New Balance Classics

Made in USA 990v6

Men's

very disappointed. I have been ordering the 990 for many years, always the same size. This time, the new version 990v6 did not fit well. too snug at the instep and arch.

I'm very disappointed in the 990V6. For over 25 years, the New Balance 990 series has been my everyday shoe for casual wear in addition to exercise. I’ve enjoyed the consistent comfort, stability, and foot support this series delivered year after year. Recently I purchased the 990V6 and am very disappointed. It appears that New Balance has greatly cheapened the quality of this model. A couple of examples compared to the 990V5: The 990V does not have as much suede around the ankle or the heel. New Balance also removed the plastic ankle supports on 990V6. Based on those two changes, the 990V6 does not support my ankle nearly as well as previous models. I would have been ok paying more to make sure I can continue to buy a high-quality shoe. Instead, I believe New Balance will realize these cost-cutting measures will cause loyal 990V customers to find another brand.

Two months into this shoe and am bummed. V6 is a stylish look compared to earlier versions, but New Balance missed the mark by making the upper too small to allow orthotics to fit comfortably. Need a shoe horn to jam my foot in unlike any earlier versions. Also, they have soles with grids that perfectly capture sand particles that assures you will track that into the house. New Balance, wake up or lose your last American made shoe…

Overall, best sneaker out there. I’m an 11.5, I have a little wiggle room. NB suggests going down half a size - that’s a bit risky. I wear them to the gym, on hikes, long walks and jogging. They have become my go to sneaker. According to my kids the black pair is “fire”. Guess that’s a good thing.