New Balance 990v3

Editor rating: 8.3 / 10

User's rating: based on 4 user ratings

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By Stephanie Potter

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New Balance 990v3 Review Facts

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The all-American manufactured 990 is a defining and iconic shoe for New Balance. The 990v3 has a similar near-angular design like its predecessors, but improves the soles, cushioning and support. It has a stable look and an excellent heel design. The forefoot is made from Blown Rubber for a soft feel while maintaining responsiveness with a second material being its NDurance rubber for durability. The midsole is made from ABZORB to cushion against shock and Encap EVA for support, durability, and cushioning. The collar is dual-density with a softer foam against the foot for cushioning and a firmer foam on the outside for support. The shoe is reflective for visibility in low-light conditions. It is flexible enough to run up and down in, but stable enough for daily running. The 990v3 is a good fit for a variety of foot profiles, such as over-pronation or plantar fasciitis. In short, the 990v3 is a nice addition to the iconic New Balance 990 series.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

A comfortable and supportive shoe for a good price
Good breathability
Classic look available in a variety of color combinations
Stability shoe good for mild to moderate over-pronation
Good for runners with plantar fasciitis
Good push-off and leverage abilities

Cons

The outsole disintegrates after 70-80 miles,
Not designed for rough or irregular terrain:
A bit of a heavyweight; can be bulky for racing

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 3.5 hours analyzing a total of 745 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

I like the fit it is on target and very stable, I like it, the cushion level works nicely for short runs, I can put in more extra sole padding without causing problems with fit, these are the 3rd shoes I have got in this model and I have never had any bad problems. Took a bit longer than usual to break them in, however, excellent shoe, I give it 5 out of 5 for everything
I'm a big heavy person and exceptionally big feet, these fit good for my overly wide feet, I'm heavy coming in at 240 pounds and the padding in these seems fine so far after three months. I get a feeling of good stability and good traction during runs. The downside, the shoe can become a tad smelly, I put these outside at night.
These are very good, once these wear out I will get another pair, for me, it's about good ankle support and these shoes come up with that support. I'm a moderate runner and these shoes are very functional though I'm not sure how they would perform for heavy duty rides.
I wear these for running and lots of other stuff because every time I take them off my socks is still dry, breathability for me is important and these shoes deliver, the support is good but the cushion underfoot could do with a rethink. Overall, this is a good shoe for local running.
I like the arch support and padding, I wear these all day for work and these give me total comfort and support, I'm sure they are fine for runners and as an all-day shoe they are the best, nice dry feet, even during very high temperatures.
Love these during the hot weather, they do keep my feet cool, I'm surprised how good and well my feet can breathe. The level of padding in the shoe is ok though underneath cushion seems thin and so I use inserts. I like these, will continue buying this line.
Love the level of arch support that I get from these, my arches are average and these shoes give good support, after my previous shoes I like the change in the cushion in these shoes, it's comfortable enough for me to skip socks.
My feet are ultra wide and so the good range of choices for wide feet is a blessing that I need, I got the right fit, the shoe is comfy, the weight of the shoe is fine for me, breathing materials keep my feet nicely cool.
My feet are 4E, these are incredibly comfortable, I run regularly in these and have been using them for three months, not keen on the tongue system but everything else about the shoe is perfect.
These fit perfectly for support around my ankles, the arch support feels standard but works, the padding in the shoe gives me a feeling of snug security and the cushion is enough though more would be better. Showing signs of wear on the sole already, a bit disappointed by that but I do like the shoe.

Negative

Won't try out these again, once bitten twice shy for sure, the quality declines with each upgrade or change but the price does not go down. The tongue has a fabric wad which is incredibly uncomfortable, it presses too much on my foot, sizing is way off the mark, bad experience with this shoe, won't do it again.
The soles look tough but they are cheap, overall durability in this model goes lower each time they change it. The heels tear easily and lose padding. These are the fastest deteriorating shoes I ever tried. I was impressed by New Balance, they gave me back my money without a big fuss.
The sizing is so confusing, these run way too wide for me and I have wide feet, even with a thicker pair of running socks on. They can't be run on any stone, pebbles or grit surface because the soles can't take the punishment and start to easily disintegrate. The shoe is also too heavy even for short runs.
The tongue sizes in each shoe are different? The sizing is tricky, I end up with a shoe that should fit but it is way too narrow and causes pain when I run any distance over a few miles. Pulling up the tongue when it slips just causes the upper to bunch and gives friction. My senses tell me this shoe will not last long, durability is in question.
The tongue in these shoes gets me crazy, it slips down and then slips to the side, very uncomfortable, causes pressure where I don't want it and friction. The toe box feels narrow and the soles are already showing too much wear.

