The iconic men's New Balance 990 blends style and substance in a premium package. The New Balance 990 represents a timeless style thatrsquos built to last. The 990 begins with a pigskin upper thatrsquos precisely cut and trimmed to shape before being hand-stitched with mesh panels. Designers then added subtle reflective details for a pop of extra visibility. Beneath the suede-and-mesh upper, the 990v5 employs ENCAP midsole technology. New Balancersquos ENCAP tech is made of two different components: a core of soft EVA for cushion surrounded by a rim of tougher polyurethane for support and durability. With a dual-density foam collar for comfort and a blown rubber outsole that resist abrasion, the men's New Balance 990v5 feels just as comfortable on a run as it does at a nice dinner.
The iconic men's New Balance 990 blends style and substance in a premium package. The New Balance 990 represents a timeless style thatrsquos built to last. The 990 begins with a pigskin upper thatrsquos precisely cut and trimmed to shape before being hand-stitched with mesh panels. Designers then added subtle reflective details for a pop of extra visibility. Beneath the suede-and-mesh upper, the 990v5 employs ENCAP midsole technology. New Balancersquos ENCAP tech is made of two different components: a core of soft EVA for cushion surrounded by a rim of tougher polyurethane for support and durability. With a dual-density foam collar for comfort and a blown rubber outsole that resist abrasion, the men's New Balance 990v5 feels just as comfortable on a run as it does at a nice dinner.
The iconic men's New Balance 990 blends style and substance in a premium package. The New Balance 990 represents a timeless style thatrsquos built to last. The 990 begins with a pigskin upper thatrsquos precisely cut and trimmed to shape before being hand-stitched with mesh panels. Designers then added subtle reflective details for a pop of extra visibility. Beneath the suede-and-mesh upper, the 990v5 employs ENCAP midsole technology. New Balancersquos ENCAP tech is made of two different components: a core of soft EVA for cushion surrounded by a rim of tougher polyurethane for support and durability. With a dual-density foam collar for comfort and a blown rubber outsole that resist abrasion, the men's New Balance 990v5 feels just as comfortable on a run as it does at a nice dinner.
The iconic men's New Balance 990 blends style and substance in a premium package. The New Balance 990 represents a timeless style thatrsquos built to last. The 990 begins with a pigskin upper thatrsquos precisely cut and trimmed to shape before being hand-stitched with mesh panels. Designers then added subtle reflective details for a pop of extra visibility. Beneath the suede-and-mesh upper, the 990v5 employs ENCAP midsole technology. New Balancersquos ENCAP tech is made of two different components: a core of soft EVA for cushion surrounded by a rim of tougher polyurethane for support and durability. With a dual-density foam collar for comfort and a blown rubber outsole that resist abrasion, the men's New Balance 990v5 feels just as comfortable on a run as it does at a nice dinner.
Last updated at 12/02/2025 21:18:52
originally posted on newbalance.com
Far Superior in Design, Materials, and Construction, this shoe corrects faulty mechanics of running and walking. Sizing returns to the traditional American standards. I purchased New Balance Fresh Foam 860's (made in Indonesia) in 8.5 Extra Wide and found them to be just barely large enough. While searching for a better option, I put 25 to 30 miles per week on them while battling foot and knee pain. At my brother's suggestion, I googled "running shoes made in America" and found that the New Balance 990's were the only ones that were made in America and offered in wide widths with high support and stability. I ordered Men's 8.5 extra wide and they were too large. So I returned them for Men's Size 8 Extra Wide, which was my size before almost all the running shoes ... MoreFar Superior in Design, Materials, and Construction, this shoe corrects faulty mechanics of running and walking. Sizing returns to the traditional American standards. I purchased New Balance Fresh Foam 860's (made in Indonesia) in 8.5 Extra Wide and found them to be just barely large enough. While searching for a better option, I put 25 to 30 miles per week on them while battling foot and knee pain. At my brother's suggestion, I googled "running shoes made in America" and found that the New Balance 990's were the only ones that were made in America and offered in wide widths with high support and stability. I ordered Men's 8.5 extra wide and they were too large. So I returned them for Men's Size 8 Extra Wide, which was my size before almost all the running shoes started being manufactured in Asia and South America. The New Balance Made in the USA 990v5 felt great when I first put them on. Within days, my foot and knee pain subsided almost completely. After three weeks of walking and running in the 990's, I don't want to take them off! I just want to buy more. My dreams of foot comfort have been realized. Wishing for New Balance to make a waterproof hiking shoe or boot version.
