Customer Reviews New Balance W990v4

Initially I didn't like these shoes. They had an unpleasant smell (which quickly disappeared), the tongue is longer than it is on the 990v3 shoes (which I love), and the laces are significantly shorter. After wearing them for a few minutes around the house, I decided they fit exactly the same as the v3 shoes. I was going to give them 4 stars due to the 10% price increase. Instead I decided I'm grateful New Balance makes shoes in a narrow width, unlike most shoe manufacturers. I'm also grateful they're made in the USA. That 10% price increase made me reflect that I want to put my money where my mouth is, and be willing to pay for the fact that they are made here.

These shoes may not win any beauty contests, but they are gorgeous compared to what I've been wearing-- several New Balance 925, 926 927 and 928 models over the years. Those shoes were truly ugly. But I thought and was even told that I needed them due to my foot condtions. Arthritis, bunions, pronation, tendency to turn ankles, etc. Well, the black 990 that I bought last month are so much lighter and just as comfortable. I've worn them on many long walks and on my feet for hours at museums. They rock! And I take a smaller size than in the 92X models. The D width has good toe room and space for my orthotic inserts. (I take out the NB insole and use an orthotic plus a good foam insole instead.) No pronation, no tendency to turn ankles, plenty of padding for my old feet which have lost their fat pads on the bottom. Five stars!

I am short and heavy, so I have problems with my knees. These shoes so far are excellent, when I walked my knees do not hurt, they are super lite.

Butt Ugly! I still am laughing at how ugly this shoe is. That was my first impression upon lacing it up and seeing the ridiculous tongue that looks like a balloon all puffed up at the top of the shoe. I can't imagine what the shoe designers were thinking...did they not even try on the shoe before placing it in market? Your pants would certainly not lie nicely upon the top of your shoe when wearing this. In addition, I ordered a Narrow which I always wear. What has happened to Narrow shoes? This was certainly not a Narrow; my foot swam in the shoe. With womens feet getting fatter and wider, Narrow doesn't seem to mean the same thing any longer. This shoe is being rushed back.

After spending lots of time looking around, and buying and returning, I have finally found the shoes that I love! They fit my size 11 perfectly, with support that will work for my use. I'm thrilled to have found something comfortable, and with toe room! Of course, the fact they are made in the U.S.A. makes them even better! Thanks to Zappos for such fabulous customer service on every order I've ever placed. I just don't shop for shoes anywhere else!

In 2018, I saw a podiatrist at the Mass General Foot and Ankle Center because I had an inkling my debilitating lower back, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain was because of my feet. I was diagnosed with flat feet (pes planus/posterior tib dysfunction) and prescribed custom orthotics. I took my orthotics to a well-known running store and was put in a pair of Brooks Dyad 10 shoes which allowed me to wear my orthotics and eventually sit through a day at work without feeling like I was dying; sit through a movie; and generally live my life without pain. Still, by the end of the day, my right leg/lower back felt tight and off. In 2019, I got the recommended list of shoes for my condition from the PT group at the Mass General Foot and Ankle Center, and the New Balance 940s were on the list. THIS is the shoe. This shoe lets my orthotics sit flat. In under two weeks, the discomfort in my right leg and lower back was gone. I just bought these shoes in a different color so I'll have more than one pair of shoes to wear with my orthotics. The reason I'm leaving this long review with so many mentions of orthotics and other key words is because I want to give other people who are new to orthotics some hope that they will eventually find the right shoes. When you find you can't wear any of your "old" shoes anymore, it can be an aggravating and dispiriting process trying to find new ones that fit with orthotics, so I hope this review helps someone else who is "in my shoes." (Note also that with orthotics, my shoe size went up one full size, which, I understand, is how it goes.)

perfectly narrow at heel AND nice and roomy at toe area tried 2 other new balance exact same size and they did not fit... so style of shoe is critical to the fit

Best shoe ever. I just got in to order another pair in case they change it. Please don't. I've worn mine so much that they are a little dirty, and I'm going to Europe again, so a clean pair would be nice. Still I like the gray. So many sneakers are too wildly colored for a 67 year old. I based most of my wardrobe around gray just because of the shoes. Even if I am having foot pain, which is not uncommon for me, I put on the shoes and wear them a lot, and it helps get ride of the pain. I also have bunions, and they are better than most for that. Even with wide feet I ended up with the medium and a half size lower than I usually wear in this type of shoe.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes! I have NEVER spent a lot of money on "athetic shoes," but when my Dr and Trainer told me i HAD to start walking every day, minimum 1/2 hour, I knew I was going to need good shoes - and these are it!!! No pain, i can walk on pavement, uneven surfaces, and no leg or foot pain. Bought my first pair June 1st, and it's time to order another pair. Another reviewer said it best - yes, they are expensive, but you get what you pay for, these make walking not hurt, and they are Made in America.