7.8

Outsole

New Balance 990v3's outsole makes it a good daily running shoe. It uses a blown rubber forefoot for the softer feel of cushioning while maintaining responsiveness and traction. The NDurance rubber in the lateral areas and heel is for maximum durability. It uses slightly less rubber than the previous versions in order to reduce weight and has bigger grooves in the forefoot for flexibility. The reviewers' two problem areas are that the outsole disintegrates after 70-80 miles and it smells when wet. The outsole provides cushioning, responsiveness, traction, and flexibility, and the grooves make the 990v3 a good choice for running on roads.

Midsole

The midsole offers excellent cushioning, as well as stability and shock absorption. The ABZORB foam lies directly beneath the foot in the form of a removable insole, providing cushioning and absorbing shock. It also provides stability for runners with a forefoot strike running pattern, as well as some arch support to prevent over-pronating. ACTEVA LITE, which is just above the outsole for improved responsiveness, is 24% lighter than average foam. The Encap foam in the heel provides even more cushioning and improves acceleration. Beneath the arch is a TPU post that stabilizes the foot. The cushioning, support and shock absorption make the New Balance 990v3 a good shoe choice for someone with plantar fasciitis because they help eliminate pain during walking and running.

Upper

The upper is made of Nubuck leather, pigskin, and mesh, giving it a classic New Balance look, reducing the weight of the shoe, and allowing for breathability during a run. It also provides durability and protection. The toe box is roomy and comfortable, so there are no problems with rubbing or itching during motion, even during descents. The reinforced sides near the heel of the upper give good ankle support to prevent rolling and, along with the lacing system, keep the foot in place. The dual-density collar provides a firm foam for support and a soft foam for cushioning. The tongue is padded. The upper also features reflective details for visibility in low-light conditions. The synthetic overlays aren't as thick as previous versions, providing comfort and stability but making the shoe lighter.

Weight

The 990v3 women's size 8 shoe weighs 10.5 oz. and the men's size 10 shoe weighs 13.4 oz. This is half an ounce lighter than the previous 990 shoe, using less rubber in the outsole, lighter foam in the midsole, and thinner overlays in the upper. However, the rubber and foam that make the shoe good for over-pronators and runners with plantar fasciitis make it a bit heavier than some other similar shoes, which is why some buyers stated that they don't recommend the 990v3 for racing, speed training, or long-distance runs.

Breathability

The breathability of the 990v3 is due to the mesh lining in the upper, which is lightweight and breathable. The mesh creates good airflow that prevents blisters and overheating, even when under pressure. However, some reviewers noted that the suede in the upper doesn't provide good breathability in hot weather or during fast runs. This means that during the summer or in warmer climates, buyers should run in early mornings or evenings when the weather is cooler, and that, due to lack of breathability in heat and the heavy weight of the shoe, the 990v3 isn't a good racing shoe.

Comfort

The New Balance 990v3 uses a few technologies that make it a comfortable shoe. Encap gives cushioning and stability to the rear of the foot. ABZORB foam in the removable insole provides cushioning, stability, support, and shock absorption. The dual-density foam in the collar cushions the ankle while also giving support, and the tongue is padded for additional comfort. The outsole's blown rubber in the forefoot provides a softer feel when walking or running but is also responsive enough to run up or down inclines. The shoe is flexible enough to move in, fits true to size so there is no rubbing or itching during motion, and has a comfortable amount of room in the toe area. Many reviewers noted how comfortable the shoe is and recommended it for various foot profiles.

Style

The 990v3 has a classic New Balance style that many reviewers love. The shoe is available in many color combinations for runners with different tastes, although some styles may have limited availability because some stores have discontinued the 990v3 after the 990v4 was released. Men can choose between grey, black, navy, dark grey, granite, burgundy, denim blue/grey, red/white/black, red/gold, grey/white, blue/red/white, beige, grey/light grey, and navy/grey. Women have the choice of black, grey, white/blue, navy, grey/pink, aquamarine, black/black, or navy/white. Reflective detailing enhances visibility in low-light conditions, such as darkness or fog, which makes the shoe a good choice for foggy morning walks or evening jogs.

Durability

The two main features that improve durability are the NDurance rubber in the lateral area and heel and the Encap EVA midsole that also provides support and cushioning. While the design improves flexibility, comfort, weight, and stability compared to the previous version, reviewers have reported that the 990v3 outsole disintegrates after 70-80 miles, with some reviewers noticing bits of rubber coming off after just one run over a rough surface. The disintegration factor makes the 990v3 not a good choice for long distance runs such as marathons or half-marathons, or for going over rough surfaces like trails or cross-country running, but it is good for short distance daily road runs.

