Which Is The BEST New Balance 990 Version? Comparison + Timeline

In this video I talk about the history and releases of the popular New Balance 990X model!
0:00 Intro
0:35 New Balance 990v1 – 1982 R
Retail $100, made in USA. Shouldn’t have worked, but did, became a cornerstone of the line as most companies were trying to manufacture overseas. Premium materials, price and craftsmanship laid the foundation.

2:00 New Balance 990v2 – 1998
ABZORB midsole for shock absorbing, been 15yrs since the 990v1. with ABZORB foam running the entire length of the ENCAP sole before popping out at the heel in a sealed bubble

4:04 New Balance 990v3 – 2012 The Fan Favorite
30th birthday, and as it entered middle age there was no doubt it had embraced the role at the head of the rapidly expanding 99x family. To celebrate, New Balance introduced the 990v3. The update showed a little more mesh between its pigskin paneling and perforations for extra breathability. The design had a more utilitarian look than its predecessors, emphasised by the diamond patterning on the tongue and ribbed N logo. Aesthetics aside, the shoe’s technology remained relatively unchanged.

6:30 New Balance 990v4 – 2016
modern, streamlined look alludes to its athletic pedigree, channelling design cues inspired by the OG era. The panels span out from the N logo, with layers of mesh accented by shadows of leather that are set against the pigskin contours. The ENCAP sole is made up of a polyurethane ring with an EVA core, providing the signature balance between cushioning and stability. If you’re after a reliable, long-lasting running shoe, the 990v4 is simply as good as it gets.

7:24 New Balance 990v5 – 2019
With a tonal TPU power strap wrapping the upper
emblems on the tongue and foxing of the footwear accentuated with 360 reflectivity. Crisp white laces and a matching outsole completed a clean take that sat atop the epochal ENCAP midsole.

8:05 New Balance 990v6 – 2022

ALD's Teddy Santis as the new creative director of their Made in USA line.

990v6 also featured a much higher stacked sole than prior iterations which was thanks to the FuelCell foam addition on top of previously used ENCAP midsole cushioning which was used in the v3, v4 and v5

*Products links I post may be affiliated. What does that mean? I get a commission on some of the sales through my links so I can help fund the channel!*

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[heskicks]

Thanks for stopping by and watching. Hope you guys have a great weekend! 🎉

[HiMyNameIsTucker]

The man talks about new balance and I listen.

[natewatson]

we definitely need a high quality new balance history documentary.

[Gh_cle]

Yo! Loved the video. Gotta do the whole 99x lineage with history behind each pair, that would be crazy.

[nikkid]

990v4 my favorite, most comfortable for my foot. Go half size down in all 990s

[ThatGuyInPhilly]

I admit, never thought I'd own NBs. Picked up my FIRST pair last Spring, 992 Gray pick up and holy hell...still the best fitting, comfortable sneaker I own. Since then I've grabbed 990V3, V5, V6...few 2002r and the newer 9060. Amazing sneaker!

[Munchie]

Love the comparisons here. Have you ever thought of giving us a "top 10 most under rated silhouettes" from across the board of all manufacturers? I think there are some very nice shoes from a lot of manufacturers that people just don't rock cause they aren't as hyped, but they look and feel fantastic!

[zoohill]

The highly anticipated; it’s finally here! Thanks for making it.

[VinG]

Great video! Big fan of all 990 series, can’t go wrong with any series, I have one of some of each model. Most stylish v2, most comfortable v5, all around best if you only want one or two 990 I would go with 990v3 or v6.

[oldspen]

Bought my first pair in 84'. Love the V4 and V5 then they V2 and 1. Great video!

[williamortiz]

V4 is the most comfortable for me. Im missing the V1 to complete the 990 infinity soles. 😂

[rohanes]

The logo on the tongue of the v4 and v5 is really cool.

[tonyc]

Still wear my old 993 in the gym. Has held up all these years

[Hsuperman]

I snagged a pair of the 990 v5 at the Woodburn outlet around Christmas time. I love them!

[gandonly]

I have the V4 black and silver which I was going to take back but realized it’s a limited edition so I’m keeping them as they are beyond comfortable.

[Limestoned]

IMO the design/fit order goes V3, V2, V4, the others I could take or leave. Just tried on and ordered my first pair of V3s, can't wait

[phillip_reynolds]

Great video Hes! I’ve got a pair of 990v4’s. I went true to size and they fit nicely. I like the look of the V1, V3, and I’m interested in trying a V6. I think the V4 is better suited for collaborations and varied colorways where the V1 and V3 look great in the original gray colorway. The V3 does have a lot of great colorways and collaborations as well.

[sunildaniel]

Personally find the 990v5 the most comfortable followed by the 990v6 but need to go a half size down in both. Great video mate!

[Gojo]

V4 and V5 are the most comfortable for me.
Design wise, I like the V3, V4 and V5. V6 is ok, but I can‘t find the right size for me.
Edit: the V5 had a few collabs. There was aone with dtlr, if I’m not mistaken and then there were slow steady club versions.

[_cpdchua]

993 and 991 V2 looks the best for me. The panels in the toe box looks really nice!