originally posted on ebay.com
Awesome violet+ v5s. Will be my exercise/trainer shoes. Keep me inspired. Quick wash made the color and suede pop. New inserts keep me comfortable. Happy customer. Recommended seller. Thanks!
originally posted on newbalance.com
I bought a pair of New Balance 990's 9 months ago (1/26/22) from a NB retail store in Richmond, VA. I liked the fit and comfort. I tied them loosely. Never ran with them. Only walked with them on sidewalks, dogparks or occasionally in the green. I drove with them. I work from home. At home, I wear slippers. Anyway, after 9 months of pretty average daily wear, these shoes fell apart. The heel on the right shoe became detached. The tread wore down significantly. While they are comfortable, their quality is horrible, which is sad to say. I love buying USA made stuff, and I actually know NB employees who have worked at their shoe factory in Skowhegan. Hate to say it, but I will not be buying New Balance again, big disappointment.
| Outsole Material | Rubber |
| Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper Material | Mesh, Leather |
| Ankle Height | Low-top |
| Midsole Technology | ENCAP |
Far Superior in Design, Materials, and Construction, this shoe corrects faulty mechanics of running and walking. Sizing returns to the traditional American standards. I purchased New Balance Fresh Foam 860's (made in Indonesia) in 8.5 Extra Wide and found them to be just barely large enough. While searching for a better option, I put 25 to 30 miles per week on them while battling foot and knee pain. At my brother's suggestion, I googled "running shoes made in America" and found that the New Balance 990's were the only ones that were made in America and offered in wide widths with high support and stability. I ordered Men's 8.5 extra wide and they were too large. So I returned them for Men's Size 8 Extra Wide, which was my size before almost all the running shoes ... MoreFar Superior in Design, Materials, and Construction, this shoe corrects faulty mechanics of running and walking. Sizing returns to the traditional American standards. I purchased New Balance Fresh Foam 860's (made in Indonesia) in 8.5 Extra Wide and found them to be just barely large enough. While searching for a better option, I put 25 to 30 miles per week on them while battling foot and knee pain. At my brother's suggestion, I googled "running shoes made in America" and found that the New Balance 990's were the only ones that were made in America and offered in wide widths with high support and stability. I ordered Men's 8.5 extra wide and they were too large. So I returned them for Men's Size 8 Extra Wide, which was my size before almost all the running shoes started being manufactured in Asia and South America. The New Balance Made in the USA 990v5 felt great when I first put them on. Within days, my foot and knee pain subsided almost completely. After three weeks of walking and running in the 990's, I don't want to take them off! I just want to buy more. My dreams of foot comfort have been realized. Wishing for New Balance to make a waterproof hiking shoe or boot version.
Awesome violet+ v5s. Will be my exercise/trainer shoes. Keep me inspired. Quick wash made the color and suede pop. New inserts keep me comfortable. Happy customer. Recommended seller. Thanks!
I bought a pair of New Balance 990's 9 months ago (1/26/22) from a NB retail store in Richmond, VA. I liked the fit and comfort. I tied them loosely. Never ran with them. Only walked with them on sidewalks, dogparks or occasionally in the green. I drove with them. I work from home. At home, I wear slippers. Anyway, after 9 months of pretty average daily wear, these shoes fell apart. The heel on the right shoe became detached. The tread wore down significantly. While they are comfortable, their quality is horrible, which is sad to say. I love buying USA made stuff, and I actually know NB employees who have worked at their shoe factory in Skowhegan. Hate to say it, but I will not be buying New Balance again, big disappointment.
