Catalogue/New Balance/990 v5
NNew Balance
Premium Lifestyle
85Score

CoreScore breakdown

0 reviews · 0 expert tests

Comfort82
Durability90
Performance74
Value80
Fit accuracy88

New Balance990 v5

The original American craftsmanship.

Weight

342g

Heel drop

12mm

Stack

25mm

streetRemovable insole

Best for

Premium lifestyleMade in USA fansWide-foot ownersCollector culture

Not ideal for

RunningActive sportBudget shoppers

Best price

$185

RRP

$185

From New Balance · Updated today

New Balance · $185

Verdict

The New Balance 990 v5 is a high-performing option in its class — a premium lifestyle scoring 85/100 in SoleHunt's data-driven evaluation, drawing on 0 consumer reviews and 0 independent expert tests. Tipping the scales at 342g, it is on the heavier side for a premium lifestyle. The 25mm heel stack — a moderate stack — delivers a firm ride at 40 HC, returning 40% of impact energy and feeling cushion-focused rather than reactive underfoot. Geometrically, the 990 v5 runs on a high 12mm drop that cushions the transition for heel strikers, with a 13mm forefoot stack that maintains the traditional heel-elevated geometry runners with tight calves often prefer. Fit-wise, the toebox measures 96mm — roomy, with space for wider feet and swelling on long runs — and the upper is available in B/D/2E/4E widths. True to size. Widest range of widths available. The removable insole makes it compatible with custom orthotics. It is designed for premium lifestyle, made in usa fans, wide-foot owners, collector culture, and performs less well for running or active sport.

01

Lab measurements

Weight

342g

UK size 9 men's

Heel drop

12mm

High drop

Heel stack

25mm

Forefoot stack

13mm

Midsole hardness

40HC

Medium

Energy return

40%

Higher = bouncier

Toebox width

96mm

Breathability

64/100

Outsole grip

76/100

Flexibility

52/100

Heel counter

4/5

Ankle hold

Sustainability

22%

Recycled content

02

Fit guide

Sizing specs

SizingTrue to size. Widest range of widths available.
Size rangeUS 6–16
Width optionsB, D, 2E, 4E
Arch supportneutral
Removable insoleYes
Orthotic readyYes

Best for

Premium lifestyle
Made in USA fans
Wide-foot owners
Collector culture

Not ideal for

Running
Active sport
Budget shoppers
03

Price tracker

7-month price history

No price history yet.

Current prices

New BalanceBest
$185
Amazon
$191

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04

Construction

upper

midsole

outsole

insole

heel Counter

lacing

05

What people say

0

Reviews

0

Expert tests

0

Sentiment

What people love

Community reviews coming soon.

Common complaints

COMMUNITY

Signals

Value over timeholds valueWidth feeltrue to widthSizingtrue to sizeStrike patternallCushionfirmDurabilitylong lastingWeatherversatileEnergy feeldeadBreak-inlong 2 plus weeksHeel bitefrequentToe roomadequateWater resistancenoneNoiseminimalOdouraveragePronationnone

Synthesized from common user reports via AI analysis. Confidence-weighted.

07

Frequently asked questions

Who should buy the New Balance 990 v5?+

The 990 v5 suits premium lifestyle, made in usa fans, wide-foot owners — particularly on street surfaces. The 12mm heel drop works well for heel strikers and runners with tight calves. SoleHunt scores it 85/100 overall, placing it in the upper tier of premium lifestyle options.

Does the New Balance 990 v5 run true to size?+

True to size. Widest range of widths available. The 990 v5 is available from UK 5–15 in B, D, 2E, 4E widths. Its 96mm toebox is roomy, with space for wider feet and swelling on long runs.

How heavy is the New Balance 990 v5?+

The 990 v5 weighs 342g (UK size 9 men's reference weight). That is on the heavier side for a premium lifestyle. Runners prioritising a lighter shoe may want to compare alternatives in the catalogue.

What is the heel drop on the New Balance 990 v5?+

The 990 v5 has a high 12mm drop that cushions the transition for heel strikers. The heel stack measures 25mm and the forefoot 13mm. This geometry suits the broad majority of heel-striking runners and those transitioning from conventional shoes.

Can I use orthotics with the New Balance 990 v5?+

Yes — the 990 v5 has a removable insole and is rated orthotic-friendly. With 25mm of heel stack and a firm midsole at 40 HC, there is sufficient volume to accommodate standard custom orthotics without the overall stack feeling excessive.