(35 yrs) The Truth about New Balance 996 Made in USA

[@RoseAnvil]

Go to tryfum.com/ROSEANVIL and use code ROSEANVIL to save an additional 20% off your order today until December 1 and still get 10% off after.

[@thesharpercoder]

#westonsknife

[@elias425]

Hmm…

[@Mike-ts3it]

Compare bear paws to ugg boots

[@breaux2806]

The fact that it's actually solid foam under the insole and not shitty and full of holes like we see in so many shoes these days makes me want to buy these

[@yormeaceko7101]

Those "holes" are made to make it have a better cushion. If you want it to be solid you might as well wear a wooden block.

[@theYT_moderator]

Exactly. Why did this guys comment get so many likes is beyond me​@@yormeaceko7101

[@C18H19NaO5S]

My dad said he owned the original one when they came out and was still stoked about how amazing they were. He was a regular runner.

[@chewsir]

Unlike other "retro" shoes, these really are like wearing time machines for your feet.

[@diafwnia]

Air Jordans 1 are a bit older, better and cheaper.

[@Rob.28]

@@diafwniafor retail yes Jordan 1s are cheaper but I find even budget NBs to be more comfortable than Jordan 1s

[@blackdonte24]

@@diafwniaAir Jordan 1’s are not better in any shape or form. You can’t even compare the two, one’s a basketball shoe and the other a running shoe.

[@MAJORBAGALERT-hg2kp]

​@blackdonte24 let me cook you real quick. Running shoes are one of those things no one needs. I used to beat people's ass' in track and I wore Jordan 1s always. Half the time paired with jeans 💀 The only reason these could be considered better is personal preference. Actually I'd say I can get more force into my steps with a Jordan 1 because it's just straight rubber on the bottom. These are all squishy and will probably fall apart after 100 miles. I've put over 350-400+ miles into my Jordan 1s and they eventually wore a hole in the sole. Still a totally usable shoe if I got the outsole replaced, these I font think will survive like that. These are more walking shoes in my opinion 💀

[@JoeTheGetItGuy]

@@MAJORBAGALERT-hg2kpyeah, now run a full marathon with ur AJ1 then start talking shit?

[@hughphillips1427]

Far better than Nike or Adidas so it appears. Actually if you go to Japanese the majority of people wear New Balance.

[@nicolamorel4428]

I'd really like to see a breakdown of all the 990VX collection. It would be great to know how it evolved over the decades :)

[@Mr.ClimateChange]

I would LOVE this.

[@danieli.vieira3128]

Plus the 991 and a few other models made in UK.

[@notmyeyes]

sounds fair

[@THEAVATAR812]

Yes!

[@HaevyGlow]

I’ve had a pair of Made in USA NBs for about 7 years now. I bought them used in a thrift shop. They still look pretty much like the day I bought them. Outsole is remarkably sturdy and barely has any wear after all these years. Outstanding quality!

[@Striker50_]

Just a correction: it's USA made not made in USA because lawyers play with words to not get sued since its not 100% made here

[@FJB2020]

​@@Striker50_mine clearly say Made in the USA on them...

[@DinDooIt]

@@FJB2020 Same here, absolutely says Made in USA, idk what that guy is on about.

[@HaevyGlow]

@@Striker50_mine are MADE IN USA, model 998

[@brantisonfire]

I’ve worn the 574 model all throughout my childhood and into high school. They are, to me, a timeless design and can be dressed up or down. Currently I have a pair of 420 v2 that I wear often. I’m not a “sneaker head” or enthusiast, but I’m a sucker for retro shoe designs.

[@IvanGarcia-cm6vv]

Me too! 574's are humble, democratic shoes that you can wear all year round for everything. Normcore, low key, almost invisible shoes this days. And cheap too. I use old pairs for hiking as they were hybrid trail running shoes at first. This year I ran the Formentera half Marathon, here in Spain and they perform great. Eva foam molds your feet with time like Birckenstocks. Love them.

[@markm0000]

I had no idea these were made in USA. That's definitely my next pair of sneakers.

