New Balance 990 Series: Pioneering Perfection (2023)

990 (1982)

The 990 concept was first formed in 1978, as the world shifted into an unprecedented era of mass consumerism. The computer age was dawning, international trade was booming and runners were ready to fork over their cold hard cash in exchange for the latest and greatest. Unlike their competitors, who were hurriedly transferring their sneaker production facilities overseas to reduce costs, New Balance identified a loyal market for locally produced, premium quality running shoes. This insight was the impetus for what would become the crowning glory of the brand’s athletic offering. But it wouldn’t come easily or cheaply –the 990 soaked up four years of research and development. By the time it was finally released in 1982, the shoe was packed with every cutting-edge component New Balance designers could throw at it.

The aim was to achieve the perfect balance between the twin pillars of flexibility and support. Prior to the 990, the running shoe industry was of the belief that you couldn’t have one without sacrificing the other. The first step was to create the upper using a technique known as slip-lasting, which is a way of finishing the shoe with a single seam and then steaming it into shape. This process was more complex than the standard method, but produced a dynamic outcome that justified the investment. To balance out the new-found flex, the 990 implemented the polyurethane heel-cradle known as the ‘Motion Control Device’. In fact, the MCD was so successful that it maintains a presence in New Balance’s current crop of performance runners. The following year, the 990 was given an upgrade in the form of a carbon rubber heel pad and ‘Superflex’ outsoles.

995 (1986)

Releasing the first runner with a $100 shelf price was a serious gamble, but the shoe’s success was proof that consumers were happy to dig deep for a top shelf product. In 1986, the995arrived, debuting one of the most visible technologies in the New Balance arsenal – the ENCAP sole unit. Unlike die-cut EVA midsoles of the past, the new tech featured a moulded polyurethane shell beneath the heel, which encapsulated an EVA wedge. This arrangement offered sure-footed stability without reducing shock absorption, while ensuring low compression set – meaning the midsole wouldn’t squish down and lose its springiness over time. The 995 also introduced a 3M Scotchlite reflective ‘N’ logo into the mix, which left a shining impression in the minds of joggers and jaywalkers alike.

996 (1988)

Next off the production line was the New Balance996. Unlike the reasonably small transition between its two predecessors, the 1988 release was a complete overhaul. The brand presented it as the ultimate hybrid, adding a dual density C-Cap midsole to support the ENCAP wedge. It provided greater stability, support and cushioning, and was capped off with a two-tone outsole composed of blown and carbon rubber. The upper sported a contemporary feel with high tensile mesh and a revised MCD, defined by a more dynamic line that tapered down toward the midsole.

997 (1990)

In 1990, New Balance released the997to ring in the new decade – building on the innovations that the series had already pioneered. Years later, the fourth release in the 99x genealogy remains one of the most popular thanks to the overlapping panels that offer supportive fit and a contemporary aesthetic. Again, the midsole was completely redesigned and reconstructed. This time it came with a slick moulded finish that hinted at a technological enhancement, namely the fusing of C-Cap and ENCAP – an upgrade to the previous ‘sandwich’ technique. This release also included a heel strap that can be seen peeking out below the collar, a new component that ramped up the lateral support and reinforced the pigskin suede upper. The strap was made with Hytrel, a special kind of copolymer developed by American chemical manufacturer DuPont, which has the flexibility of rubber and the strength of plastic. Additionally, a new rubber compound known as XAR 1000 was added to the heel – elevating durability and traction to new heights.

The original M997 (top) and W997 (bottom)

998 (1993)

It wasn’t long before New Balance had forged a strong relationship with DuPont, and together they worked to create ENCAP II which debuted in the998. The shock-absorbing compound had initially been developed for use on the railroad, creating ABZORB foam in the process. The new isoprene rubber had been designed to resist compression and maximise energy displacement on a cellular level, making it perfectly engineered for life inside an ENCAP shell.

999 (1996)

In 1996, the New Balance999followed with just a few tweaks to the formula that had been pioneered by its predecessors. The brand continued with the winning combination of ENCAP, C-Cap and ABZORB, but added a metatarsal pad to cushion the forefoot and expose a section of ABZORB beneath the heel. The retooling left the midsole with a much more intricately sculpted sidewall, something that would only become more pronounced in the editions that would follow.

990v2 (1998)

It was only two years later that the disruptive M990v2 bucked the trend for forward advancement by repurposing the upper of the original 990 and pairing it with new sole technology. The high-tech unit drew on the changes introduced by the 999, with ABZORB foam running the entire length of the ENCAP sole before popping out at the heel in a sealed bubble. Revisiting the classic sneaker set a precedent that saw the design team reinterpret the OG shape numerous times over the years to come.

991 (2001)

From this point, it was as though New Balance had found a new drive to push the limits of running innovation. TheM991, released in 2001, filtered the legendary 990 through a modern lens – resulting in an aggressive stance thanks to the streamlined toe box. For the first time, the ABZORB foam peeked out not only from beneath the heel but also from below the forefoot, alluding to the superior cushioning that lay within. The svelte design seamlessly incorporated motion control, which flowed from the midsole and gave the design an edge of modern minimalism. The outsole also introduced the new Ndurance rubber compound, which promised maximum durability in high-wear areas.

992 (2006)

New Balance celebrated their 100-year anniversary in 2006 and the calendar filled with special releases and heritage throwbacks to mark key moments in the brand’s history. New Balance continued to press into the future with the 992. The new release brought the all-new ABZORB SBS to the table, which enabled it to stand tall among a throng of hyped anniversary drops. Where previous iterations of the proprietary cushioning contained foamed rubber, the new version was a non-cellular elastomer –squishy rubber that would always bounce back, even after years of use. The new tech was placed under the heel and forefoot to provide optimal cushioning and a smooth transition throughout the stride.

990v3 (2012)

By 2012, the OG 990 was approaching its 30thbirthday, and as it entered middle age there was no doubt it had embraced the role at the head of the rapidly expanding 99x family. To celebrate, New Balance introduced the 990v3. The update showed a little more mesh between its pigskin paneling and perforations for extra breathability. The design had a more utilitarian look than its predecessors, emphasised by the diamond patterning on the tongue and ribbed N logo. Aesthetics aside, the shoe’s technology remained relatively unchanged.

997.5 (2016)

One of the more controversial additions to the 99x line came in 2016 with the997.5, a hybrid model that married the much-loved upper of the 997 with the dynamic ABZORB sole unit from a 998. Blending two old-school styles together is bound to trigger murmurs among purists, but the success of the 997.5 is undeniable. Within its first year, the model became the canvas for both collaborative hype and plenty of well-received general releases.

990v4 (2016)

Released in 2016, the 990v4 is the youngster of the family, a contemporary rendition of the tried and true 990 recipe that reminds everyone why they fell for the shoe in the first place. The modern, streamlined look alludes to its athletic pedigree, channelling design cues inspired by the OG era. The panels span out from the N logo, with layers of mesh accented by shadows of leather that are set against the pigskin contours. The ENCAP sole is made up of a polyurethane ring with an EVA core, providing the signature balance between cushioning and stability. If you’re after a reliable, long-lasting running shoe, the 990v4 is simply as good as it gets.