New Balance 990 v4

Editor rating: 8.7 / 10

User's rating: based on 10 user ratings

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By Stacey O'Connor

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New Balance 990 v4 Review Facts

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The New Balance 990 v4 are a high-quality pair of shoes for the runner who is looking for superior support, stability and cushioning. The brand boasts thirty years of quality design and execution, and this model follows those same high expectations. These shoes utilize some of the best technologies to provide each runner with a uniquely pleasing experience.

Although this shoe comes in at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, runners commented again and again about the shoe’s durability and long lifespan. A combination of a durable leather pigskin upper combined with EVA and ENCAP midsole technology help keep this shoe from breaking mile after mile. For the overpronator, this is an ideal shoe. It provided extra cushioning and runner reported that it helped to provide additional arch support and eliminate foot, knee and hip pain they experienced from other shoes.

All of these features are designed and manufactured in America, so you can feel good about buying this shoe because you are supporting American businesses.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

ENCAP midsole, ACTEVA LITE and EVA foam make it very durable
Offered in multiple sizes, wide options included
Made in the USA

Cons

Pricey
Not very flexible and responsive
Sizing is off - we recommend ordering a few sizes to find the best fit and return the others

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 4.6 hours analyzing a total of 150 reviews.

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

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

I have worn NB shoes before and never had a problem but my feet slip in these shoes and they feel a little sloppy. I tried tying the laces tighter and this has helped but it does make normal wear uncomfortable. I love the design though and it is a good looking shoe. I feel like they will last.
These shoes are great. I've worn the 990's before and found them to be really sturdy but I've only had these a few weeks and they've started to come apart along the front of each shoe. Apart from this they do feel great on my feet and I like the subtle design. Because of this I have decided to hold on to them and not return them. They are comfortable and if I return them I am concerned I will receive another faulty pair.
I'm an older gentlemen and so I do not use these shoes for running but do use them for walking and they have been great following my knee surgery. I love this sneaker. I can't say how they hold up for running but I have been walking in these during my recovery and I would really recommend them as a comfortable walking sneaker.
This is without doubt the most comfortable running shoe I've bought in a long time. As a regular walker I have tried many other brands such as Nimbus and Kayanno and found them great but these offer greater support. I usually average around 3-4 miles a day when out walking so when my last shoes started to wear down I needed to find a replacement that would offer my aging feet and ankles some much needed support. The shoe is nice and lightweight, the mesh allows your feet to breathe and since wearing them my ankles haven't hurt once! I think this is due to them coming up slightly higher on the ankle than my previous sneakers. Although a little more expensive than I would usually buy I have to say I am so happy I did.
I have been wearing NB shoes for many years and thankfully this new pair lives up to it's predecessors. These shoes offer great support for my bad knees and I love the fact that they are made in the US. I wear mine for light aerobic exercise so I don't know how they would be on a long run and you may need to stretch them out before wearing as I did. This could be because I needed to order a size up however.
I have owned a few pairs of 990v4 NB shoes and I am really impressed with them. These shoes are made in the USA which will often sway me when buying products and these live up to the task. I wouldn't call myself a hardcore runner but for my needs these really hit the spot and keep my knees and ankles supported when I'm out speed walking.
These shoes are great. I wasn't too sure about the Navy color but when I received them I was happy they didn't look as dorky as I thought they would. These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I like that they're made in the USA.
I have been loyal to NB for many years and wearing the 990's for the last 15 years I would say. They feel perfect on the foot and they fit well but I just wish they weren't so expensive!
There are so many great things about this shoe. They are breathable thanks to the venting and provide excellent grip. I've been wearing New Balance shoes for some years and whilst these appear to be in standard sizes be warned that once outside on different terrains they shoe can feel somewhat larger. To rectify this I would suggest ordering down a size (perhaps only a 1/2) so that they feel snug. Great shock absorption and a good looking shoe.
I like the look of these shoes but do wish they had a better insole. Let's remember that these are not inexpensive shoes and after wearing them for just one day by feet hurt. I replaced the insole and they feel comfortable now.
I find that these shoes do run a little small but this is often the case with athletic shoes so make sure you order a half size larger than your usual shoe. I like the look of this sneaker but I don't think they performed well when I took them out speed walking as my feet hurt when I returned home. I've been buying NB shoes for many years and never had a problem with them before.
I've been a fan of NB for a long time and buying their shoes for year. I love that these are made in the US and NB shoes have always been comfortable on my wide feet. The new version just doesn't feel as cushioned as the previous versions. I would love to see the old version come back. This aside I do like the these and I will continue to buy New Balance shoes as they fit my feet so well.
Having been a long time customer of NB I cannot recommend them enough. They really understand your feet and most importantly that not all feet are the same! Excellent if you need a wider shoe.
After thinking long and hard over the slightly higher price tag I decided to give these shoes a try after suffering with bad knees. Make sure you order a half size smaller in these and they will be perfectly comfortable. The fact that they're made in the USA makes it even better. I will definitely buy these again.
I have wide feet and find this shoes is the best. I have been buying them for years and I'm completely sold. I only wish the price was a little lower and a bit more arch support. I find these work great for most active sports and are perfect for long walks.
Made in the USA these shoes provide both comfort and support. They seem to wrap around my narrow feet perfectly. I bought these in black but I love them so much I want to buy other colors! You can wear them dressed up or down and whilst I have seen some people complain about the high price tag, I think you get what you pay for. A great quality shoe and well worth spending the extra money.
I bought these shoes after having an op on my foot and knew I would need something that would offer good arch support. I went to a NB store and had them fitted and I haven't been disappointed. I will say that the seam came apart on the first purchase but I called customer services and they replaced them. My foot has healed really well and now I can enjoy going out for walks and wearing them to work.
These shoes are made in the US and I think this is how they have kept their quality. I have been buying New Balance shoes for a long time and have wondered if this is because they were made overseas. These shoes feel like they are true to size and they are worth the expense. I will continue to purchase from NB.
I have wide feet so I need to ensure that any shoes I buy accommodate this. These sneakers are really comfortable and I liked them so much I already bought a second pair. These are the best running shoes I've ever had!
These definitely deliver what they promise. I would definitely buy these again. I have recently started exercising more and I was on the lookout for a comfortable well fitting shoe. These shoes offer good support for my ankles and I noticed a difference straight away when I first wore them.

