The brand also uses its lightweight foam and polyurethane midsole to reduce impact on the joints and provide a slight bounce to your step. As someone who prefers to travel to any given destination with the least amount of effort in the shortest amount of time, I find these inserts to yield a more efficient stride. The 990v5 has a roomier toe box than its predecessor as well. Because of this, I’m able to freely wiggle my toes around, which is a welcome departure from my usual go-tos, Nike Air Max 90 sneakers. My bunions also have room to breathe in the 990v5s, helping prevent foot pain and blisters. The New Balance 990v5 seems to be the best of the 990 range so far—perhaps the peek. No doubt, New Balance will come up with some tweaks for a future v6, but for now, the v5 is the best you can get. Country of Origin: New Balance doesn’t always manufacture its shoes in the USA. Yes, including the ones dubbed “Made in USA.” However, both the 990v4 and 990v5 hold that claim, so there’s no difference there. Customers do note the difference between the feel of the 990v5 vs. 990v4. The 990v5 fits wider, but mainly in the toe box. So far, most customers don’t seem to mind this, though. Yes, the 990 v5 is a versatile shoe that can be worn for everyday use and other activities such as walking, hiking, and cross-training.

Visually, the 990v2 wasn’t so different. However, the technology stomped its way ahead of the game.The 990 products were originally made as neutral running shoes. This is no different with the 990v5, or anything in between. They’re: Yes, other incredible shoes had their release throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. Yet, the unknown wait for the original shoe’s tune-up was still going. The style is sleek but chunky. By no means are these close-fitting or subtle shoes, but New Balance uses that surface spacer to craft athletic shoes that look great and in various colors.

The 990v5 runs true to size but has a wider toe box than you may have had previously. This gives you plenty of wiggle-room. It allegedly took four years to design the iconic original sneaker, which was down to all the research that went into it. Much like its counterparts in Detroit or Cupertino, New Balance updates its signature product every few years to give it new life—and, naturally, a new reason for supporters to rush out and scoop a pair. The last time a revamped 990 hit shelves was in 2019, and like the V3 and V4 before it, the V5 moved towards cleaner lines and an overall sleeker shape, including a TPU strap on the upper that initially gave purists pause before gradually catching on with 990 enthusiasts.

So, not only was the gray a palette cleanser, but it was a genius way to market the shoes. There was no mistaking the NB 990 when you saw it in store windows or on feet. The Next Step: New Balance 990v2 ENCAP: Keeps the tech safe in the sole. The heel got its own bubble of protection to ensure your heel was safe with each strike. There are three mesh panels on the toe box and one either side higher up. Sure, these ensure excellent breathability. But, being in panels, they also add an air of sleekness to the shoe, making them more expensive. Lateral support makes these shoes an excellent alternative to tennis shoes if you’re new to the sport and don’t have the gear yet. The midsole technology’s intent is for comfort and stability. Your feet will feel held in place but not crushed or held in by hard material.

They achieve these without being too heavy or overbearing and without forcing changes in your gait.Upper: The pigskin and mesh upper is another feature that stayed the same. However, the 990v5 version underwent some tweaks to boost breathability. The better the breathability, the better the shoe. A foot that can breathe reduces odors, discomfort and bacteria in the shoe. Although the 990v2 didn’t come out until 1998, the 995–999 of the similar 99X range thrived in the years in between. Celebrity Followers While it's in our blood to stay true to our heritage look and feel, we continuously strive to create the most innovate products. Styles like our iconic 574, and later released 997 have featured sport models to blend athleisure style with heritage design. Our selection of sport style footwear provides an athletic look and feel, combined with the quality construction you expect from New Balance.