Review: New Balance 990v1 ”Version Series”

Check out our first impressions of the New Balance 990v1 “Version Series”(M990VS1) and get more info on the quality, comfort, and sizing of this groundbreaking retro runner

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Video Review:

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The Return Of A Legend!

Originally released back in 1982, the New Balance 990v1 was the first athletic shoe to retail for $100 — a price that was “astronomical” for the time period.

Upon release, the 990 was considered the gold-standard for performance running shoes due to the shoe’s comfort, flexibility and stability.

Fast fast-forward almost 40 years and the New Balance 990v1 has undergone 4 additional iterations, however, the original remains in high-regard within the sneaker community.

Sneaker Quality

New Balance 990v1 “Version Series”

How Good are The Materials?

If you’re familiar with New Balance then you know the premium nature of their “Made in the USA” heritage models. For the price, no other brand comes close to what New Balance is able to do with their material quality.

• Pigskin Suede The majority of this shoe’s upper is comprised of a classic grey suede that screams quality as soon as you open the box. Rub the upper with your finger and the nap changes colors in a way that is oddly satisfying and reiterates the premium vibes.

• Textile Mesh A darker shade of grey mesh makes its way to the toebox and heel portions of the shoe to help reduce the sneaker’s weight and add a nice touch of breathability. Again, New Balance knocks it out of the park when it comes to the mesh as well.

• Reflective 3M A touch of grey 3M makes it way to the shoe’s heel to keep pedestrians/runners visible at night and is a clear indicator of the shoe’s running shoe roots.

• Vinyl/Synthetic Leather The white, retro-styled New Balance “N” logo is made from a slightly tumbled version “leather” that’s not necessarily premium, but not a major knock on the shoe’s quality.

• Vibrant Rubber The shoe’s outsole is made of the ultra-durable, black Vibram rubber that will help you pat the pavement for miles with minimal wear. This is an underrated addition to the shoe’s construction, but a feature that definitely adds a ton of value and functionality.

Sneaker Comfort

New Balance 990v1 “Version Series”

How Good Is the Comfort?

Although this shoe’s midsole technology is nearly 40 years old, it’s amazing how well it compares to modern shoes. New Balance definitely got the “recipe right” the first time, which is why it has withstood the test of time.

• Midsole Comfort You most likely won’t be blown away by this shoe’s step-in feel immediately, but over time you’ll appreciate the type of cushioning it offers. It’s not as soft as Nike React or Adidas Boost, but it maintains a consistent level of softness mile after mile in a way that never leads to lower leg or foot fatigue.

• Upper Comfort The suede and mesh upper combo is simple, yet effective in keeping your feet nice and comfy during wears. The mesh toebox adds an acceptable amount of breathability to the shoe which helps prevent overheating. Also, the heel support system in the back keeps your foot secure and stable while walking or running.

Sneaker Sizing

New Balance 990v1 “Version Series”

How does the new balance 990v1 Fit?

New Balance is know for making roomier shoe’s that offer more stability than comparable shoe’s from other brands and the 990v1 is not exception.

Having said that, it may be suitable for most buyers to go a half-size down from their normal running shoe size to prevent heel slippage when wearing this shoe.

It you’re familiar with the fit of other New Balance 990 models, I would suggest going with the same size you’d get in a 990v5 or v4 model.

How To Cop

New Balance 990v1 “Version Series”

Where can i purchase this shoe?

I was fortunate enough to purchase a pair in late May from Extra Butter via and online raffle they conducted, but a wider release is confirmed for June 17.

According to New Balance Lifestyle’s official IG account, the shoe’s will be available in select markets for a retail price of $175.

Is This Shoe Worth Buying?

Ultimately, copping this shoe is a decision you must make for yourself, but I consider this shoe a must-have for avid sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.

The shoe’s premium materials coupled with its historical significance and impact on modern-day sneaker culture, make it well worth its weight in gold.

If you decided to get this pair, trust me….You won’t be disappointed.

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YOUR TURN

Let me know what you think about this sneaker in the comments below!