Be prepared to break in these shoes.
I've been an avid runner going on 15 years. When I was first fitted for shoes I thought this is crazy but when I put on my first stability running shoes I knew there was a reason why getting fitted is so important. Prior to purchasing these shoes I wore only Asics Kayano for who knows how long. However, I injured my Achilles about 2 years ago and I thought I would give other shoes a try. While I stuck to stability, most other shoes did not seem to last as long. I shared my story with a store employee and he suggested that I try the New Balance 990. Before I purchased I read reviews and asked quite a few runners about this shoe. All the feedback I received was great, so I decided to purchase. The first thing I noticed was how heavy the shoes were compared to my ... MoreI've been an avid runner going on 15 years. When I was first fitted for shoes I thought this is crazy but when I put on my first stability running shoes I knew there was a reason why getting fitted is so important. Prior to purchasing these shoes I wore only Asics Kayano for who knows how long. However, I injured my Achilles about 2 years ago and I thought I would give other shoes a try. While I stuck to stability, most other shoes did not seem to last as long. I shared my story with a store employee and he suggested that I try the New Balance 990. Before I purchased I read reviews and asked quite a few runners about this shoe. All the feedback I received was great, so I decided to purchase. The first thing I noticed was how heavy the shoes were compared to my Kayano's. I knew these shoes would take longer to break in because after my first run, I noticed how stiff the were. However, I took them for a 6 mile run and my feet and knees felt great. However, my second run was not as comfortable. As I write this review, I only have have 55 miles in these shoes. I rated it 3 stars because the comfort level has not been duplicated since the first run. I am going to give them another 2 weeks before I decide whether to keep them or go back to the Kayano's. I truly hope they work out because I feel these shoes will last much longer, however I have to listen to my feet. Hope this review helps.... Show more
Albert
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
Dissapointed
These run as most athletic shoes do a little small. I had to fit my NB one-half size larger than my dress or casual shoes. I customized this style and like the way it turned out; however, I am not please with their performance when speed walking. they seemed to give good support and comfort, but when I returned from a 2.5 mile walk my feet hurt. This is unusual for me and I have always been a buyer of NB shoes for walking and just plain athletic shoe wear. A few of their shoes I use for the speed walking and are all better for my feet than this pair. I have one pair that are not New Balance and it is ironic they are the most comfortable. the best walking shoes I have from NB are style 1540 purchased some few years ago in Black & White. They far surpass these shoes ... MoreThese run as most athletic shoes do a little small. I had to fit my NB one-half size larger than my dress or casual shoes. I customized this style and like the way it turned out; however, I am not please with their performance when speed walking. they seemed to give good support and comfort, but when I returned from a 2.5 mile walk my feet hurt. This is unusual for me and I have always been a buyer of NB shoes for walking and just plain athletic shoe wear. A few of their shoes I use for the speed walking and are all better for my feet than this pair. I have one pair that are not New Balance and it is ironic they are the most comfortable. the best walking shoes I have from NB are style 1540 purchased some few years ago in Black & White. They far surpass these shoes in foot comfort. These shoes would ear 5 stars from me.... Show more
Bucky
originally posted on newbalance.com
Excellent all day shoes for walking
My feet are wide and I have a hard time finding shoes that fit it properly. I recently suffered plantar fasciitis and my left calf muscle was tightening up daily. I went into the store looking for a supportive running shoe that I could use as a daily with orthotics. I was going to go with the Vazee Rush v2 running shoes because they had a lower top which fit with my slim jeans better. The sales woman brought me onto the 990v4 saying they were the Disneyland shoe. I asked her what that meant, and she said that these were what all Disneyland people used. True or not, I bit the bullet and decided to give them a try. Yes they are mid/high-top, yes they are suede, yes they aren't flashy, but boy do they make a world of a difference when walking. I took my first steps in ... MoreMy feet are