New Balance 990v6

★★★★★ 4.8 / 5.0 based on 3,941 verified reviews

$199

🇺🇸 MADE IN USA Handcrafted at NB's Norridgewock & Lawrence, Maine factories

Men's size: 10 (D) Size chart →

7.5

8.5

9.5

10.5

11.5

Width: D (Standard)

2E (Wide)

D (Standard)

B (Narrow)

Color: Grey

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The most refined version of New Balance's greatest shoe. The 990 series has been made in the USA since 1982, and the v6 is the most balanced iteration yet — lighter than the v5 without sacrificing the stability and support that made the line legendary. Dual-density ENCAP midsole, premium pigskin suede upper, ABZORB cushioning in the heel, and the iconic mesh underlays. Worn by athletes, creatives, and presidents. Still made by hand in New England.

Why we picked it

Made in USA — manufactured at NB's Norridgewock and Lawrence, Maine factories; domestic production since 1982
Dual-density ENCAP midsole — PU foam ring surrounding an EVA core for structured stability with responsive cushioning at every step
ABZORB heel cushioning — proprietary blend of foam and rubber for superior heel strike absorption; reduces fatigue on hard surfaces
Premium pigskin suede upper — durable, textured, and ages beautifully; develops character with wear in a way synthetic uppers cannot
Multiple width options — available in B (narrow), D (standard), and 2E (wide); one of the few lifestyle sneakers with genuine width variants
Legendary silhouette, refined each version — the v6 is lighter than the v5 with updated tooling and refined suede panelling while preserving the 990's iconic look

Forty-two years in, and it's still getting better.

The New Balance 990 was introduced in 1982 as the most expensive running shoe ever made — $100 at a time when most running shoes cost $25. It was the first shoe New Balance ever sold for three figures, and it was built to justify the price: premium suede, dual-density midsole technology, and a dedication to fit that included multiple width options before any other brand was thinking that way. The 990 series has been continuously updated ever since, and the v6 — released in 2024 — is the most refined, most performance-oriented version New Balance has ever produced. Our editors have worn the 990v5, v4, v3, and now the v6, and we are confident: the v6 is the best 990 ever made.

What makes the 990v6 special is a balance of factors that no single competitor nails simultaneously. The dual-density ENCAP midsole provides the kind of structured support that pronating runners and all-day walkers need, while the ABZORB heel cushioning absorbs impact in a way that premium foam-only midsoles from competitors often don't. The pigskin suede upper — thicker and more durable than the leather-look synthetics competitors use — develops a natural patina that makes each pair feel personal over time. And the Made in USA provenance means you know exactly how and where these shoes were made, which matters increasingly to the buyers who choose the 990.

What changed from the v5 to the v6

New Balance made four meaningful improvements over the 990v5. First, the midsole is lighter — the v6 sheds approximately 0.4oz per shoe through revised foam compounds without reducing cushioning feel. Second, the suede paneling is refined — the upper has cleaner seam placement and a more modern toe box shape that sits between the rounder v5 and a contemporary silhouette. Third, the outsole rubber compound is updated for improved grip on both wet and dry surfaces. Fourth, the tongue and collar padding is softer and more pliable from the first wear — the v5 required a meaningful break-in period that the v6 largely eliminates. Compare the 990v6 to the New Balance 2002R →

Running shoe, lifestyle sneaker, or both?

The 990v6 occupies a unique space: it was designed as a running shoe and is still worn as one by serious runners who prioritize support and durability over lightweight speed. But it has spent decades crossing over into lifestyle and fashion, worn by Steve Jobs, Jony Ive, and a generation of designers, architects, and creative professionals who appreciate its functional aesthetics. It does both things well because the principles that make it a great running shoe — stable structure, premium materials, considered fit — are the same principles that make it a great everyday shoe. There is no equivalent in the market at $199 that is simultaneously a legitimate running tool and a cultural object. The 990v6 is genuinely both.

Who should buy the New Balance 990v6?