[@guitarradesusuenos]

I’m on my 3rd pair of mitusa 997s. They have been good shoes and I’m eager to support US based manufacturing.

[@3ZN357]

996s are the real deal, stomped through my purple pair and look forward to owning more. If u have the extra, do it. You can physically feel the labor regulation on your feets 😌

[@BillinSD]

Have a pair of 880 for walking and 990v5 for regular use. Can walk until my muscles complain, unlike other shoes where my joints complain first. Worth every penny

[@turradi1126]

Really enjoyable video. NB is still making shoes in USA and that's special. And, as a side note: the 997 was released in 1991 (another NB classic.)

[@murdergorilla4087]

The only new balances I own are a pair of USA made 996 and 997s they really are quite comfortable until ultra boost and air max happened.

[@at690]

I didn't know the NB shoe was so unique. I have one pair and it's super comfortable. Thank you for the info!

[@SameOldSeth]

Would love to see more new balance! Maybe the new 991V2?

[@ladder85]

this is the exact video i've been waiting for, i've been in the market for new U.S. made shoes for a long time now, it would be cool if you did other U.S. made sneaker brands and compared them to other brands that are on the fringes of popularity in the United States (Hoffman, Autry, P448, Victory Sportswear) i've always been curious how their materials perform and the quality of the construction anyways thanks for videos man best shoe youtuber out there

[@Shankdaddy16]

Old tech in any hobby or item is just fun, I wish more companies would do this.

[@mickbadgero5457]

In ancient times, New Balance was 'famous' for board lasp running shoes. I didn't see any board in the cross-section. I stopped running a long time ago, and changed to 623 cross trainers (no board lasp), but I don't know if they put in any stiffeners anymore.

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

As a former photographer I would have really liked a Camera Harness like that. For years I've just used a little Leica point-&-shoot & my wife's cell phone.

[@bbrachman]

I started and stayed with New Balance because of the shoe widths they offered. Very wide. Only brand to do that. Assembled in New England is a great bonus.

[@MegaNassu]

I just bought my 4th pair of Asian-made 997Hs. Their way of sparing at the production cost is what makes them a perfect sneaker to my feet: the sole is quite stiff and the heel is not too high.

[@kelsey7731]

I bought a pair once in an emergency cause I ended up in a river on accident. Best shoes I ever had. Absolutely looooved them.

[@paulo4480]

I own 2 made in USA and 1 made in UK pairs. They are on another level. I just can't see myself buying any other sneaker brand now. the comfort, build quality and durability is unmatched.

[@etds4288]

True. After MIUSA / MIUK experience every time I wear Nike's or Adidas' it feels so bad

[@yamagvchi]

keep those new balance reviews coming! I want a made in UK model so much, will get one despite checking reviews or not but still love these analysis.

[@10.11.9]

I would like to see the 990 put to the tests.

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

I used to wear NB a lot, but I don't buy them anymore. Sticking with Danner & trying out Jim Green for everyday hiking shoes/boots. I have a pair of Minumus & a 340 something that are both about 5 years old.

[@Prieget]

I own a couple new balances and compared to my other brands of shoes, I’ve worn them a lot more, yet the outsole rubber just lasts so much longer without wearing down significantly

[@charliewilson3528]

New balance one of my favorites. And extra large sizes also.

[@irritablearchitect]

pigskin and woven mesh uppers with a thick outsole and durable, multi-density midsoles was a formula for durability that no other manufacturer could match.

[@ianturnbow7011]

I would love to see select 990v1-990v6 models as well as others like the 995-999 and even 991/992/993 compared with one another. If you’re looking for the most technical, modern Made in USA model then I suggest looking into the 990v6. I’m not a fan of how they look, but people love them. The 991v2 also recently released. They’re part of the Made in U.K. line with tech updates and a slight silhouette change.

[@LHansa-t5p]

996 is just normal sized 574.

[@cigottro]

Great vid and interesting story. I’m new in the New balance world and really love the 991’s made in the UK. Could you please make a video for the 991’s? Really appreciate it. Thanks!

