The New Balance 990v4 is a versatile shoe that can be used for a number of different activities. It’s moderately lightweight for a casual shoe at about 385 grams, but perhaps a bit on the heavy side for a running shoe. It’s made of a pigskin/suede material for that durable yet comfortable construction.
The midsole is made of ACTEVA LITE foam to add to its durability, and it comes with a 12mm heel-to-toe drop.
Arch Support
The New Balance Men’s 990v4 shoe is a stability shoe, which makes it a good shoe for overpronation. The built-in control should help relieve pain and soreness in the shins, feet and knees. It also protects people from experiencing stress and tightness in their muscles when engaging in activities like hiking, running, or even walking.
Those with flat feet can also benefit from the soft-but-not-squishy cushioning offered. The cushioning also works well with the polyurethane midsole to correct over-pronation and avoid any damage that people with low arches normally experience.
The insole can also be easily removed, which allows you to use a replacement insole if you need more or less support.
The shoe’s midsole is made of New Balance’s ENCAP midsole technology which uses ACTEVA LITE foam and a polyurethane rim for added comfort and durability. The foam offers good cushioning while the polyurethane rim adds further stability and maintains the foams responsiveness and bounce.
On top of that, the midsole technology insulates the wearer’s sole from the landing while offering a good response for that needed comfort and stability during any activity. Since the foam and rim are made of high-quality materials, it should last a long time.
The 990v4 offers an optimal balance between arch support and comfort.
Heel and Ankle Support
The New Balance Men’s 990v4 shoe comes with an ENCAP PU ring and EVA core around the lateral mid-foot through the heel, providing you with enhanced stability. It also doesn’t have any issues with slippage. It also comes with roll-over ankle support which can really help people who have ankle problems.
Meanwhile, the outsole is made of blown rubber which is common when it comes to stability shoes. This robust material covers the whole surface of the shoe’s outsole to make it more responsive in terms of providing you with the cushioning support you need.
Aside from that, the material also pushes the 990v4’s stability to the next level. As a result, you can expect excellent traction that will keep you sure-footed regardless of the terrain you’re in. That, combined with the shoe’s technology, allows you to enjoy a highly stable and comfortable activity.
Overall Shoe Feel
As a casual shoe, the New Balance 990v4 is a fairly light shoe. Serious runners may find it a big clunky, as it’s not designed to compete with speed running shoes. The toe box is spacious enough for most, although you may find it a bit tight if you have wider feet. Fortunately, there are multiple width options to choose from. Although, the shoe size might be a bit off for some people and you might consider sizing up a half-size. This is especially important if you need the stability to correct from issues like plantar fasciitis.
Since the outer material is a fuzzy pigskin suede, you can be assured that it feels nice and comfortable. Though not as breathable as a running shoe, as a casual shoe the 990v is just about right when it comes to overall feel. This makes it a graet option for those who are on their feet all day. What’s more, the arch support widely lauded as more than sufficient, which makes this a good work shoe for plantar fasciitis.
Finally, you should note that the shoe feels mostly great right out of the box and there may not be a break-in period for most users. As such, you can expect it to give you a comfortable experience right from the get-go.
Use
Due to the 990v4’s stability and weight, it works best for daily practical use. It also works fine for people who enjoy hiking on various terrains, light running and also for those who experience soreness in their feet due to over-pronation. It’s mainly designed for the road but can also be used for mild trekking thanks to its blown rubber outsole.
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Online User Reviews Overall Experience
- Comfortable and Supportive
Buyers appreciated the 990v4’s excellent support and comfort. It works best as a walking or work shoe, though it can also be used for athletic activities and keep the your feet and ankles comfortable and pain-free throughout the day.
- Long-Lasting Quality
Another feature that made the 990v4 a hit among its buyers is that it comes in long-lasting quality. The durable materials ensures that you can enjoy stability and comfort for quite a long time. Additionally, this product is manufactured in the US.
- Good Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
For people who need a shoe with good arch support and heel and ankle stability, the New Balance 990v4 is one of the best options. As a stability shoe, it’s an ideal option for those with flat feet who need some control. For those that need replacement inserts for high arches, you can easily remove the New Balance insoles and slide your own custom orthotic in.
- Great Pair but Sizing Runs Small
A lot of reviewers commended the shoe’s overall durability, quality, and comfort. However, one of the most common issues they experienced is that the shoe’s sizing tends to run small. As such, you might consider ordering a half size up to enjoy a more secure fit.
Pros:
- Great shoe for mild to moderate overpronation
- Soft and fuzzy pigskin suede upper
- Has wide sizing options to choose from
- Good for running, walking, trekking and jobs that require standing on feet all day
- Made in the USA
- Insert can be replaced if you need more or less support
Cons:
- Some may find it a bit bulky for running
- The outsole may not have the traction that competing shoes offer
- Not as flexible as many would prefer
- Sizing runs small, may have to order up half-size
- May not be the best insole for higher arches