New Balance 990v4

990v4

In the 1980s, New Balance was known for making high-quality running shoes that were practical and reliable. This made their footwear popular amongst keen runners as well as a slightly older demographic of customers looking for a comfortable everyday sneaker. In 2016, the ‘dad shoe’ trend saw people returning to the nostalgic styles of the 80s and 90s, making it the perfect moment for New Balance to release the next version of its flagship series in the form of the 990v4.

Aesthetically, this classy sneaker looks much like its direct predecessor, with an upper made from breathable mesh and covered in sleek suede overlays. Its branding, on the other hand, is quite different, with a Made in The USA flag emblem on the tongue and a more slender N logo on the flanks.

Technologically, it also retains many of the comfort-giving components of the previous version. Its grippy outsole features hard-wearing Ndurance rubber to make the shoe last longer, and the ENCAP midsole provides the ideal blend of softness and support. Rather than having a carbon fibre shank, though, the 990v4 incorporates a more flexible plastic one so that the foot is still protected but is also able to move more freely.

Known for the elegant white colourway created in collaboration with West Coast sportswear brand Stussy in 2017, as well as other popular designs, the New Balance 990v4 is one of the most widely appreciated sneakers in the world.