[@ianturnbow7011]

I love the 991. Have you had a chance to try the 991v2 yet?

[@cigottro]

@@ianturnbow7011 not yet mate. Once I have the chance I’ll let you know! Cheers 👋🏼

[@sebastianalvarez-kf4ql]

I’ve been asking for this episode since 50k subscribers, thank you.

[@TheRealChetManley]

While maybe not as much tech as the latest shoes, these shoes hold up very well. I have had a pair for 3 years that I wear off and on. They still clean up and look good and there is not a lot of wear on the sole. Great shoes and love the MITUSA aspect.

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

I wear children’s sized shoes and new balance is one of the few brands that actually comes in my size 2 1/2 extra wide. In the past they also had decent arch support in their kids shoes but they don’t anymore

[@brandall101]

New Balance has made so many colorways of this over the years that it's pretty easy to buy something from a few seasons before on eBay for like $100. Have owned maybe 7-8 of these and don't think I've ever paid more than $120, my cheapest was $70 NIB.

[@Tang-qi6zw]

One that would be interesting to see is the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico '66. It's the Asics shoe, the brand that Blue Ribbon Sports (later Nike) bought from Japan and resold in the US to start the brand at the time. The also do a Made in Nihon version, so probably similar. Though the design of the shoe is A LOT less interesting. It would just be a leather comparison, to like the Nike Cortez, really. Also, the Nike Tailwind '79 for being the very first shoe to use the Nike Air tech. You've cut open enough Air shoes that the start of that history would be cool.

[@RainbowRoadCrashTest]

I was wearing NB before the trend started. I still have my 4 year old NB sneakers with me.

[@rileysmith4735]

Great video! Would be really interested in seeing how a suede Made in UK 1500 would compare. If you wouldn't mind testing a heavily worn pair, I have an extra pair I could maybe send in.

[@CubeApril]

Speaking of footwear that hasn't changed for a long while, any chance you would be willing to cut apart a pair of Limmer hiking boots? Double-stitch Norwegian welt, one big piece of leather for the upper, and haven't changed in ages and ages.

[@rraposo7353]

Ditto on the Limmer boots. They’re absolute tanks, maybe the finest boots made anywhere,

[@zachsteelers09]

Check out Silverado boots. Made by Abilene boot company. Based in Somerset PA. Claims to be USA made

[@barfymann362]

Please review Onitsuka Tiger'

[@AudioGuru09]

I’m going to get the 990 and 993 idk if I want the throwback versions over the new tech but still a cool shoe. I love New Balance and the US stuff just lasts forever. I bought a set of 990’s in high school and I had them about 15 years before a dog got one of them. The 680’s 860’s and 1080’s I own are great but not the same long lasting quality of the USA 990

[@etds4288]

I want to see what's inside of 992's. I have two pairs and it is the most comfortable shoe I ever worn and I want to know why.

[@LiquidLuke]

Can not wait for the hunting boot series!

[@astral_plane_crash]

Do the 1300jps made with Horween leather. New pair dropping 2025.

[@garysprague2009]

I love my 990v3! Not saying it’s something crazy special just nice knowing it was made here in USA

[@filmkatonakino]

Do some reviews of the most iconic adidas terrex line. Let’s see what are they made of and what’s their quality.

[@laurabailey7430]

Love your reviews, but I really just came here to say that your Devon has the same coloring as one of mine! Great cameo!

[@Phamousillday]

No top shoes 2023?

[@thomp]

You should cut apart some Goods & Services rebuilt shoes or Hender Scheme new balance. They seem like the no expense spared kind of sneaker made in an old school way you’d appreciate.

[@TheDanAge]

I wear the usa 990 for my gym shoe, love em . and love supporting North American production

[@sketchvigilante]

Please review the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s

[@Sovnarkom]

That Horween colab was probably their best sneaker

[@TheChickenx18]

and NewBalance are one of the FEW brands to do a WIDE running shoe. No like the shoes are normally wide, no the offer a wide and some an extra wide!!!

