Customer Reviews New Balance Classics 990v5

The 990v5 is quite expensive, but you do get what you pay for. It's not only made in the US, but pretty much hand-made. I saw a Youtube video of the folks at the New Balance factory in Boston making these; it's basically hand-sewn with loving care by experienced artisans. You can see the craftsmanship in every detail, from the perfect stitching to the high quality materials to the total lack of even the most minor of imperfections - I mean, these ship PERFECT. I do own a variety of other NB and Dunham shoes, and honestly there's no comparison between all those mediocre Chinese-made shoes and this flagship model. Sizing is right on the money and fits me perfectly. It's on the firm side, which I like, and doesn't really have that "walking on clouds" factor that some people want - I think it'd require some custom insoles to get that plush feel some prefer. Very supportive and in particular the arch support is prominent. Tons of room in the toe box, and absolutely no heel slip for me, which is often a problem. As far as the look, I personally love it. It's the iconic, classic shoe; it's the shoe everyone knows. Sometimes dad shoes are in the trend and other times not as much, but the 990 is ALWAYS the classic, traditional New Balance shoe. I could easily see why someone would opt to buy a $50 sneaker instead, but truth is, those are going to fall apart a loooooong time before these do. The 990v5 is investment-grade.