sounds like an extra hurdle, the lower US purchase price often still makes this the most economical route. You can find more details on how to handle these costs on the ship to Italy page.
Check our guide on import tax and customs tax to see how these fees are calculated so there are no surprises when your 990v7s arrive at your door. By being smart about where you buy and how you ship, you can keep your sneaker rotation fresh in 2026 without the "Italy markup." For any other specific shipping queries, feel free to reach out to support through the official comGateway portal.
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