Negative

Firstly let me say that these shoes run pretty big and I didn't find them comfortable at all. Also I think for a running shoe it is quite heavy and they lack the cushioning you will find in other brands such as Saucony or Asics. It's a good sturdy running shoe but I guess a good running shoe is subjective and what suits me may not suit someone else. I feel there are better shoes out there offering greater comfort.
So let down but these shoes. I have been buying this series for a while now and I was always impressed with how they performed but these arrived and set to be so much bigger than the size I would usually wear. I also find it odd that they offer virtually no support for my arches. As I said I have been buying the 990 series for a long time and never had any complaints before. These felt large and sloppy.
I only wore these for a few hours when I went to the gym and I feel really let down. They started making weird noises after one use. I have been buying the 993's for some time and never had any issue. Disappointed in the quality.
These shoes are way too big for me. There is also a lack of cushioning in the which makes them feel uncomfortable. Also they felt so narrow on my feet. Sadly I returned them straight away,
I made sure I read the reviews on these shoes before buying and as the reviews were favourable I went right ahead and bought a pair. Now I have returned them. After walking around in these shoes I could feel that they have been poorly assembled. I took them off and looked inside and could see that underneath the inner sole there were lots of ridges and bumps. This should not be the case with a good shoe. I have worn many other versions of this shoe and have been buying New Balance for many years and not just shoes for running. I knew these shoes were going to cause pain so I had to return them.
Unfortunaltey I was disappointed with these shoes. It's the sizing issue that seems to happen a lot. I would have kept them if they had fit me properly but they feel larger than other brands and for the price I paid I don't feel the quality was up to standard. It's a shame as I really like the fact they are made in the US.

9.1

Outsole

The outsole of the New Balance 990 v4 is made of blown rubber. Using blown rubber is a common practice in the creation of a stability shoe. When this material is created, air is mixed into the rubber and more cushioned feel is achieved. This material is durable and adds traction so you can take this shoe running even on mild offroad trails. One of the highest rated areas for this shoe is the durability it offers. It won't break down easily and it is known to last longer than an average running shoe. The combination of this design and these technologies give this shoe the combination of a stable and comfortable ride.

Midsole

This shoe uses some of the newest technologies to provide a cushioned and durable midsole. New Balance uses ENCAP midsole technology. This technology was made using lightweight and long lasting ACTEVA LITE foam for cushioning. The durability comes in through the shoe's Polyurethane rim. The outsole and midsole construction of this shoe provide each runner with the perfect combination of comfort and support.

Upper

The upper of the New Balance 990 v4 comes equipt with unique and thoughtful features to improve your all-around running experience. This shoe offers a unique combination of breathable mesh and pigskin. This laces of the shoe are equipped with a lace keeper technology that is designed to keep the laces tied and prevent the tongue from moving around.

In addition to these new features, New Balance has added the 3M Reflectivity feature to the upper which helps protect the runner in low visibility areas. The upper of this shoe is designed to provide the runner with a comfortable and also breathable fit.

Weight

As technology becomes more and more advanced, the average weight of running shoes continues to decline. As of 2010, the average weight of a running shoe dropped to 9.6 ounces. The New Balance 990 v4 break this rule though. They weigh in at 13.6 ounces which can be considered quite heavy for today's shoes. This is not by any means a deal breaker. For many runners, they are happy to sacrifice a few added ounces for the extra cushioning, support and stability that these shoes can give them.

Breathability

While the unique combination of mesh and pigskin leather keeps this shoe breathable, New Balance actually improved the breathability by 30 percent on this model. It employs a more open construction which leads to higher rates of breathability and comfort for the wearer. One reviewer even commented that even in Arizona with the intense heat, her feet still cool and dry. All runners, but especially those going longer distances, can agree that a shoe that provided moisture control and protected against hot spots is a winning shoe.