Since 2006, I have worn New Balance 990's most of my waking and walking time! I had mid-foot fusion with a plate and screws in left foot and many months of casting and rehab. My excellent, world-renowned orthopedic surgeon who specializes in Feet and Ankles, said he recommends these shoes to all his patients for continued success in walking with needed support--and pain free. I baby my feet and purchase 990's every four mos. or so and wear them with my custom orthotic. As long as I do this most of my waking hours, wearing a "dressier shoe or sandal" for special occasions, limited stretches...I have avoided further surgery and am a comfortable walker. I do hope this Basic New Balance 990 will ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE! I loved the article in the NYT a couple of years ago (?) that extols the virtues of this shoe!

I have 2 older pairs of New Balance shoes that are both more comfortable than this pair that I recently purchased. I even put gel inserts into this shoe to alleviate the plantar faciitis that flared up as soon as I started wearing them. Very very disappointed. Whatever they've done to the design and materials is a huge step backward. Looking at other brands now.

I finally found the right shoes!!I have a plantar fasciitis and my doctor ordered me to wear rubber shoes. I have been shopping for the right one and had no luck until the day I made a call to Zappos , the customer service name was O'shey, he was very helpful and was very patient with me, he understands my need.And that day I finally found the right shoes. The shoes is quite pricey but it's worth every penny. My foot pain goes away when I'm wearing it.Highly recommended!!

Just goes to show that not all shoes and reviews and price equal a better shoe. I have been a faithful NB wearer. Specifically the 857, which is significantly cheaper and has worse reviews. I ordered these initially to have something other than a white pair of shoes to wear, it was getting old. These shoes had great reviews so it caught my eye. They were pricier, but to me, $$ doesn't really matter if I am comfortable. I am a pharmacy tech and on my feet all day. Within a month, my feet were noticeably more tired and achy during and after work on days I wore these shoes. Stupid on my part, I kept wearing them, thinking they would get better or broken in. A bit later, when I was freezing water bottles to put my feet on after work, I went back to my 857s and its much better. Too bad, cuz I really liked these shoes visually and thought at the beginning they were super comfy. I guess I should be happy the cheaper 857s work better, but darn it, I'm tired of white shoes. *sigh.

Love this shoe...It’s a little more expensive however it is well made... The toe box has plenty room as I have a bunion on my left foot and it feels comfortable... This is my second pair ... My other pair is still usable but worn ..They hold up very well... I exercise in them, shop in them, and go about the yard in them ..They’re an all around sturdy shoe... I highly recommend!

These fit and felt great right out of the box! I always order a half size larger in an athletic shoe to accommodate my orthotic and it fit perfectly. I was able to do my daily 3 mile walk with no breaking in period and no pain. They are a bit rigid but that is to be expected with a stability motion control shoe.

I have a drop foot from a back surgery and have to wear a brace on my right leg. So, I have to find some really well made shoes that helps with support, stability, wide enough to accommodate my brace and feels good on my feet. Well, I have found it in this shoe! I shop at Zappos because of the convenience and ease of shipping both ways and they are always available to help if you have any problems!

I took up running 3 years ago and have been (foolishly) cheap when it comes to the shoes. Given how fast they wear out when you run, I had been going cheap with the thought that it didn't matter since I was buying a new pair so often. After complaining for 2 years about knee pain, I was advised to get "real" shoes for my workouts. What. A. Difference. While these cost 3 times what I paid for my last pair of crosstrainers, they were well worth. After 1 run I could tell the difference in my knees. There is a lot to be said for a well-made, properly fitting, properly cushioned and supported shoe!! The ability to order a wider width was also a big plus. My only complaint is these don't come in a predominantly white version. I am old fashioned that way----athletic shoes should be white. But the light gray pair is fine. I would buy these again and the cost was worth it for my knees' sake.