[@starkparker16]

NB seem to have the widest soles. Other brands offer 2E and 4E but they use standard width soles so running in a pair of Brooks 4E is a bit of a balancing act.

[@idid1866]

Got a pair that's 10yrs. old...they are still good!

[@AndrewStutts-qe8ss]

Please do a review of any of the SAS shoes

[@TheBergersven]

Adidas makes a very limited number of shoes that are made in Germany.

[@bball98_2]

had a pretty bad experience with these. After 2 days of light wear the solel started separating pretty much entirely on my right shoe. Their customer service is pretty abysmal too I had to basically beg them for the opportunity to send the shoes back and get a refund. ended up just shoegooing it back together since I liked the shoes and really didn't want them ending up in a landfill since they'd be used plus having to wait all that time just to get my money back is unappealing. I've heard they have other issues with the sole flaking off so I'm just hoping they last long enough to get my year or two of wear out of them My advice if you really want these would be to not buy direct from new balance and instead try to find a 3rd party that is actually worried about customer satisfaction especially given this model has a lot of QC issues.

[@hueyriley]

Damn I have over 25 pair of new balances, I've never had that happen. That sucks. I usually buy from GOAT . Prices are higher. But I've not had one failure from them.

[@bball98_2]

@@hueyriley Yeah I was pretty surprised seeing as how these are supposed to be like their high quality shoe with the best build materials and all that. Good news is my glue job is holding up and I wear them all the time because they're super comfy and look good in a lot of outfits. Not gonna be my last pair for sure, definitely the last pair I buy direct from them. Thanks for the advice I've been looking at eBay but I'll check over there too.

[@hueyriley]

@@bball98_2 I use ebay as well. There are some lesser known boutiques that's have some exclusive selections. There's a video on KZbin and this guy had a list of them. I forget the title. But I believe I typed, "sites to get exclusive new balance". Have a good one

[@maryburbrink4601]

I have found my new KZbin rabbit hole in Rose Anvil

[@FJB2020]

I love my 990 v4 and v5s, but not into the v6 because they ditched the Made in USA logo on it. I would gladly buy these 996, and I wish more people would too to support American workers.

[@sauyanes5467]

Please do the 2002R or 990 v3 - v6

[@ZLATNILAV1]

You are the best sneaker critic. We love your work. We'd love to see you saw through half a pair of Karl Lagerfeld KL53043 Black Lthr w of white sneakers. Greetings from the beautiful Croatian coast🇭🇷🍀❤️

[@ronald4622]

DO A MADE A UK LINE REVIEW. MOST OF THE MODELS HAVE AN ALL LEATHER VERSION AND WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR ANALYSIS ON THE LEATHER QUALITY

[@starkparker16]

Until I bought a pair of SAS sneakers last year I've worn nothing but 99x shoes since the early nineties. They're the most comfortable for my square feet.

[@aquaphorable]

A review for Angry Itch Boots would be really cool!

[@chadjordan9382]

I wear new balance because I'm a big guy and they always have my size. 6'4" and a size 15 shoe. It's the only store I can go to and every time I go and ask for a 15 that have them.

[@highnoon9333]

I was just about to comment the quote from Anchorman but you put it in your video lol

[@julienansay2979]

Tks for the video . I bought a pair 7 years ago and their are still Pretty descent. The quality of the leather was above average (even could be higher for the price) and the construction is really proper. When I look the dogsh***, Nike dares to sell to his customers, no need to be a rocket scientist to understand that the quality isn’t stranger to th recent boom of New Balance and it is totally deserve. Classical shoes of a good quality with a real history and a non aging visual identity. This brand continues to rock!

[@Sam-xt1zk]

Just got a BNIB pair in the original colorway for $140 on Ebay. Excited to wear my first NB shoe for sure.

[@jerryb9591]

How did you like them being your first pair of new balance shoes

[@AidanShaw-hk9er]

You should cut apart a pair of the just don Air Force 1 highs. The white pair of the blue pair. I own the white pair and the leather feels very nice but it’d be cool to see what it really is!