I am a Senior, I walk, on average 12 miles a week and ride my bike 40 miles. I have worn Rockport Pro Walkers for the past 15 years. The issue I have had with the Rockport's is the 10W was an overly tight fit in the toe box for my left foot. But, for the price, I endured. My wife, who due to an extra wide foot, is a challenge to fit when it comes to shoes, has been using New Balance for a number of years and is quite pleased especially with the extra width. For this same reason I thought I would give NB a try and called NB customer service who recommended model 990V5 in a 10XX size. I have walked about 22 miles with the shoes, so far, and am very pleased with the fit in the shoe box. I am not as pleased with the heel cushion, the much less expensive, 75% less, ... MoreI am a Senior, I walk, on average 12 miles a week and ride my bike 40 miles. I have worn Rockport Pro Walkers for the past 15 years. The issue I have had with the Rockport's is the 10W was an overly tight fit in the toe box for my left foot. But, for the price, I endured. My wife, who due to an extra wide foot, is a challenge to fit when it comes to shoes, has been using New Balance for a number of years and is quite pleased especially with the extra width. For this same reason I thought I would give NB a try and called NB customer service who recommended model 990V5 in a 10XX size. I have walked about 22 miles with the shoes, so far, and am very pleased with the fit in the shoe box. I am not as pleased with the heel cushion, the much less expensive, 75% less, Rockport's are far more comfortable in the heel.
I bought my first pair of 990's in 1985 when I was working at a mall and Footlocker offered a 15% discount for mall employees. I remember paying $85 for them after the discount and as a 19 year old, that felt like a lot of money. I used them as my primary running shoes for a least 2 years and got into the routine of buying a new pair every 2ish years thereafter. Quality has always been excellent although I migrated away from 990's for running maybe 15 years ago. The past two pairs I've purchased were the all black version and I'm still wondering if it's just me - but the all black versions did not seem to be as high quality as the greys. I bought a pair of 990v5's in 2019 in all black and were never pleased with them. Then I realized this was the second pair of all ... MoreI bought my first pair of 990's in 1985 when I was working at a mall and Footlocker offered a 15% discount for mall employees. I remember paying $85 for them after the discount and as a 19 year old, that felt like a lot of money. I used them as my primary running shoes for a least 2 years and got into the routine of buying a new pair every 2ish years thereafter. Quality has always been excellent although I migrated away from 990's for running maybe 15 years ago. The past two pairs I've purchased were the all black version and I'm still wondering if it's just me - but the all black versions did not seem to be as high quality as the greys. I bought a pair of 990v5's in 2019 in all black and were never pleased with them. Then I realized this was the second pair of all black 990's I've purchased that i didn't like and I typically go for the all black versions of running shoes. I ended up taking them to the Goodwill since I hadn't worn them very much. I purchased this current pair in the grey colorway and I have worn them several times since received. For some reason, these feel like higher quality than the all black version. I'm wondering if it has to do with the quality of the suede? I also have gone on a couple of runs in these new versions. I usually average 10-20 miles per week and a 2 mile jog felt 'ok'. These shoes feel heavy, less 'squishy' and VERY stable compared with my normal running shoes (Brooks Glycerin, NB 1080, etc). You can absolutely run in them but there are better current options. I will use these as 'lifestyle' shoes at this point and for that purpose, they are excellent. Service from Fleet Feet was excellent as it always has been.
Been wearing NB shoes for over 50 years; have worn no other. Well made, fine support and they have a good selection for narrow sizes. So I graded up to the big time. I had been wearing 577's. Although the 990's are comfortable; not enough cushioning for walking. i have bad knees and plantar faucitis. The 577's served me better for walking and at half the price. These are all around shoes and not specifically for walking, which may have been my mistake. That being said I just ordered a pair of NB 847G4's which are designed for walking, and let's see if those work out better. Either way, I will remain a loyal customer.
This is the second time submitting this review as the moderators didn't publish my first review which included photos. I have worn the 990 family of shoes for over 20 years. I was always satisfied with them. However, the last 3 pairs, including the 990v5, developed sizeable holes in the big toe area. My feet haven't changed, so I conclude that the mesh on top of the shoe is now of inferior quality. Please consider using tighter stitching or better materials for the mesh. Or, even better, consider using solid material over the big toe area. These shoes are too expensive for the mesh to come apart. Please publish my review.
