Action Bronson turned up to the Caught Stealing red carpet in a pair of unreleased New Balance 992s, and the internet noticed before any press release did. That impromptu debut is now history: the pair released officially on 22 October 2025 under the name “Digitalis Purpurea” (SKU U992AC1) — sneaker media had been calling it “Cosmic Rose” during the teaser phase, and the nickname stuck even after New Balance confirmed the official title.
The design: pigskin suede in a rose that means business
Premium pigskin suede wraps the upper in a rose tone that reads more sophisticated than sweet — nubuck overlays add texture, and tan accents keep the palette grounded rather than candy-coated. Made in USA construction and an ENCAP midsole put this firmly in New Balance’s premium 992 tier, alongside past collaborators like Concepts, Stüssy, and JJJJound.
The 992’s chunky proportions carry an adventurous colourway better than most silhouettes can, and mesh panels keep the shoe wearable rather than purely a shelf piece.
Release facts
- Official name: New Balance 992 Made in USA “Digitalis Purpurea” (previewed as “Cosmic Rose”)
- SKU: U992AC1
- Release date: 22 October 2025
- Retail price: $240 USD (≈ AED 881)
- Where it sold: Action Bronson’s own channels, newbalance.com, and select boutiques
New Balance hasn’t confirmed a UAE retail run, so buyers here have largely sourced pairs through resale platforms or international restocks since launch — the red-carpet reveal did its job as pre-launch marketing, and the pair sold through quickly once it went live.
Bronson’s growing 992 résumé
This isn’t Bronson’s first New Balance collaboration. His 990v6 “Baklava” leaned into wild colour combinations, and the 1906R releases pushed technical materials alongside visual boldness. “Digitalis Purpurea” reads as a more restrained, confident step — bold without tipping into costume territory, and proof that his eye for colour has sharpened with each release.
New Balance benefits from the crossover: Bronson’s music gives it street credibility, his food background adds lifestyle authenticity, and his fashion instincts bridge luxury and accessible streetwear in a way few celebrity collaborators manage convincingly.
Should you chase it now?
Since it already sold out at retail, options are resale platforms or keeping an eye on restocks through Bronson’s own channels. Given how quickly his previous 990v6 and 1906R pairs appreciated, “Digitalis Purpurea” is worth tracking if you missed the October drop — pigskin suede in this shade ages well, and Made in USA 992s tend to hold value better than general releases.
Where does the name come from?
Digitalis purpurea is the botanical name for foxglove — a tubular purple-pink wildflower. The colourway takes its cue from the flower’s petals: a beige mesh base, hot pink suede overlays, and a light grey mesh-and-leather tongue that keeps the palette from tipping into full bubblegum territory.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same shoe as the “Cosmic Rose”?
Yes — “Cosmic Rose” was the working nickname sneaker media used during the teaser phase. New Balance’s official release name is “Digitalis Purpurea.”
What makes this 992 different from a standard release?
It’s Made in USA, which means a different (and pricier) construction tier than New Balance’s overseas-made 992 lines, plus the ENCAP midsole New Balance reserves for its premium runs.
Can I still buy it in the UAE?
Not through official New Balance UAE channels at the time of writing. Resale platforms remain the most reliable route for buyers here.
