New Balance Men's 990v4

New Balance is predictably cutting manufacturing corners on these shoes. I just happened to have my two previously purchased pairs, one I now use for most everything but looking nice and the older pair relegated to lawn mowing, each pair about 9 months older than its replacement. If I line them up I can see the progressive changes . . . a little less leather, a little cheaper on the details. Theres nothing major that I, with an untrained eye, can be aware of, but there are a few differences even a duffer like me can perceive. I continue to buy and wear the 990s because they fit my narrow feet right, they look pretty good and because Im used to them. I can tell, though, that as New Balance continues on this slippery declining slope the day is coming when Ill have look for something else again. After something like 15 years and I dont know how many pairs of the same shoes over and over again, that day will be sort of a sad one for me.

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These shoes run noticeably large and regrettably are not the most comfortable to wear. While they appear well made, they lack in cushioning and the structural aspect just feels off. I have been running in Mizuno (Wave Enigma), Saucony (Omni) and Asics Kayano over the past several years, and while the Asics (Kayano) has gone a bit "soft" over the years, I find them all superior to the 990 in both comfort and tech. Again, the 990 is a solid shoe, but something about it just feels off. I wear a 12 1/2 and the Mizuno Wave Enigma and Saucony Omni 13 & 14 fit like a glove. I am swimming in the NB 990 and the internal structural components feel misplaced and off. The shoe also looks feels heavier. Kind of clunky actually. I realize that shoes are like mattresses and viewed subjectively, but I remember this shoe differently, better fitting with more cushioning and better overall comfort. Oh well. to each his own I guess. Good luck!

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My foot keeps slipping up and down near the heel, very slightly, while I walk. My heel doesnt feel securely joined to the shoe. After tying the shoe extremely tight, this problem is mitigated, but normal wear remains annoying. I have bought the New Balances top of the line shoe for many years now and have been completely satisfied. I am not sure why this shoe is like this and it feel like it is all in my head. Upon comparison with previous models, this new model is only a quarter of an inch reduced here or there. I cant image the small changes to make any difference from previous models, but it does for me. The shoe design is flawless and I love how they made the bottom more resistant to decay by adding hard plastic and not the spongy plastic of previous models. Its likely this shoe could last many years. It is a gorgeous shoe!

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New Balance is predictably cutting manufacturing corners on these shoes. I just happened to have my two previously purchased pairs, one I now use for most everything but looking nice and the older pair relegated to lawn mowing, each pair about 9 months older than its replacement. If I line them up I can see the progressive changes . . . a little less leather, a little cheaper on the details. Theres nothing major that I, with an untrained eye, can be aware of, but there are a few differences even a duffer like me can perceive. I continue to buy and wear the 990s because they fit my narrow feet right, they look pretty good and because Im used to them. I can tell, though, that as New Balance continues on this slippery declining slope the day is coming when Ill have look for something else again. After something like 15 years and I dont know how many pairs of the same shoes over and over again, that day will be sort of a sad one for me.

Show more

These shoes run noticeably large and regrettably are not the most comfortable to wear. While they appear well made, they lack in cushioning and the structural aspect just feels off. I have been running in Mizuno (Wave Enigma), Saucony (Omni) and Asics Kayano over the past several years, and while the Asics (Kayano) has gone a bit "soft" over the years, I find them all superior to the 990 in both comfort and tech. Again, the 990 is a solid shoe, but something about it just feels off. I wear a 12 1/2 and the Mizuno Wave Enigma and Saucony Omni 13 & 14 fit like a glove. I am swimming in the NB 990 and the internal structural components feel misplaced and off. The shoe also looks feels heavier. Kind of clunky actually. I realize that shoes are like mattresses and viewed subjectively, but I remember this shoe differently, better fitting with more cushioning and better overall comfort. Oh well. to each his own I guess. Good luck!

Show more