New Balance oozes warmth. Categorically gray dad shoes might come off as cold or dry, even, but New Balance can bring the heat when it needs to.

The New Balance U997AC in "Dried Apricot" is the personification of that warm and fuzzy feeling you get after the first day of spring following an especially brutal winter.

Seasonal depression? Not round here. Who could be sad with the footwear equivalent of an orange sorbet?

The upper is made with various swarths of yellows, resulting in a joyous cacophony of sunshine, citrus, and a splash of cream throughout.

And this darker suede upper is texturally offset by the hairy tongue and heel-collar, which gives the sneaker some decadent depth. This dimension is continued at the midfoot with the "N" logo that features white leather trimming around the logo.

EVA foam cushioning keeps things comfortable during summer strolls, while the ENCAP technology gives the sneaker a layer of shock absorption. 

Available on the New Balance website for $200, this made-in-the-USA 997 is just one of the many succulent dad shoes NB has been cultivating as of late. From floral bouquets to savory mushrooms, grocery store swag has been the lifeblood of the New Balance moodboard as of late.

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