New Balance 990v6 Review

The 990 has gone through several iterations over the years, with the most recent being the New Balance 990v6.

The New Balance 990v6 is a well-designed shoe with good cushioning, arch support, and durability. While it may be heavier and more expensive than other shoes, it offers a comfortable and stylish option for runners, walkers, and anyone looking for a supportive and durable shoe.

In this review, we will take a detailed look at the New Balance 990v6, including its design, comfort, performance, and durability.

Pros:

Comfortable cushioning: The 990v6 features a combination of EVA foam and Encap midsole technology, which provides a comfortable and supportive cushioning for the feet. This makes the shoe suitable for long hours of wear and activities like running and walking.
Good arch support: The 990v6 provides good arch support, making it suitable for people with flat feet or other foot problems. The shoe's Encap midsole technology also helps to distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing stress on the feet and ankles.
Durable construction: The 990v6 has a sturdy construction, with a mesh and suede upper and a blown rubber outsole that provides good traction and durability. The shoe is built to last and can withstand regular wear and tear.
Attractive design: The 990v6 has a classic and stylish design that looks good both for athletic and casual wear. The shoe is available in a variety of colors, so wearers can choose the one that suits their style.

Cons:

Price: The 990v6 is a premium shoe, which means it comes with a higher price tag compared to other running or walking shoes. This can be a turn-off for some consumers who are on a budget.
Heavier than other shoes: The 990v6 is not the lightest shoe on the market, which can be an issue for some runners who prefer lightweight shoes for speed and agility.
May take some time to break in: Some wearers have reported that the 990v6 can be stiff at first and may take some time to break in before it becomes comfortable.
Limited breathability: Although the 990v6 has good breathability features, some wearers have reported that the shoe can get hot and sweaty, particularly during intense workouts or in hot weather.

Design

The New Balance 990v6 has a classic design that has been updated with modern touches. The upper is made of a combination of mesh and suede, which provides both breathability and durability. The mesh allows air to flow freely, keeping your feet cool and dry, while the suede adds to the overall durability of the shoe.

The shoe features the signature New Balance "N" logo on the side, as well as the 990 branding on the heel. The color options for the 990v6 are plentiful, with a range of both subtle and bold colorways available.

Comfort

The New Balance 990v6 is a comfortable shoe that is designed to provide ample support for your feet. The shoe features a dual-density foam collar that provides cushioning around the ankle, as well as a molded foam footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot.

The midsole of the 990v6 is made of a combination of ENCAP and ABZORB technology. ENCAP is a supportive midsole technology that provides stability, while ABZORB is a cushioning technology that helps to absorb shock. The combination of these two technologies provides a comfortable and supportive ride.

Performance

The New Balance 990v6 is a versatile shoe that can be used for a variety of activities. The shoe is designed for running, but it is also suitable for walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The rubber outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, including pavement, dirt, and gravel.

The 990v6 also features a TPU heel clip that helps to stabilize your foot during quick movements. This feature is especially useful for runners who need extra support and stability during their runs.

Cushioning

The New Balance 990v6 has a good amount of cushioning, thanks to its combination of ENCAP and ABZORB technology in the midsole. ENCAP is a supportive midsole technology that provides stability, while ABZORB is a cushioning technology that helps to absorb shock. The combination of these two technologies provides a comfortable and supportive ride.

The shoe also has a dual-density foam collar that provides cushioning around the ankle, as well as a molded foam footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot. This provides additional cushioning and support to the wearer.

Overall, the cushioning in the New Balance 990v6 is suitable for a wide range of activities, including running, walking, and other outdoor activities. The shoe provides enough cushioning to absorb shock and protect your feet from impact, without feeling too bulky or heavy.

Responsiveness

While the New Balance 990v6 is not designed to be a highly responsive shoe, it still offers a decent amount of energy return to the wearer. The midsole of the shoe is made of a combination of ENCAP and ABZORB technology, which provides a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness.

The TPU heel clip in the 990v6 also helps to stabilize your foot during quick movements, which can improve the shoe's responsiveness. However, it is important to note that this shoe is not designed to be a highly responsive shoe, and may not be the best option for those looking for a shoe with a lot of bounce or energy return.

Durability

The New Balance 990v6 is a durable shoe that is designed to last. The upper is made of high-quality materials, including mesh and suede, which are both durable and breathable. The rubber outsole is also durable and provides excellent traction, even after extended use.

The midsole of the 990v6 is made of a combination of ENCAP and ABZORB technology, which are both durable materials that are designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Breathability

The New Balance 990v6 has a good level of breathability, thanks to its combination of mesh and suede in the upper. The mesh material allows air to flow freely, keeping your feet cool and dry, while the suede adds to the overall durability of the shoe.

