New Balance 990
Every version of the 990 we track, compared on ratings, specs and current price.
The line's rating is the median Better Shoes Rating of its five most recent rated versions. The median product line rates 76, and the 990 rates above 61% of the lines we track.
Rating by version, oldest first
Each dot is one version of the 990, placed by its rating and release year.
Release year
See our analysis of whether a new version is usually as good as the one it replaces.
| Version | Released | Weight | Stack | Rating | Change | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance 990 v6 | 2023 | 11.9 oz | — | 80 | -2 | — | — |
| New Balance 990 v5 | 2019 | 12.5 oz | 12mm drop | 82 | +6 | 3 | $175 MSRP |
| New Balance 990v4 | 2018 | — | — | 75 | +13 | 3 | — |
| New Balance 990 v3 | 2014 | 12.6 oz (men's) | 30/20mm stack · 10mm drop | 62 | — | 6 | $155 MSRP |
4 shoes
Prices updated daily. Last checked Oct 22.
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New Balance
990 v680 80 Good Good Good 2 reviews Confidence 64
v6 (2023) · Daily trainer · Stability · 11.9 oz
The outsole pairs NDurance rubber in high-wear zones with a blown rubber forefoot.
Durability 81Overall80Durability81Comfort73Cushioning73Appearance70Value69Confidence64Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
The outsole pairs NDurance rubber in high-wear zones with a blown rubber forefoot.
Reflective accents on the mesh upper aid visibility in the dark.
Cons
Comfort and appearance each draw 3.0 out of 5 in the two reviews so far, and neither carries a written comment.
The 990 v5 before it scores 81 on four reviews against its 65.
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New Balance
990 v582 82 Good Good Good 4 reviews Confidence 72
v5 (2019) · Daily trainer · Stability · 12.5 oz · 12mm drop
Reviewers rate the build as long-lasting, with no durability complaints.
Durability 88MSRP $175
Overall82Durability88Appearance80Comfort79Cushioning79Value71Confidence72Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers rate the build as long-lasting, with no durability complaints.
Reviewers praise the comfort and support over long runs, one on his fifth version of the shoe.
Cons
At 14.0 oz it is one of the heaviest shoes in the catalog.
Value draws the lowest ratings of the four reviews so far, at 4.0 out of 5.
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New Balance
990v475 75 Decent Decent Decent 5 reviews Confidence 72
v4 (2018) · Daily trainer · Neutral
Reviewers call it comfortable and reliable, holding up well over regular miles.
Durability 87Overall75Durability87Cushioning76Comfort75Appearance71Value68Confidence72Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Reviewers call it comfortable and reliable, holding up well over regular miles.
One reviewer with very wide feet finds the fit accommodating, with custom orthotics.
Two reviewers describe a firm, stiff ride that still has cushioning.
Cons
Appearance and value are its lowest-rated dimensions, both at 3.6 out of 5, and one reviewer would only buy at a deep discount.
One reviewer needs a few weeks to break them in, and another wore through the mesh at a toe joint.
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New Balance
990 v362 62 Below average Below average Below average 6 reviews Confidence 66
v3 (2014) · Daily trainer · Stability · 12.6 oz (men's) · 30mm stack · 10mm drop
Durability averages 4.7 out of 5 across six reviews, and three reviewers say a pair lasts a long time.
Durability 83MSRP $155
Overall62Durability83Cushioning74Appearance67Comfort67Value61Confidence66Buy it now
Not available at tracked retailers right now.
Pros
Durability averages 4.7 out of 5 across six reviews, and three reviewers say a pair lasts a long time.
Cons
At 12.6 oz it is heavier than the 8.9 oz median for daily trainers for sale, and one reviewer calls it really, really heavy.
Appearance averages 3.7 out of 5 and value 3.8, and one reviewer calls the standard gray ugly and the shoe expensive.
