Introduction
This article is the New Balance 991v2 review, based on my honest impressions after wearing them for seven months.
Review Premise
In this review, I’ll focus entirely on the comfort of the shoes.
As part of my job, I walk more than 20,000 steps a day.
If my shoes aren’t comfortable, the soles of my feet start to hurt, and fatigue builds up quickly. That’s why, for me, comfort is the top priority when choosing shoes.
This article is based on my actual experiences wearing the shoes and offers a straightforward, honest review.
When choosing shoes, I particularly focus on three key factors:
If any one of these is lacking, it’s nearly impossible for me to handle walking 20,000 steps a day.
- Cushioning Critical for reducing strain on the feet and knees.
- Responsiveness Important for smooth walking. Good responsiveness turns landing impact into forward momentum, making a big difference over long distances.
- Stability Essential for reducing wasted energy. For example, if the heel support is weak, you end up using unnecessary energy with each step.
Additionally, this review compares the 991v2 with other New Balance models I’ve personally worn.
• CM996
• M2040 V1
• M998
• WR993
• MR993
• M990 V5
• 2002R
• 2002R GORETEX
• M990V3
• 991v2
Appearance After seven Months
Here’s how the New Balance 991v2 looks after seven months of wear.
I hope this can serve as a practical reference for what the shoes might look like after heavy use.
Cushioning Performance
ENCAP Midsole
Technology Structure:
- A firm polyurethane (PU) carrier shell encapsulates a softer EVA foam core.
- The hard outer PU maintains the overall shape, while the inner EVA delivers cushioning.
Material Characteristics:
- PU is tough and durable → “Resists deformation” and “Provides strong stability”
- EVA is lightweight and softer → “Handles basic cushioning duties”
Overall Feel:
It offers a “protected softness.”
The design prioritizes strength and stability, while still ensuring a solid baseline of cushioning.
Absorb SBS Pod
Technology Structure:
- A special blend of EVA and rubber (NBR rubber) forms a durable foam material.
- This mix enhances both durability and responsiveness compared to standard EVA.
Material Characteristics:
- The rubber content improves “rebound”, making it resilient without collapsing too much.
- Excellent shock absorption, especially in terms of balance (one of New Balance’s more versatile options).
Overall Feel:
It provides a “bouncy cushioning.”
When you step down, it compresses a bit, then quickly rebounds, giving a responsive feel.
FuelCell
The light blue part is the FuelCell foam.
Technology Structure:
- Primarily an EVA-based foam injected with nitrogen gas.
- The formula varies depending on the series, but its main focus is “explosive rebound” and “forward propulsion.”
Material Characteristics:
- Provides even more “bounce” than regular EVA.
- Slightly softer, but the explosive return sensation when compressed is what stands out.
Overall Feel:
It feels like “running on springs.”
The shoe’s response is quick, almost like there’s a spring-loaded effect beneath your feet.
The Pros of New Balance 991v2
Easy to Match with Fashion
One of the things I appreciate most about the New Balance 991v2 is how easily it pairs with any style.
Its sleek design makes it versatile, fitting well with both slim and wide-bottom pants.
When I’m not sure which shoes to wear, the 991v2 is always a safe bet.
Premium Materials
Compared to other New Balance models, the 991v2 feels like it’s on a whole new level in terms of luxury.
It gives off the vibe of high-quality leather shoes.
That’s no surprise, though—this model is made in the UK, at the Flimby factory.
(The Flimby factory originally specialized in crafting leather shoes.)
The Cons of New Balance 991v2
Not Suitable for Walking 20,000 Steps
To be completely honest, these shoes aren’t built for walking 20,000 steps a day.
After around 10,000 steps, I start feeling pain in the soles of my feet.
Let’s break this down, considering the three key factors I focus on when choosing shoes: cushioning, responsiveness, and stability.
Cushioning
It’s not bad, but I do feel a bit of firmness.
Shoes that can handle walking 20,000 steps, like the 990v3 or 990v6, have a softer, more cushioned feel that helps reduce strain on the knees after a long day. Unfortunately, the 991v2 doesn’t quite match up to that level.
However, my body weight is 64kg, which is relatively light, so I may not be compressing the cushioning enough. People with more weight may have a different experience, so it’s a good idea to try them on before buying.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness is rather low. The cushioning is more focused on shock absorption.
I had high expectations because it uses FuelCell, just like the 990v6, which has amazing responsiveness, but the 991v2 didn’t quite deliver.
I believe the main issue lies in the thickness of the sole around the ball of the foot.
Because there isn’t enough responsive cushioning here, you can’t fully utilize the shoe’s rebound during push-off.
Compared to the 990v6, there’s probably only about a 1mm difference, but that small gap makes a noticeable difference.
Stability
Stability is also lacking.
This is because the upper doesn’t quite fit the foot as well as other models.
For example, 990v6 have additional reinforcement in the saddle area to improve the fit.
By eliminating the saddle part, the 990V6 achieves both reduced weight and an improved fit
However, the 991v2 doesn’t. Considering the price, this can be a bit underwhelming.
Despite being a new model, the 991v2 doesn’t introduce any new features aimed at improving fit
Final Thoughts
The New Balance 991v2 is a shoe that delivers a solid performance in terms of comfort.
However, its appearance is what really stands out. It’s simply stunning. Personally, I think it’s on par with models like the 990v3 and 993 in terms of looks.
Despite feeling some dissatisfaction with the cushioning, I find myself wearing these shoes quite often. And I even start to think, “Maybe I want another color!”
If you’re someone who walks long distances and prioritizes comfort, I’d suggest looking elsewhere—like the 990v6.
But if you’re not walking long distances daily and value aesthetics as well, the New Balance 991v2 is definitely worth considering.
Thank you for reading until the end.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through the social media links below.
I also make vlogs, so I’d be happy if you could check them out!
Sayonara