wide and I have a hard time finding shoes that fit it properly. I recently suffered plantar fasciitis and my left calf muscle was tightening up daily. I went into the store looking for a supportive running shoe that I could use as a daily with orthotics. I was going to go with the Vazee Rush v2 running shoes because they had a lower top which fit with my slim jeans better. The sales woman brought me onto the 990v4 saying they were the Disneyland shoe. I asked her what that meant, and she said that these were what all Disneyland people used. True or not, I bit the bullet and decided to give them a try. Yes they are mid/high-top, yes they are suede, yes they aren't flashy, but boy do they make a world of a difference when walking. I took my first steps in them and could instantly feel the difference. With superfeet blue, I took them to Six Flags and lasted all day without having any foot or back pain. That is a true testament to how cushy and supportive these shoes are! Walking in them daily for 2 weeks now, my calf muscle is less tense, borderline not even tense at all, and my plantar fasciitis has subdued. They fit true to size & have grown on me. I hemmed my jeans to look better, and am a happy customer! My only gripe is that the colorway & material needs some attention. Why put suede when it's even a running shoe? That makes no sense. You get for what you pay for, and these are a solid purchase!... Show more
jaydiculous
originally posted on newbalance.com
For straight-across toes
I have always had big issues with shoes that are widest at the ball of the foot and then want to compress the toes into a smaller area. Little toes curl up and big toes get ingrown toenails. Look at most shoes: does the big toe area slant toward the other toes? This is the best model I have found for toe freedom.My feet also have most of the toes the same length, meaning that the outside toes are compressed in the same way described above. While all women know that pointed shoes destroy feet, why are men's shoes almost all in that same ballpark? So that's why I bought these and they're great. Even orthotics are totally subject to the shoes they enter, All of my orthotics control only the arch and heel, leaving the toes to be victims.... Show more
M.B.
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
Good, Not Great
First, let me say my biggest complaint on these is the new color scheme of black. I prefer the white over the black front soles. Wish they at least offered in white (like the blue version).I've worn NBs for 35 years. I have wide (4E) feet and love a large toe box. These fit well. Unlike many people who owned the V3s, I never had issue with the tongue sliding on them. I also felt the V3s actually lasted slightly longer than the V4. I'm not a runner, just wear them virtually daily and the V3s last me 9-12 months. The last pair I bought of the V3s I bought in mid-June 2017. They have a little life left. I bought them because I wasn't thrilled about the V4s that lasted about 7 months. Of course, basing longevity is unfair - you don't talk about tires in years vs. ... MoreFirst, let me say my biggest complaint on these is the new color scheme of black. I prefer the white over the black front soles. Wish they at least offered in white (like the blue version).I've worn NBs for 35 years. I have wide (4E) feet and love a large toe box. These fit well. Unlike many people who owned the V3s, I never had issue with the tongue sliding on them. I also felt the V3s actually lasted slightly longer than the V4. I'm not a runner, just wear them virtually daily and the V3s last me 9-12 months. The last pair I bought of the V3s I bought in mid-June 2017. They have a little life left. I bought them because I wasn't thrilled about the V4s that lasted about 7 months. Of course, basing longevity is unfair - you don't talk about tires in years vs. miles. Same with shoes. What I will say is that my V3s look way better than the V4's, especially after wearing them over 6 months.... Show more
Randy Portland
originally posted on newbalance.com
I would buy this product again, but would like a mfg change
