Introduction
This article is the New Balance 990 v5 review, based on my honest impressions after wearing them for five years.
Review Premise
This review is ultimately about one thing—comfort.
I often walk more than 20,000 steps a day for work. If my shoes can’t handle that load, the soles of my feet start to hurt and the fatigue builds up fast. That’s why comfort is the number-one factor when I choose a pair of shoes.
Everything I write here comes from long-term, real-world use. These are not guesses or first impressions—they’re observations based on actually wearing the shoes over time.
When choosing footwear, I focus on three key points:
If even one of these is missing, walking 20,000 steps a day becomes almost impossible.
Cushioning
Essential for reducing stress on the feet and knees.
Responsiveness
Important for smooth walking. It converts impact into forward momentum, which makes a big difference over long distances.
Stability
Crucial for reducing wasted energy. For example, if the heel support is weak, you end up using unnecessary effort with every step.
I’ll also compare this pair with other New Balance models I’ve actually worn in the past.
Here are the models I’ve used previously.
• CM996
• M2040 V1
• M998
• WR993
• MR993
• M990 V5
• 2002R
• M990V3
• 991v2
• 990v6
What is the New Balance 990v5?
The New Balance 990v5 is the fifth generation of the brand’s iconic “990” sneaker line, one of the most popular and enduring series in New Balance’s lineup.
About the 990 Series
First introduced in 1982, the 990 series represents New Balance’s commitment to premium quality and performance. Over the years, each model has been carefully refined to balance comfort, durability, and timeless design.
Released in 2019, the 990v5 further enhances both the design and functionality of its predecessor, the 990v4, offering improved support and a cleaner, more modern look.
Appearance After Five Years
Here’s how they look after five years of wear.
What really stands out is the material’s durability.
I’ve been wearing them for almost five years, and they still look this clean.
Meanwhile, the 993s I bought around the same time look completely worn out…
Features of the New Balance 990v5
The 990v5 comes equipped with ENCAP and ABZORB cushioning — the classic setup for the 990 series.
Here’s what each offers:
ENCAP
A signature New Balance midsole structure that places soft EVA foam at the core and surrounds it with a firm polyurethane rim.
This combination delivers an ideal balance of cushioning, stability, and durability.
(Source: New Balance Support — What is an ENCAP?)
ABZORB
A cushioning material made from a mix of foam and rubber polymers designed to absorb and disperse impact, reducing stress on your joints.
(Source: New Balance Australia — Cushioning Technologies (ABZORB))
N-Durance
The outsole features N-Durance, New Balance’s proprietary high-durability rubber compound.
It provides exceptional abrasion resistance, particularly in the heel area, protecting against wear and extending the overall lifespan of the shoe.
TPU Support Strap
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the 990v5 is the TPU strap around the ankle.
This firm, molded component wraps the heel to minimize side-to-side movement, improving stability and fit.
It securely holds the ankle in place, creating a comfortable, unified feel during both walking and running.
1. Cushioning
The cushioning is more than adequate — it easily handles walks of around 15,000 steps.
Once you go beyond 20,000 steps, though, you’ll start to feel some soreness in your soles.
So unless you’re someone who walks that much in a day, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Overall, the cushioning is excellent.
That said, compared to the next-generation V6, it does feel a bit firmer.
The V6 uses the newer FuelCell foam, which delivers an incredibly soft and springy feel.
Keep in mind that cushioning comfort can vary depending on your body weight.
At around 64 kg, I personally find softer cushioning more comfortable for long walks.
Heavier users, however, might prefer the firmer setup of the 990v5 for its added stability.
2. Responsiveness
The responsiveness is also solid — you can definitely feel a good level of rebound, likely thanks to the plastic shank built into the midsole.
However, it doesn’t quite match the models that use FuelCell foam or the carbon shank found in the 990v3.
It performs comfortably for about 10,000 steps, but once you pass 15,000, you’ll start to feel some fatigue in your soles.
3. Stability
Outstanding — probably the best stability New Balance has ever achieved.
The key factors are the TPU strap and the large heel cap, which work together to keep your feet locked in and prevent wobbling.
That’s why I also use the 990v5 as my gym shoes. Even when lifting heavy dumbbells, the strong support keeps my body steady and balanced.
The grip is equally impressive — it almost feels like walking in shoes with spikes.
I once worked in a restaurant where the kitchen floors were slick with oil, but even there, the 990v5 never slipped.
Now, after five years of wear, the outsole grip has worn down a bit, so it’s not quite as strong as it used to be.
Still, it provides more than enough traction for everyday city walking.
The Downsides of the New Balance 990v5
There’s one thing I found a bit disappointing — the TPU strap can cause wear on the sides of the shoes.
Because the strap is made from a hard material, it sometimes rubs against the opposite shoe, leading to scuffing over time.
It’s a minor flaw, but a noticeable one, especially considering how durable the rest of the shoe is.
Summary
While you’ll start to feel some fatigue after walking about 20,000 steps, the 990v5 stays comfortable up to around 15,000 — more than enough for daily use.
In fact, it feels almost overqualified for everyday wear.
Its material durability is excellent, and its stability makes it a great choice not just for walking, but also for workouts and gym sessions.
If I had to bring just one pair of shoes for a trip, I’d choose the 990v5 without hesitation — it’s that versatile.
Thank you for reading until the end, That’s all for this review.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM or leave a comment.
Sayonara