This is a very supportive shoe. I walk up to 10 miles everyday and these have been great! 4 stars for style as it does make the foot look very wide but that width is worth it for the support it offers. I have worn the Brooks Ravenna for years...but the 9 is just not as solid as the 7/8. I switched to the NB 990 and I am sold!

I purchased 10.5 wide in grey to incorporate new prescription orthotic inserts. I am a previous Nike AirMax brand user. This shoe is far superior to my old shoes. I can't express how comfortable my feet are wearing these. Before I bought them, I noticed a review talking about how clunky the shoe looks. I was worried about this since my foot is already large. I was happily surprised. They look and feel great! I bought a second pair in navy.

I had a previous version of this athletic shoe which I loved. I especially appreciate New Balance manufacturing the Narrow/AA size I need. I purchased this shoe in June 2018, placed a plantar fasciitis orthotic in the heel of both shoes and began to walk for weight loss. Six months and 55 lbs lighter, I am ready to review that I LOVE THIS SHOE! I walk 3 miles at a time 3-4 X / week. The shoe is comfortable, fits perfectly in every place, is fashionable and still looks new! I will buy this shoe again.

These NB 990v4 fits my size 6.5 foot very well (ordered size 7). I have tried several other shoes. The Ryka's, which worked well for me at one time, are now not made very well and I don't like their new foamy insoles. But this New Balance was made in USA (or at least most of it was!and for me it's a plus). I have gotten compliments from my fellow work-out ladies which was a surprise to me because it's not a flashy looking shoe. I am a minimalist and don't like to follow the herd mentality to see who has the brightest, most colorful shoe. On a small note: the shoelaces are flat rather than round and, therefore, stayed tied. That's an amazing thing. Love this shoe. Hope you try it. Zappos is the very best in dealing with customers who can't make up their minds??

I have searched high and low for some shoes that felt comfortable on my size 11 AA orthotic needed feet. These shoes fit the bill. I have had metatarsal problems and now found our I have hammer toes that need releasing and I can walk with these shoes on without a lot of pain. They are expensive and not that great looking, but comfortable and that is what matters to me at my age in with my foot problems, so I have ordered two pair in the gray and pink. The black and the gray look like men's shoes. My only wish is that NB made this shoe in a some cool colors!.

Good arch support, prevents pronation of the heel, helped to decrease my foot pain.

I have planned on ordering black athletic shoes for quite sometime but due to my very busy schedule, I just haven't had the time to actual order them - until 3 days ago. Finally! Today they arrived. I put them on - they felt true to size and width and were very comfortable. Best of all, they looked fabulous on my very large (13W) feet. I then took a step and another step. My two dogs - (one is a Morkie and the other is a miniature Poodle) started running after my feet thinking my shoes were squeak toys! Every step I took caused my shoes to squeak. My dogs were going crazy! Squeak, squeak, squeak! I called Zappos. Although it was hilarious to watch my dogs reaction to my squeaky shoes, it was quite disappointing since I knew I had to return my long awaited black athletic shoes. At Zappos, I spoke to Dan. He was so responsive and understanding. He listened to what I had to say and actually made me feel like I was being listened to. He was professional, friendly, and solved my problem within a few minutes. I own a company that is mostly customer service. If it was possible, I would duplicate Dan and have him work for me. I have been a Zappos customer for years because of the wonderful products they carry, but also because of their customer service department and people like Dan who work for Zappos. In my experience, Zappos has the best customer service department compared to any other company that I purchase from. Thank you Dan for coming up with a solution for my shoes. I am very grateful! I would definitely recommend these shoes. Other than the squeak, they were perfect! I only rated the shoes 4 stars (because of the squeak) but will update them as soon as I receive my new pair. One more thing - If you have large feet, buy these shoes as they make your feet look smaller!

Unfortunately I returned this shoe without even trying it on. The pink trim, while vivid in the photo, is understated compared to the strident Pepto Bismol shade of pink on the actual shoe. Also, I have purchased many models of New Balance sneakers, both men's and women's and this particular shoe appears to be poorly finished and cheap looking. Very disappointing.