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Protection

The 990v3 is a popular shoe choice for mild to moderate over-pronators and for runners with plantar fasciitis, with multiple buyers stating that their doctor recommended this shoe to them. The ABZORB midsole offers both support and shock absorption, and the collar and heel support help keep the ankle from rolling. The cushioning and stability features work together to make this a good shoe choice for runners who have suffered from knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and over-pronation.

Responsiveness

This shoe has good push-off and leverage abilities. The ENCAP midsole makes the stride patterns more comfortable and aids pushing off and acceleration. The blown rubber forefoot gives a soft feel while allowing responsiveness. The heel support gives spring while providing enough resistance to keep it from rolling. The 12mm drop promotes forward momentum. The 990v3 is half an ounce lighter than the previous version, which gives even more spring to the runner's step and makes it good for running, walking, and everyday use.

Support

The New Balance 990v3 utilizes a few different technologies to provide support to runners. The dual-density collar offers cushioned support around the ankle. The Encap EVA midsole provides support near the rear of the foot. The ABZORB midsole offers good support for runners with a forefoot strike running pattern. The heel support keeps the ankle from rolling. Some buyers noted a lack of arch support, so runners who need more support may want to consider using an arch support or adding an insole. The 990v3 is a good shoe for over-pronators and runners with plantar fasciitis.

Terrain

The outsole of the 990v3 makes it a good choice for running on roads, in gyms, or surfaces with only minimal irregularities. It is durable enough to get a good number of miles for daily runners, but not durable enough for long distance runs or runs over rough surfaces. Many reviewers have reported that the rubber smells when wet, so this isn't a good shoe for wet surfaces. It doesn't have the right grip for icy surfaces. The sole is flexible and moves with the runner's foot, which makes climbing and descending paved roads easy.

Price

The New Balance 990v3 was initially on the pricey side for a road running shoe, which was a major complaint from multiple reviewers, but after the 990v4 came out many retailers listed the shoe at half price or less. This new price, along with the many features improved from the older 990 shoes, makes this shoe a great choice either for daily walks and runs or for use as an everyday shoe.

Traction

The 990v3 has grooves that provide traction for roads, gyms, or flat surfaces with small irregularities. It doesn't have proper traction for icy or slippery terrain, nor is it durable enough for going on rough trails or cross country. The traction means this is a good daily walking or running shoe but isn't a good choice for longer runs or going over rough terrain.

Flexibility

The New Balance 990v3 is a flexible shoe by design. The outsole uses big flex grooves in the forefoot, making climbing and descending easy. The foam in the midsole provides cushioning but also allows the foot to bend in order to push off during strides. The upper is sturdy enough to prevent rolling and over-pronation but flexible enough to run over inclines. Overall, the shoe is flexible enough to allow the foot to move comfortably during running but stable enough to keep the foot in place in order to prevent injury.

Stability

New Balance's 990 series is categorized under stability. These shoes are designed for runners who have flexible arches that over-pronate, or collapse inwardly, and are designed to prevent problems such as knee pain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. The Encap midsole provides stability to the rear of the foot. The ABZORB insole provides stability for runners with a forefoot strike running pattern. The overlays reinforce the heel lockdown and the dual-density collar helps keep the ankle from rolling. This shoe is stable enough for mild to moderate over-pronators, the majority of runners that over-pronate, but a severe over-pronator would require a shoe with more structure.

Drop

Both the men's and women's shoe have a heel height of 32 mm and a toe height of 20 mm, giving the shoe a drop of 12 mm. New Balance notes that due to variances during development and manufacturing, this number is approximate. A 12 mm drop has been the standard since the 1980s because it promotes forward momentum, adds cushioning to the heel, and takes the strain off the Achilles tendon.

Key Features

Dual-density collar provides a soft foam for cushioning and a firm foam for support

Blown rubber forefoot gives a softer feel while maintaining responsiveness

ABZORB midfoot cushioning reduces shock

Encap EVA midsole provides cushioning and support while maintaining durability

NDurance rubber outsole provides maximum durability

Reflective detailing enhances visibility in low-light conditions

Bottom Line

The New Balance 990v3 is a good road running shoe for daily runs. It gives support to mild to moderate over-pronators and is comfortable enough for someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, with multiple reviewers stating that their doctor recommended this shoe to them. It is lighter than the previous version and has improved cushioning, support, and flexibility. It also has good breathability and responsiveness.

The weight, durability over long distances and rough surfaces, and the problem with the rubber's reaction to water could use improvement, but the attractive price and improved features make the 990v3 a good daily walking and running or everyday shoe.