The shoe also features perforations in the upper, which further enhance its breathability. These perforations allow even more air to circulate around your feet, helping to prevent overheating and sweat buildup.

The 990v6 also has a moisture-wicking lining that helps to wick sweat away from your feet, keeping them dry and comfortable. This is particularly useful for activities that involve a lot of movement, as it helps to prevent blisters and other discomforts.

Traction

The outsole of the New Balance 990v6 is made of blown rubber, which provides good traction on a variety of surfaces. The rubber material is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for use on both pavement and rougher terrains. The outsole is also non-marking, which means it will not leave scuff marks on floors.

The shoe also features a multi-directional tread pattern, which helps to provide traction on uneven surfaces. The tread pattern is designed to grip the ground, providing the wearer with stability and preventing slips and falls. This makes the 990v6 a suitable shoe for activities such as hiking, trail running, and other outdoor activities.

Who is New Balance 990v6 best for

The New Balance 990v6 is a versatile shoe that can be suitable for a wide range of people, depending on their specific needs and preferences.

Runners: The New Balance 990v6 provides good cushioning and support, making it a suitable shoe for runners who need to protect their feet from the impact of running. The shoe's stability and traction features also make it a good option for those who run on uneven surfaces.
Walkers: The cushioning and support in the New Balance 990v6 make it a good option for walkers who need a comfortable and stable shoe for long walks.
People with foot problems: The shoe's supportive midsole and cushioning can be beneficial for people with foot problems such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet. The shoe's breathable upper can also help prevent foot odor and blisters.
People who spend a lot of time on their feet: The New Balance 990v6's cushioning and support can help prevent fatigue and discomfort for people who spend long hours on their feet, such as nurses, retail workers, or teachers.

The New Balance 990v6 is a versatile shoe that can be suitable for a wide range of people, depending on their needs and preferences. Its combination of cushioning, support, breathability, and traction make it a good option for a variety of activities, from running to walking to casual wear.

New Balance 990v6 vs other shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 3

Both the New Balance 990v6 and Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 are excellent running shoes with different strengths and weaknesses.

The 990v6 is a good option for runners who prioritize stability, support, and durability, while the Air Zoom Pegasus 39 is a good option for those who prioritize a lightweight and responsive ride.

The 990v6 features a thick and supportive ENCAP midsole, while the Air Zoom Pegasus 39 features a lightweight and responsive Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and heel. The 990v6 is a good option for runners who prioritize stability and support, while the Air Zoom Pegasus 39 is a good option for those who prioritize a more responsive and bouncy ride.

The 990v6 features a breathable mesh upper, while the Air Zoom Pegasus 39 features a lightweight and breathable engineered mesh upper. Both shoes offer good ventilation to keep feet cool and dry during runs.

Both shoes feature a durable rubber outsole with good traction on a variety of surfaces. The Air Zoom Pegasus 39 has a slightly more aggressive tread pattern, which may be better suited for off-road running.

Brooks Ghost 15

Both the New Balance 990v6 and Brooks Ghost 15 are excellent running shoes with different strengths and weaknesses. The 990v6 is a good option for runners who prioritize stability, support, and durability, while the Brooks Ghost 15 is a good option for those who prioritize a softer and more cushioned ride.

The 990v6 features a thick and supportive ENCAP midsole, while the Brooks Ghost 15 features a responsive and soft BioMoGo DNA midsole. The 990v6 is a good option for runners who prioritize stability and support, while the Brooks Ghost 15 is a good option for those who prioritize a softer and more cushioned ride.

The 990v6 is a heavier shoe, weighing in at around 13 ounces, while the Brooks Ghost 15 is a lighter shoe, weighing in at around 10 ounces. The Brooks Ghost 15 is a good option for runners who prioritize a lightweight feel, while the 990v6 is a good option for runners who don't mind a slightly heavier shoe in exchange for added stability and support.

The 990v6 features a breathable mesh upper, while the Brooks Ghost 15 features a lightweight and breathable engineered mesh upper with 3D Fit Print technology for a customized fit. Both shoes offer good ventilation to keep feet cool and dry during runs.

Both shoes feature a durable rubber outsole with good traction on a variety of surfaces. The Brooks Ghost 15 has a segmented crash pad design that helps absorb shock and reduce impact during runs.

The 990v6 has a roomy and comfortable fit, with a wide toe box that accommodates different foot shapes. The Brooks Ghost 15 has a medium fit with a plush interior that provides a comfortable fit.

Overall

The New Balance 990v6 is a classic sneaker that has been updated with modern touches. It is a comfortable and supportive shoe that is suitable for a variety of activities, including running, walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

The shoe is also durable and designed to last, making it a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality sneaker. With a wide range of color options available, the New Balance 990v6 is a versatile shoe that can be worn with a variety of outfits.