Customer Reviews New Balance Classics Made in USA 990v6

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.

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.

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.

My husband has been wearing New Balance 990 forever. Zappos usually has his size and width (which is often hard to find) in stock. They fit him perfectly and he is delighted that he now has a new pair. I don't bother to look elsewhere for his shoes - I go straight to Zappos.

I have painful, large bunions with wide, flat feet. Even so, the medium width of the New Balance 990’s has always been sufficient and very comfortable. I’ve purchased the 990v5 for years. Previously, I bought a Sz 10 EE cause it was all that was available. That worked, too. In the picture I’ve provided, the medium width was worn through by n the medium widths, where the beautiful bunion lives. The 990v6 seems a bit more shiny silver in the mesh areas. Otherwise, it remains a really great fit for this old guy. I wear these to live in, work around the house in and walk for health in. I always wear a Sz 10 shoe/sneaker. I guess this is my forever sneaker. They last about half a year if I wear them daily. They last a bit longer if I baby them.

Nice

New Balance what are you doing here? I have bought the 990s for years. Every version has been so consistently solid until now. Version 6 is a huge disappointment. The footbed is noticeably more narrow than previous versions, resulting in a shoe that is too snug and rubs on the outside of my toes. There was no need to mess with a good thing.

Really wish that. New Balance would have left the design of the 990s alone. These 990v6 aren’t the same as the previous version. Disappointing!

Bought these foe my husband. Had to return his normal sii e and order a wide. The 990V6 are mor narrow than the 990V5. The wider shoe fits fine.

The 990v5 which I usually wear was unavailable so I gave the v6 a try. Big difference in length. Am returning and will wait for the v5 to come back!

I have 6 pairs V5 and tried V6 which is longer. I am 87 yrs old with hammer toes and balancing problem and trip easily with longer shoes. I will wait for the 990V5 model when it is available. I am on your wait list. The shoes I am sending back are new.

Fairly comfortable, not nearly as comfortable as V4 were. There is something about the heel that is difference and hurts my feet. Purchased two pair, I am return one of them. Not worth $200 at all!

shoes were uncomfortable ...too tight on the top o the shoe....even undid a couple laces but did not help..

Sorry but just dont like the fit of this Version vs V5 which was perfect. These actually look 1/2 size larger too!

Quality issues for the first time with new balance, tongue has a fold in it that will not flatten; causes blisters and pain top of foot. returned.

I've been buying the 990v5 for a few years now. I thought they always said the was Absorb in the heels. I dont see that said in the 990v6... These 990v6 shoes squeek... I paid over $ 200.00 and they make noise. I think it's time to find another brand of shoe.

If these are "Classics" why keep changing them? Less and less leather....more and more cheap fabric! No longer a NB classic!!! I want my 993!

Very disappointing. I've had 4 pairs of V5, best fitting shoes I've ever worn. Ordered the V6 in exactly the same size. These are narrower, so too tight, and a bit longer, so they ended up with heel flop for me. Why would they change the sizing? Dumb decision. NB just lost a loyal customer. Here's an idea: BRING BACK THE V5!!

Disappointing fit compared to my old same-size v5's. And just a short walk around the house to check the fit resulted in the tongues slipping down - would have to use the little doo-dad on top or the tongue that I guess you thread the laces through to hold the tongue in place. (I've never had to use that on any other New Balance I've owned.) If I did that they'd maybe be good for house shoes but not walking/running.

Horrible changes in the V6; loved the V5. Heel is too low and slips out, sizing has changed and now too long, the cushion is offset and instep half off the shoe, just a big miss all around. Wish I could get my money back but been wearing them for a month to try and get used to them and trust New Balance but it’s not working.

This version 6 felt cheaper made and more flexible than the V5. The sole in the forefoot was less comfortable and overall the shoe needed to be returned. This is diappointing because I have had many pairs of the previous versions and I recommend them to my patients. That will be put on pause till I see improvement.

The 990 (4 & 5) has been my go-to for as long as I can remember. I have tried other brands, other styles and wouldn't even wear them out of a store. Now I'm stuck without a shoe that I like. These 990v6 are simply terrible in terms of comfort. Feels like there's a lump under my foot, standing on an uneven surface.

Worst version yet. Feel awful and want to throw in the trash. It is tighter and full of “support” in the bottom that feels like pieces of metal. Will NOT buy 990 ever again and I have bought since version 1.