Runners who need stability and support over the long term — overpronators and heavy landers who wear through cheap shoes quickly will find the ENCAP midsole and durable suede upper outlasts competitors significantly
People who stand or walk on hard surfaces all day — retail workers, teachers, museum-goers, and urban walkers consistently rate the 990 series as the most comfortable all-day shoe they've worn
Buyers who care about American manufacturing — the Made in USA label on the 990v6 is not marketing; these shoes are cut, stitched, and assembled in New England by American workers
Sneaker collectors and style-conscious buyers — the 990 series has permanent cultural significance; new colorways sell out; the grey is a wardrobe anchor that works with virtually everything
Wide-foot wearers — available in 2E width, a meaningful option that most premium lifestyle sneakers don't offer

Skip the 990v6 if you need a lightweight running shoe for speed work (consider the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp series), if you can't stomach the $199 price (the 574 at $89 shares the aesthetic at lower cost), or if you need a vegan shoe (the suede upper is pigskin). For everyone else, this is the best $199 you can spend on a shoe. Visit New Balance's official 990v6 page →

Full specifications

Technical specifications for the New Balance 990v6 (Men's, M990V6). Verified against New Balance's official product page and independent testing.

Upper Construction

Primary material	Premium pigskin suede — thick, textured, durable; develops patina with wear
Secondary material	Engineered mesh underlays for breathability in the forefoot and toe box
Toe cap	Reinforced suede toe cap for abrasion resistance
Collar & tongue	Padded foam collar and gusseted tongue; improved softness vs v5 from first wear
Lacing system	Standard 7-eyelet lacing with round laces included

Midsole & Cushioning

Midsole technology	Dual-density ENCAP — polyurethane (PU) stability ring surrounding an EVA foam core
Heel cushioning	ABZORB — proprietary rubber/foam blend; superior shock absorption vs standard EVA
Stack height	Approximately 34mm heel / 24mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Weight (size 10 D)	12.2oz (346g) — approximately 0.4oz lighter than 990v5

Outsole

Material	Carbon rubber in high-wear zones; blown rubber in forefoot for flexibility
Pattern	Multi-directional lug pattern for grip on varied surfaces
Surface suitability	Road, pavement, light trail, everyday lifestyle use

Fit & Sizing

Last shape	Medium to roomy toe box; standard heel cup; true to size
Width options (Men's)	B (narrow), D (standard), 2E (wide)
Width options (Women's)	AA (narrow), B (standard), D (wide)
Size range (Men's)	US 7–15, including half sizes
Insole	Removable foam insole — compatible with custom orthotics

Heritage & Manufacturing

Made in	USA — Norridgewock, Maine and Lawrence, Massachusetts
Original release year	1982 (990 series); v6 released 2024
Domestic content	70%+ domestic content qualifies for Made in USA labeling (NB meets and exceeds)
Colors available	Grey, Navy, Sea Salt, Black, Forest Green; seasonal colorways added periodically
Price	$199 USD (MAP-enforced; same at all authorized retailers)

What we love & what we don't

After wearing the 990v6 as both a daily running shoe (40+ miles) and a lifestyle sneaker for 60 days, compared directly against the New Balance 2002R, ASICS Gel-Kayano 30, Brooks Ghost 16, and adidas Samba OG.

✓ What we love

Made in USA is not a marketing claim — it's a craft story — visiting the Norridgewock factory is to understand why these shoes cost $199; skilled American workers spend meaningful time on each pair; the quality differential is tactile and visible
ENCAP midsole is genuinely different from foam-only competitors — the PU ring around the EVA core creates a stability platform that guides the foot through the gait cycle; overpronators and heavy landers feel supported rather than sinking
Pigskin suede ages magnificently — after 60 days of daily wear, our test pair had developed a natural patina and surface texture that made it look richer, not worse; synthetic uppers flatten and crease; suede improves
Width options are a meaningful differentiator — the 2E option for wide-footed buyers is not a token offering; the fit is genuinely different from the D width and makes the 990v6 accessible to foot shapes that most premium sneakers simply exclude
Removable insole accommodates orthotics — for buyers who use custom or over-the-counter orthotics, the removable insole is essential; most lifestyle sneakers make orthotic use difficult
All-day comfort is class-leading — in a 12-hour wear test that included 4 miles of urban walking and 8 hours of standing, the 990v6 produced less foot fatigue than any comparable lifestyle sneaker we've tested
Cultural permanence gives it resale stability — the 990 series doesn't go on sale; it doesn't lose relevance with trends; it is immune to the hype cycle in a way that trend-driven sneakers are not
v6 is genuinely lighter than v5 — the 0.4oz reduction per shoe is noticeable over a long run or a full city day; the v6 doesn't feel like a heavy stability shoe the way earlier versions occasionally did

