Could Be Better
Have been running since 1983 and have stuck with the 990 series shoe and all of its variations. The feet never hurt, I do wear orthodics with them, and never in a hurry to take them off at after a run or end of the day. This only and biggest disappointment is the sole. The last several pairs have fell apart long before they wear out. I have glued and re-glued the sole back in place on several pairs. At the cost of these, they should last way much longer. The 4-5 pairs before those, the top side of the canvas/fabric fell apart and left holes. Again, soles were far from wore out. NB stores offered no explanation nor compensation. Yes, I still buy them, but only because me feet never hurt. Not trying to make a fashion statement. Have even been seen wearing duct tape to ... MoreHave been running since 1983 and have stuck with the 990 series shoe and all of its variations. The feet never hurt, I do wear orthodics with them, and never in a hurry to take them off at after a run or end of the day. This only and biggest disappointment is the sole. The last several pairs have fell apart long before they wear out. I have glued and re-glued the sole back in place on several pairs. At the cost of these, they should last way much longer. The 4-5 pairs before those, the top side of the canvas/fabric fell apart and left holes. Again, soles were far from wore out. NB stores offered no explanation nor compensation. Yes, I still buy them, but only because me feet never hurt. Not trying to make a fashion statement. Have even been seen wearing duct tape to hold the sole in place.... Show more
Ron
originally posted on newbalance.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
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
Great Upgrade, A Bit Tight for 4E
For years, New Balance has been the only brand of shoes that fit my 4E feet correctly. More specifically, the US made 990v3 fit me like a glove. I was excited to get my hands on the latest revision, and for the most part the V4 doesn't disappoint. As usual, the materials and workmanship are unparalleled. The suede is luscious and the soles are solid. The biggest change from the V3 is the length of the tongue and the lace locks -- I had to lace them a few different ways until I found them to be comfortable. My biggest and only complaint is that the 4E doesn't feel quite as wide as the V3's. This is an issue I encounter with non 990 models, I have to go a half to a full size bigger to compensate for this. I ordered my true size from newbalance.com, and they're a bit ... MoreFor years, New Balance has been the only brand of shoes that fit my 4E feet correctly. More specifically, the US made 990v3 fit me like a glove. I was excited to get my hands on the latest revision, and for the most part the V4 doesn't disappoint. As usual, the materials and workmanship are unparalleled. The suede is luscious and the soles are solid. The biggest change from the V3 is the length of the tongue and the lace locks -- I had to lace them a few different ways until I found them to be comfortable. My biggest and only complaint is that the 4E doesn't feel quite as wide as the V3's. This is an issue I encounter with non 990 models, I have to go a half to a full size bigger to compensate for this. I ordered my true size from newbalance.com, and they're a bit snug at the base of the toe box. I would recommend going at least a half size bigger if you're a 4E. Otherwise, the 990v4 is well crafted and, of course, supremely comfortable.... Show more
therobspecial
originally posted on newbalance.com
I would and have bought these a second time, you should too!
These are my walk around day to day shoes. This is my second pair. Gotta be fashionable so I have the grey ones and now these black ones. I wear a 14 4E so it's hard to get what you want and usually have to settle for "okay that's the one color in my size they carry" that's if they have a particular style in my size.....Well to the rescue is Road Runner Sports....and the Shoe Dog! Road Runner is the only store I can walk in an walk out with a pair of 14 4E's. So they have become my only shoe store for few years now. They they are awesome. Customer Service, ease of return when necessary etc. Well for the shoes....their the 2nd pair (different color) that should say it all. Provide great support and very comfortable.....New Balance always has good sizing available as ... MoreThese are my walk around day to day shoes. This is my second pair. Gotta be fashionable so I have the grey ones and now these black ones. I wear a 14 4E so it's hard to get what you want and usually have to settle for "okay that's the one color in my size they carry" that's if they have a particular style in my size.....Well to the rescue is Road Runner Sports....and the Shoe Dog! Road Runner is the only store I can walk in an walk out with a pair of 14 4E's. So they have become my only shoe store for few years now. They they are awesome. Customer Service, ease of return when necessary etc. Well for the shoes....their the 2nd pair (different color) that should say it all. Provide great support and very comfortable.....New Balance always has good sizing available as well and of course we can't forget these are made in the good old USA!!! Buy them you won't regret it!... Show more
Mark
originally posted on roadrunnersports.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
THE BEST!!!
My feet are super narrow and flat, so finding shoes is always a challenge. Rigjt out of the box you can tell these are quality! (Made in the USA!) Super comfortable and sturdy to walk in- I have a ton of support and the shoes wrap around my feet perfectly. They look nice and can be dressed up or down. I know some people call these "dad shoes" but I love the retro/90s look and hate the current ultra-boost/bootie construct trend. II bought them in black and will be getting another pair in grey!You won't regret these shoes- quality over quantity. Don't be cheap! Spend the extra money and get something nice for your feet/knees.... Show more
Jared
originally posted on newbalance.com
Used to be a good shoe
I've worn v3 and v4 for years, so last Nov (2018) when I replaced my v4's, I was expecting the same quality shoe. I was not ready for the deep drop in the quality these v4's! I walk half an hour daily (about 1.6 miles) on pavement, and after only one month the outer backs of the soles were completely worn off! All the black was gone and the under layer started to wear down also. I have v3's that I wore for over a year that are not as worn as these new shoes were.You've lost a long time customer due to the drop in overall quality in your supposedly quality shoe. I've been gluing a pair of Guardian rubber taps on once a month just to be able to use the shoes. Shame on you.... Show more
Disappointed
originally posted on newbalance.com