I have diabetes and flat feet. I work in a restaurant 10 to 12 hours everyday on my feet. My foot doctor recommended for me to go out and get these. I've NEVER spent this much on a pair of shoes in my life. I was very skeptical but once I tried them on at the store I was immediately impressed. I wore these everyday in a greasy concrete floor environment for well over a year before the shoe started coming apart. I ordered my second pair online off this site and received very quickly. I can't imagine wearing any other shoe again. Super pumped the black version was in stock finally because they are very sharp. Thanks!
I've been a huge fan of the 990s and 2002s for years and always buy several pairs of each generation to wear throughout the week. I spend long days on my feet for work and these shoes have been the best fit & comfort for long days. I loved the 990v4 and had 5 pairs of them!HOWEVER, the V5 of these shoes are awful, they're noticeably bigger than the v4 in the same size. You can put them side by side and see the toe box is wider, the shoe is bigger and after buying a couple pairs of my normal size, I found out that I needed to get a half size smaller just to sorta fit correctly. I've never had to change shoe size in 20+ years.Also, the various color/style options are completely different fitting/comfort from each other. I've bought and returned several pairs of ... MoreI've been a huge fan of the 990s and 2002s for years and always buy several pairs of each generation to wear throughout the week. I spend long days on my feet for work and these shoes have been the best fit & comfort for long days. I loved the 990v4 and had 5 pairs of them!HOWEVER, the V5 of these shoes are awful, they're noticeably bigger than the v4 in the same size. You can put them side by side and see the toe box is wider, the shoe is bigger and after buying a couple pairs of my normal size, I found out that I needed to get a half size smaller just to sorta fit correctly. I've never had to change shoe size in 20+ years.Also, the various color/style options are completely different fitting/comfort from each other. I've bought and returned several pairs of each and still have comfort issues with these shoes after wearing them for several weeks. It seems like there is either a QC issue or a materials sourcing issue. I've never seen this guy of inconsistencies on the shoes.For shoes that cost over $150/pair, I'd have expected more from these. I really want to like them, but the V5 are awful and i've given away ALL of my pairs way early or nearly new because they're impossible to wear! Here's hoping the V6 are better.
I really like these shoes and I was very happy to pay a bit more to support American manufacturing. However, after 5 months of light use my toe started poking through the top. The seam had failed. I don't run or exercise in any significant way. These shoes had been used only for short walks every couple of days and general daily life. I believe they failed due to a manufacturing defect...but since I only have a sample size of one I can't guess how common this is. However, this part of the shoe is held together with only a single stitch so it isn't the strongest part of the shoe. I usually keep shoes for several years and have never had them fail in this way, so I don't think it is anything related to my usage. See attached photo...that is my finger sticking ... MoreI really like these shoes and I was very happy to pay a bit more to support American manufacturing. However, after 5 months of light use my toe started poking through the top. The seam had failed. I don't run or exercise in any significant way. These shoes had been used only for short walks every couple of days and general daily life. I believe they failed due to a manufacturing defect...but since I only have a sample size of one I can't guess how common this is. However, this part of the shoe is held together with only a single stitch so it isn't the strongest part of the shoe. I usually keep shoes for several years and have never had them fail in this way, so I don't think it is anything related to my usage. See attached photo...that is my finger sticking through.Where things really went bad was when I contacted customer support. I explained the situation and asked them to replace the shoes. I also would have been fine with some sort of credit towards another pair. I was really expecting NB to stand by their premium product in some way. Sadly, all I got was a lecture about how NB doesn't discount their product. I asked them again to work with me on this or I would write a bad review. The response was "Thanks for contacting us". So, here I am with a bad review.I was hoping to buy more "Made" products, but after this experience, I won't be. Sorry NB and the American worker. I tried to be your customer, but you really gotta stand by your premium products better than this.
| Outsole Material | Rubber |
| Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper Material | Mesh, Leather |
| Ankle Height | Low-top |
| Midsole Technology | ENCAP |