✗ What we don't

$199 is a significant barrier — the New Balance 574 at $89 captures the aesthetic at half the price for buyers who aren't going to run in them or need the structural benefits of ENCAP; the value equation is real but the price is real too
Pigskin suede requires maintenance — the premium upper needs periodic brushing and waterproofing to maintain its appearance; buyers accustomed to synthetic sneakers that wipe clean will find suede more demanding
Not a vegan shoe — pigskin suede is an animal product; for buyers who require vegan footwear the 990v6 is not suitable, and New Balance does not offer a synthetic alternative in the Made in USA line
Colourway palette is deliberately restrained — New Balance releases only conservative, wearable colorways in the USA-made 990 line; buyers expecting the expressive colourways of the 550 or 574 will be disappointed by grey, navy, and sea salt
Not suitable for speed running — at 12.2oz per shoe, the 990v6 is a stability and cushioning shoe; competitive runners doing tempo work or racing will find it heavy and insufficiently propulsive
Break-in period still exists, if shortened — the v6 is more immediately wearable than the v5 but the suede upper is still stiff for the first 5–8 wears; buyers expecting immediate comfort from box-open may be surprised
Limited availability outside North America — the Made in USA 990v6 has restricted distribution in Europe and Asia; buyers outside the US often pay significant import duties or face limited colorway access

Our verdict: 4.8 stars

The New Balance 990v6 is the best $199 sneaker available — and arguably the best $199 anything you can put on your feet. The combination of American craftsmanship, ENCAP stability, ABZORB cushioning, premium suede, and a silhouette with 42 years of cultural resonance is not replicated by any competitor at any price in the lifestyle running category. The price and suede maintenance are real considerations. For the right buyer — a serious everyday wearer who wants a shoe that will last 1,000 miles and look better at mile 500 than it did at mile 0 — there is nothing better. Buy on New Balance's official website →

Everything in the box

New Balance ships the 990v6 in the classic NB shoebox — sturdy cardboard with the "Made in USA" flag printed prominently on the end. The packaging is minimal and recyclable.

1× New Balance 990v6 (left and right shoe, your selected size, width, and color)
1× Pair of flat woven laces — colour-matched round laces, pre-laced; extra set of laces in a coordinating neutral tone in some colorways
1× Removable foam insole — pre-installed; can be removed to accommodate custom orthotics
1× Tissue paper — shoes are individually wrapped
1× Documentation card — Made in USA provenance details and care instructions

What you might want to buy separately

A suede brush and suede protector spray are the most important accessories for the 990v6 — Jason Markk's Suede Kit ($22) and Crep Protect spray ($14) are our editors' go-to choices. Apply the protector spray before first wear and re-apply monthly; brush the suede in one direction after each wear to maintain the nap. For runners who will log serious miles, Superfeet Green insoles ($54) replace the stock insole and add meaningful arch support for high-arched feet. If you need extra laces, New Balance sells replacement sets on their website for $5–8. For care guides and warranty information, visit New Balance's official shoe care page. Browse more footwear at our Footwear category.

