The 990 products were originally made as neutral running shoes. This is no different with the 990v5, or anything in between. They’re: The suede also adds an air of sophistication. It’s real suede, where, with many shoes, you don’t know what you’re getting. 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. New Balance is known for using high-quality materials in their shoes, and the 990 v5 is no exception. The upper is made of pigskin suede and mesh, which is both durable and breathable. The midsole is made of ENCAP and ABZORB technology, which provides cushioning and stability. Comfortable Fit

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 990v3 had a long wait before it, too, coming out on the OG 990’s 30th birthday. This 2012 update featured upgrades for breathability and a look favoring the practical rather than the style.

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 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. New Balance's line of men's lifestyle shoes is your go-to place for daily footwear. Whether you're looking for a trail-ready outdoor sneaker or a more casual court classic shoe, we have something for every outfit. From exclusive releases to updated classics, our men's lifestyle sneakers are always available with a fresh colorway.

New Balance 990 Made in USA

The second-latest release featured another updated look: a blend of modern and the original glory. It focused on fashion and function, with immaculate tech and an athletic, yet clunky, visual. Certainly, they’re not shoes made for pronators. However, they’re quite stable, and their close fit may help those with pronation issues. Upper Visually, the 990v2 wasn’t so different. However, the technology stomped its way ahead of the game.

The 990 v5 has a comfortable fit that’s perfect for long runs. The shoe features a padded collar and tongue, as well as a removable insole. The shoe also has a roomy toe box, which allows your toes to spread out naturally. Superior Support

Changes in Fit and Feel

Drop: The 990v4’s 12mm drop was approximate due to variances while crafting the shoes. This fact remains with the 990v5. It combined ABZORB and ENCAP technology and featured metatarsal padding to sculpt the midsole. The comfort and support these tools provided went unmatched: Even if the changes are minimal, New Balance demonstrated its dedication to quality over the decades. And, despite the rampant capitalism of modern times, New Balance remains loyal to the tried and true method of quality over money-grabbing. Visual Differences Other customers note their comfort for walking as well as running. And, although it’s subtle, the 990v5 is more comfortable than the 990v4 for both. Note that the 990v5 features additional padding in the heel. In case you think the shoe is getting cushier so must not be as stable, don’t fret. The ankle-area power straps are to add further support, mainly laterally.

The 990v5 for women come in narrow to X-wide sizes for 5–13. They also run in half-sizes up to 11.5. 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. It allegedly took four years to design the iconic original sneaker, which was down to all the research that went into it.The 990v2 featured new sole technology and held some changes the New Balance 999 two years prior introduced. The range has gathered praise as what it is—a line of running shoes—and for what it isn’t—”dad New Balance shoes.” If you thought four years was a long time to design a shoe, then quadrupling that time to evolve it is insane. 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. All of this has led now us to the 990v5, but how does it differ from the previous model? What Is the Difference Between New Balance 990v4 and 990v5?