New Balance 990v5

990v5

By the late 2010s, New Balance’s 990 running shoe was seen as more of a lifestyle sneaker than a piece of athletic footwear. Despite this, when the brand released the 990v5 in 2019, they made sure to fill it with high-tech features that would offer the same high levels of comfort and support seen in most sporting shoes.

The standout element of the New Balance 990v5 is its TPU power strap, which can clearly be seen extending along its flank just below the collar. This protective component was designed to bolster ankle support without reducing flexibility, leading to a sturdier shoe that still bends with the natural movements of the foot.

Aesthetically, the v5 was inspired by its predecessors, with mesh and suede being the primary materials used on the upper. They have been combined in such a way as to honour the previous four editions of the 990, while also giving the v5 its own style, which is made more distinctive by its branding effects, in particular the reflective flag emblem on the tongue.

The 990v5 is founded upon a reliable ENCAP midsole, which is both supportive and comfortable, as well as a blown rubber outsole that is lightweight and flexible. An Ndurance rubber coating has been applied to high-wear parts of the outsole to ensure that it remains durable, while the tread pattern has been updated for excellent grip. An Ortholite insole has then been placed inside the shoe to make it extra-soft underfoot.

For the release of the New Balance 990v5, the brand’s marketing team came up with the slogan: “Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio” – a phrase that encapsulates the charm of the 990 line. The v5 has continued to exhibit this broad appeal through its high-quality construction and comfort-giving features, which make it a great modern-day lifestyle sneaker.