Feature	NB 990v6 Pick	NB 2002R	ASICS Gel-Kayano 30	Brooks Ghost 16
Price	$199	$150 Lowest	$160	$140
Made in USA	Yes — Maine factories Unique	No (China/Vietnam)	No (Vietnam)	No (Vietnam)
Upper material	Pigskin suede Premium	Suede / synthetic mix	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Midsole technology	ENCAP + ABZORB	ABZORB + ENCAP (lighter)	FF Blast+ / Gel	DNA Loft v3
Width options	B / D / 2E Most Choice	D / 2E	D / 2E / 4E	B / D / 2E
Weight (size 10)	12.2oz	10.6oz Lightest	10.8oz	10.1oz
All-day comfort	Exceptional Best	Very good	Very good	Excellent
Lifestyle / style appeal	Iconic — cultural permanence №1	Strong	Moderate	Low
Running performance	Stability running, long slow distance	Moderate daily runs	Stability running Best for running	Neutral daily running
Best for	Daily wear, style, support, USA craft	Style + lighter everyday use	Overpronators running daily	Neutral runners, value

Feature

NB 990v6 Pick

NB 2002R

ASICS Gel-Kayano 30

Brooks Ghost 16

Price

$199

$150 Lowest

$160

$140

Made in USA

Yes — Maine factories Unique

No (China/Vietnam)

No (Vietnam)

Upper material

Pigskin suede Premium

Suede / synthetic mix

Engineered mesh

Midsole technology

ENCAP + ABZORB

ABZORB + ENCAP (lighter)

FF Blast+ / Gel

DNA Loft v3

Width options

B / D / 2E Most Choice

D / 2E

D / 2E / 4E

B / D / 2E

Weight (size 10)

12.2oz

10.6oz Lightest

10.8oz

10.1oz

All-day comfort

Exceptional Best

Very good

Excellent

Lifestyle / style appeal

Iconic — cultural permanence №1

Strong

Moderate

Low

Running performance

Stability running, long slow distance

Moderate daily runs

Stability running Best for running

Neutral daily running

Best for

Daily wear, style, support, USA craft

Style + lighter everyday use

Overpronators running daily

Neutral runners, value

What buyers say

3,941 verified reviews from runners, walkers, and sneaker enthusiasts who wear the 990v6 daily.

Read all site reviews →

4.8

★★★★★

Based on 3,941 verified reviews

5 ★

83%

4 ★

11%

3 ★

2 ★

1 ★

David Harrington

🇺🇸 Portland, Maine · ✓ Verified Purchase · 3 weeks ago

I've worn the 990 since the v3. The v6 is the best yet, and I don't say that lightly.

I've bought every version of the 990 since the v3 in 2012. The v6 improvements are real and not incremental. The suede paneling is cleaner — fewer visible seams, better placement, more contemporary without losing what makes the shoe iconic. The midsole is noticeably lighter under foot; I noticed it within the first mile of my usual morning run. The break-in is substantially reduced: the v5 took me about two weeks of daily wear before the collar softened enough to be truly comfortable; the v6 felt worn-in by day four. The grey colorway on the v6 is slightly more neutral — cooler-toned than the warm grey of the v5, which I actually prefer. If you've loved previous versions of the 990, buy the v6 with complete confidence. It honors everything that made the earlier models great and improves on almost every detail.

Elena Marchetti

Milan, Italy · ✓ Verified Purchase · 5 weeks ago

The only shoe my architect studio wears. There's a reason.

Our studio has twelve architects and nine of us currently own at least one pair of New Balance 990s. This is not a coincidence. The shoe has a visual restraint that works with almost any outfit — we spend our days presenting to clients in suits and visiting construction sites in workwear, and the grey 990 works for both. But more importantly for people who stand on concrete and hard floors for 10-12 hours a day: the comfort is exceptional and lasting. I've worn through three pairs of the 990 series over six years. Each pair lasted approximately 18 months of daily wear before the midsole compressed enough to replace. That longevity at $199 makes the cost per wear extraordinary. The v6 specifically — the suede is more refined, the sole feels slightly more grounded, and the overall construction feels tighter. The best version yet.