Comfort

One of the places where this shoe received the highest praise is in the comfort department. Runners commented that with the extra cushioning of the midsole and the durable rubber of the outsole, these shoes were a great choice for people who are on their feet all day. Additionally, runners commented that these were a great option for performance and cross training. Overall, this is a great choice for the runner who needs added comfort and is willing to sacrifice the addition of a few extra ounces to achieve that.

Style

Runners didn't love the look of these shoes. They appear rather bulky. Some of the reviewers reported that these were not the shoes for people who hope to look fashionable while running errands around town. While the shoe does come in a few different colors (navy and burgundy are a few of the different options), overall, the color scheme is on the bland side. If you like colorful shoes, this is not the shoe for you; however, if you are looking for more of a classic style, this could be a great option. Expect to see a more streamlined signature "N" logo along the side. This is a classic looking shoe for those looking for a more traditional look.

Durability

Runners appreciated the reliability and durability of these shoes. A combination of EVA and Polyurethane found in the midsole keep these shoes from breaking down quickly. This is a shoe that can rack up miles without needing to be replaced. Plus, the upper of this shoe is made of a durable leather pigskin that doesn't easily break down. Though they are on the pricey side, they last longer than the average shoe, so the cost is justifiable.

Protection

New Balance has added the 3M Reflectivity feature to the upper of this shoe in order to protect the runner during runs in low visibility areas. This is also a great shoe for the runner who overpronates. This tends to lead to knee, hip, and foot pain, but because this shoe provides added support and stability, runner reported that this shoe helped protect him against that.

Responsiveness

Because of the added cushioning in this midsole and outsole and the 12 mm drop of the New Balance 990 v4, these are not shoes that received high marks for responsiveness. Runners reported that they felt confident logging longs miles with these shoes, using them for their everyday shoe, or wearing them during cross training or other activities, but they did not experience high levels of responsiveness and did not suggest that these are good shoes for speed work or switching from one terrain to another within the same run.

Support

Runners who overpronate are used to soreness in their foot, shin, and knee. This running pattern tends to add stress and tightness to muscles, and this shoe does a nice job to protect against those elements. It adds extra support through the midsole and outsole and provides added arch support for the flat-footed runner. Runner appreciated that with the New Balance 990 v4 they were able to find the optimal balance between the right amount of comfort and the right amount of support.

Terrain

This is a great shoe for your everyday wear. Many runners appreciated how much stability this shoe gave them, and because of that combined with the extra cushioning, this is a shoe that is loved by individuals who spend long hours on their feet.

This shoe is designed for the road or track, but because of the blown rubber outsole, it can also be used on mild offroad trails. Runners mentioned that because of the extra durability of the shoe, they felt confident taking this model on their long runs during their marathon training. In addition, many runners suggested that these are great shoes to use on the treadmill.

Price

Today, the average running shoe costs around 115 dollars. Some runners were scared away from these shoes by the price tag since they are considerably higher than the cost of the average running shoe. However, since the shoe received high marks in durability and reliability, some runners commented that although the price is high, you have to replace these less frequently than you would other shoes, so it does justify the price tag. If a low price tag is your number one priority, there are many good shoes to choose from, but these might not be ideal for you.

Traction

While this isn't a good shoe to take on extreme off-trail hikes or runs like some others, the Blown Rubber outsole provides traction that will protect you on mild trails, roads, and the track. This rubber provides extra cushioning and the grooves on the bottom of the outsole provide higher than average traction.

Flexibility

If you are looking for a shoe that earned high reviews for flexibilities, this might not be the best shoe for you. Although this shoe moves easily with each of your foot strikes, this shoe is more for someone looking for stability over flexibility. While the shoe offers extended stability and support, it lacks in the flexibility department.

Stability

Due to the ENCAP technology, this shoe offers improved stability to runners. This shoe is built for the overpronator (runners whose feet tend to tilt inwards). This is a great shoe for the flatfooted runner who needs more arch support. Runners felt confident in the stability offered by these shoes.

Drop

These are not at all going to give you a minimalistic, natural feel if that is what you are after. The drop on the New Balance 990 v4 is 12 mm which an average heel drop. If you think about the spectrum of running shoes, where on the one extreme you have minimalistic, natural feel shoes with a zero drop, and at the other end of that spectrum you have denser, more durable shoes with a higher heel drop, the New Balance 990 v4's find themselves in the section with the high heel drop and thick midsole and outsole.

Key Features

- ENCAP midsole material
- ACTEVA LITE foam in the midsole
- EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) midsole core
- Lace Keeper tongue design
- Blown Rubber outsole

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a high quality, trusted brand that comes with extra support, cushioning, and stability, this is a great choice for you. New Balance shoes are made in America using state of the art technology. The brand comes with thirty years of quality. This shoe earns high marks for durability and breathability; however, this is a pricey shoe, so if a low budget shoe is your top priority, this might not be your top choice. This is a great choice for the runner who overpronates and is looking for added support and cushioning. Flat-footed runners gave this shoe high marks and commented that the added cushioning and stability were perfect for their stride. The technology of the midsole helps to absorb the impact of each stride and can help reduce knee and hip pain.