I use this product both for everyday wear and for running about 10 miles per week. The things I like best it is allows me to have an option to buy a product that is made in the U.S. I also like the comfort and cushioning it provides. The thing I like least about this product is that the top mesh tends to wear through within a short amount of time. In my opinion the front toe cap does not come back far enough on the top of the shoe. My last pair which was a different model (the fresh foam) wore through in about two months. I had a previous pair of 990's which did the same thing but not as quick. The 990's have durability but has a worn look too quickly. I would like to have the "toe" extend back another three-quarters of an inch to give the shoe the ability to look ... MoreI use this product both for everyday wear and for running about 10 miles per week. The things I like best it is allows me to have an option to buy a product that is made in the U.S. I also like the comfort and cushioning it provides. The thing I like least about this product is that the top mesh tends to wear through within a short amount of time. In my opinion the front toe cap does not come back far enough on the top of the shoe. My last pair which was a different model (the fresh foam) wore through in about two months. I had a previous pair of 990's which did the same thing but not as quick. The 990's have durability but has a worn look too quickly. I would like to have the "toe" extend back another three-quarters of an inch to give the shoe the ability to look aesthetically pleasing during the entire length of the shoes life span.... Show more
Scott
originally posted on newbalance.com
Not up to New Balance's rep, at least for wide feet
I have wide feet, so I don't have a lot of choices in shoes. New Balance has long been known to make at least some shoes in widths, and while other companies have caught up to a degree, NB is still regarded highly in this area. After trying several others that are lighter in weight (including some from NB) I bought a pair of 990v4. Since this shoe is said to run true to size, I ordered 11-4e. Unlike many others, the 990 has decent width at the midsole, but while the 11 was long enough, the 4e crowded the 5th toe on each foot.I tried 11-6e, and this is where I learned something interesting: size 11 in 4e & 6e width had the exact same sole. The 6e simply has more volume, so it was too loose for proper tying and *still* crowded my 5th toes.A sales supervisor at my ... MoreI have wide feet, so I don't have a lot of choices in shoes. New Balance has long been known to make at least some shoes in widths, and while other companies have caught up to a degree, NB is still regarded highly in this area. After trying several others that are lighter in weight (including some from NB) I bought a pair of 990v4. Since this shoe is said to run true to size, I ordered 11-4e. Unlike many others, the 990 has decent width at the midsole, but while the 11 was long enough, the 4e crowded the 5th toe on each foot.I tried 11-6e, and this is where I learned something interesting: size 11 in 4e & 6e width had the exact same sole. The 6e simply has more volume, so it was too loose for proper tying and *still* crowded my 5th toes.A sales supervisor at my local store suggested 11.5-4e instead, as it provides more width. But while it is longer and *might* have a wider sole (I didn't have the 11 to compare it with) it still crowds my 5th toes. I asked about stretching at a couple of shoe repair shops, and they advised that it wouldn't work because of the mesh attached to the suede where I need extra room.In an unrelated problem, the right shoe started squeaking after a week or so, and changing insoles didn't help, so the problem is in the sole. Shoes of this price and reputation should not squeak.The folks at my local store (Costa Mesa, CA) were so courteous and patient while I tried several shoes and bought/returned a few, that I don't feel comfortable returning this pair. I'm still on the lookout for a shoe that fits me well (I'm hopeful for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18) but until then the 990 will do, if only in the short term.... Show more
Christopher
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
Odd design, or I have odd feet
This is actually my second pair of 990s, the last one being v3 in size 11 4e. I stopped wearing those shoes because the top of the arch falls behind the top of my feet arches, and the shoes cramped the 5th toe on both feet.Since New Balance advises their shoes go wider with each half-size up, a salesman (at a different store) suggested trying 11.5. At first they seemed okay, if a little long, with a slightly better fit in the arch, but also cramp my 5th. I'm past the point of returning them (they need to be in new condition) so I looked into having them stretched at the problem area, but two different shoe repairmen advised that the mesh/material under the suede will keep the stretch from working.NOTE: I have since looked at the 990 in 6e width, but it doesn't ... MoreThis is actually my second pair of 990s, the last one being v3 in size 11 4e. I stopped wearing those shoes because the top of the arch falls behind the top of my feet arches, and the shoes cramped the 5th toe on both feet.Since New Balance advises their shoes go wider with each half-size up, a salesman (at a different store) suggested trying 11.5. At first they seemed okay, if a little long, with a slightly better fit in the arch, but also cramp my 5th. I'm past the point of returning them (they need to be in new condition) so I looked into having them stretched at the problem area, but two different shoe repairmen advised that the mesh/material under the suede will keep the stretch from working.NOTE: I have since looked at the 990 in 6e width, but it doesn't help. It seems that 6e isn't wider than 4e, it just has a little more volume, and not where I need it.As I noted in my title above, it may be that my feet are just odd, so your mileage may vary. But the 990 doesn't work for me.... Show more