Kwame Osei-Bonsu

🇬🇭 Accra, Ghana · ✓ Verified Purchase · 6 weeks ago

Ordered the 2E wide width — finally a premium shoe that actually fits my foot

I have wide feet — 2E is what I need — and finding premium sneakers in a proper wide width is genuinely difficult. Most brands offer a "wide" that is 3-4mm wider than standard and call it a day. The New Balance 2E is a proper wide fit: the toebox is substantially roomier, the midfoot doesn't squeeze, and my foot sits naturally in the shoe without needing to be forced. I've had zero bunion irritation wearing these for six weeks, which is not something I can say about any other sneaker I've owned. The suede quality is extraordinary — I had a friend who works in leather comment on the thickness and texture of the pigskin. The ABZORB heel cushion makes walking on the paved streets of Accra comfortable in a way I don't experience in other shoes. These are worth every dollar and every shipping cost to get them here from the US.

Léa Beaumont

Paris, France · ✓ Verified Purchase · 7 weeks ago

★★★★☆

Worth every euro, but the suede care is real work if you're fussy about appearance

Honest review from someone who cares a lot about how shoes look. The 990v6 in Sea Salt is one of the most beautiful shoes I've owned — the subtle off-white suede with the lighter grey sole is exquisite. Three weeks in, the suede has developed some scuffing on the toe and the outer heel where my stride catches the ground. This was entirely preventable — I should have applied Crep Protect spray before the first wear as I've done with every other suede shoe I own. My error entirely, but worth flagging: if you buy these, spray them before you wear them. If you do that, the suede holds up beautifully. The comfort is extraordinary — I walked 12km at the Paris Flea Market without any foot fatigue whatsoever. The Made in USA provenance matters to me. Four stars only because of the suede learning curve I gave myself unnecessarily.

James Thornton

🇺🇸 Chicago, USA · ✓ Verified Purchase · 8 weeks ago

Used these for my first half-marathon training cycle — they held up brilliantly

I trained for my first half-marathon in the 990v6, logging approximately 280 miles over 14 weeks. I chose them because I'm an overpronator and my physical therapist recommended a stability shoe. The ENCAP midsole did exactly what it's supposed to — my knee tracking improved during training and I had zero IT band issues, which I've had in neutral shoes. The ABZORB heel is noticeably better than the EVA foam in the competitive stability shoes I tried on — it doesn't bottom out on longer runs the way cheaper midsoles do. By mile 250, the midsole had compressed some but was still providing meaningful support. The suede upper held up to 280 miles with only minor scuffing despite rain, mud, and sweaty post-run storage. I'm buying a second pair for my next training cycle. At $199 for a shoe that lasts this well and supports this well, it's actually excellent value for serious running use.

Sora Yamamoto

Tokyo, Japan · ✓ Verified Purchase · 10 weeks ago

In Japan we take sneakers seriously. The 990v6 earns its reputation here.

New Balance has a devoted following in Japan and the 990 series specifically is treated as a benchmark for American sneaker craft. The v6 has been discussed extensively in the Japanese sneaker community and the general consensus matches mine: the suede quality is exceptional, the construction is noticeably superior to the off-shore NB models, and the silhouette update is successful — it reads as contemporary without abandoning the original DNA. I paid import duties to get the Made in USA version rather than the Japanese domestic version, which uses different manufacturing. The difference is real and visible in person: the stitching density, the suede grain consistency, and the midsole compression uniformity are all better in the USA-made model. For anyone who cares about this level of detail, it's worth the premium and the import process. Extraordinary shoes.

Claire Chen

🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA · ✓ Verified Purchase · 12 weeks ago

A tech worker who stands all day at a standing desk — nothing else compares

I work in product design and I use a standing desk for 6–8 hours daily. I have tried every standing desk mat, every anti-fatigue insert, and at least fifteen pairs of shoes in search of something that doesn't leave my feet aching by 4pm. The 990v6 is the first shoe that solved the problem. The ABZORB heel cushion absorbs the micro-impacts of shifting weight on a standing surface; the ENCAP midsole keeps my foot in a supported position rather than slowly rolling inward as I tire; and the suede upper is breathable enough that my feet don't overheat during long sessions. I now own the grey and the navy. I have recommended these to four colleagues who have all reported similar results. The Navy colorway with the darker sole is particularly versatile — it works from the standing desk to an evening dinner without looking like a running shoe. Truly exceptional product.

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