Chris
originally posted on newbalance.com
Poor fit for 4E, apparent QC problem
I'm not a runner, but I have extra-wide feet, and I wear sneakers most of the time because they're light and flexible. Brooks Adrenaline used to work, but overlays the last few years made them uncomfortable.What most companies sell as 4E really isn't. I tried other, less expensive New Balance shoes, but they didn't fit well, so I finally shelled out the extra money for a pair. Unfortunately, they didn't work, either.My foot size is 11 4E, and since the 990 runs true to size, that's what I started with. It was long enough, and it fit at the midsole, but the toe box was either too narrow or not shaped properly for my 5th toes, and they felt cramped in less than an hour.I turned them in for 11 6E, but it turns out the 6E has the exact same sole as the 4E; really, ... MoreI'm not a runner, but I have extra-wide feet, and I wear sneakers most of the time because they're light and flexible. Brooks Adrenaline used to work, but overlays the last few years made them uncomfortable.What most companies sell as 4E really isn't. I tried other, less expensive New Balance shoes, but they didn't fit well, so I finally shelled out the extra money for a pair. Unfortunately, they didn't work, either.My foot size is 11 4E, and since the 990 runs true to size, that's what I started with. It was long enough, and it fit at the midsole, but the toe box was either too narrow or not shaped properly for my 5th toes, and they felt cramped in less than an hour.I turned them in for 11 6E, but it turns out the 6E has the exact same sole as the 4E; really, it's the exact same shape and width. It just has a little more volume, and it didn't solve my problem.It was suggested I try 11.5 4E instead, since the larger shoe is supposed to be a little wider. It seemed better at the start despite feeling too long, so I took off the tag and put them to use. But after a couple of days my 5th toes were feeling cramped again, and a week later the right shoe started squeaking.This is all less than I expected from these shoes. It's too late to return the 990s, so I'll have to see if someone else can use them.(Brooks just updated the Adrenaline in November 2017 with engineered mesh and no forefoot overlays, so that's what I'm wearing now.)... Show more
Chris
originally posted on newbalance.com
The most Comfortable Sneaker, period!!!
I have undergone several surgeries, which include: Rupturing left and right Achilles and 6 Knee scopes and not to 2 complicated Spinal Surgeries with Fusions, Screws and Rods. I have tried other brands, but New Balance is by far Superior in Comfort than All other Sneakers. They have the cushioning and support, as well as Stability I need to get me through each and every day. I am addicted to the 990's and 993's. I also had models 991 and 992 in the past. I strongly recommend that if you find a model that is comfortable to your situation, purchase multiple pairs, as some models will change and you will not have access to them in the future. I learned this, as the 991's and 992's are no longer being produced. I would also suggest buying inserts and replacing the ... MoreI have undergone several surgeries, which include: Rupturing left and right Achilles and 6 Knee scopes and not to 2 complicated Spinal Surgeries with Fusions, Screws and Rods. I have tried other brands, but New Balance is by far Superior in Comfort than All other Sneakers. They have the cushioning and support, as well as Stability I need to get me through each and every day. I am addicted to the 990's and 993's. I also had models 991 and 992 in the past. I strongly recommend that if you find a model that is comfortable to your situation, purchase multiple pairs, as some models will change and you will not have access to them in the future. I learned this, as the 991's and 992's are no longer being produced. I would also suggest buying inserts and replacing the insert that comes with the sneaker. I use the Motion Control and Pressure Relief inserts, as they provide an additional amount of comfort and arch support. Just a Great Sneaker.... Show more
Ron R
originally posted on newbalance.com