[@derekfoehr9264]

I love NB. I have worn them most of my life. I have wide feet and high arches and NB were the old running shoes that gae me enough room.

[@chrisbolton5461]

Still manufacturing in the UK too.

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

I’d love to see a review of the Eddie Bauer K6 reproductions. From what I’ve seen on your channel these boots appear very well made and are priced at $140CAD (102USD). Made in Vietnam and have a similar look as the Danner hikers.

[@j.r.4627]

I live in a walking city and walk 6-7 miles a day in sneakers. I've gone through 10 pairs of sneakers since 2020, Nike, Reebok, etc. I've had a pair of NB for about a year. I might get a new pair in 2024 but maybe not. If I do, I'll get another pair. They aren't as nice as these but they're still the best walking shoes I've ever worn. I've never felt fatigued in them.

[@DJFRASSMAD]

Love your channel just your knowledge on foot wear materail,how long it might last,to the history is top notch

[@jewellione6131]

Can you do a new balance numeric 1010 review ? It would be interesting to see the tech close up. Or the 480 numeric vs sb dunk

[@ianturnbow7011]

Those 480s are gaining serious traction. The brown/black Reynolds colorway sold out quick!

[@jewellione6131]

@ianturnbow7011 you see the dunkin donuts? I love the numeric 480s 🤩

[@doublestrokeroll]

Well NB certainly have been super trendy the past few years. They're not my style but it's cool that they are built in the USA and the reports on glassdoor about working conditions there seem to be decent. Any insider NB factory workers have any comments about it? It's too bad they don't make their skate shoes in the US. Some of them look pretty nice. I'd consider switching.

[@JoeBradley-v5l]

Hello sir , I absolutely love danner boots , I wish you’d give them a second look , jag , quarry are my favorite and are so comfortable I’m a land surveyor n walk hundreds of miles a week n they just feel do good ! Don’t get me started on the vital hunting boots but I love your channel n would hope you’ll look again, thanks sir

[@DrunkenDweorg]

NB also have a U.K based factory for there european sales. If you go to their U.K site you can pretty much choose whether you want the expensise localy made ones, or a cheaper made in Asia pair.

[@biggestnibba]

that's really cool, I live in the third world I wish I could buy those 😢 (I do have the money lol)

[@Stormbrise]

I can see all these students at U of Oregon wearing these shoes this fall! My HS had a more golden yellow than this though. I love NB since they look at lasts based on weather a female or a male is wearing the shoes. The only sneaker that really does that at this pricing. I have weak ankles, and the stabilization helps. Not sure about the pronation though, that stiff metal bar when they discontinued the lower to the ground shoe, just did not work as well for me. I prefer their walking over running shoes.

[@platon317]

the description on the NB site was probably just wrong. most made in US new balances are made with pigskin suede as they are really thin and soft.

[@MidNiteR32]

Crazy how just 4 years ago when I was rocking NB 997, I was called dorky or nerdy for wearing them because supposedly only nerdy people wore them. Now, they blown up and everyone is wearing NB. Guess the moral of the story is: who cares what people think, rock what you wanna rock. If people are too slow to pick up on it, that’s their problem.

[@theYT_moderator]

574s been popular since 2015

[@MidNiteR32]

@@theYT_moderator Somewhat.

[@1jonrutherford]

Loving your sneaker episodes, would you cut apart a pair of new balance 9060’s please.

[@Whataiveur]

Love the channel! Can you please add the 574 on the list ? :D

[@john4rock5]

Love your channel and really love the content. I'm new to boots. I work in a hospital and am a lifelong sneaker wearer. The only "real boots" I've owned were my issued boots from basic training and a pair of custom boots I had made in the 80s. I've had some Merrells and other hiking style boots/shoes in the past but never really liked them. I stayed with sneakers for day to day. After a pair of boots failed me in Alaska, I found your channel and bought a pair of Jim Green Razorback Tyre Sole boots for hiking. This was largely based on your (and other channel) reviews. I'm, breaking them in now and am very happy with the purchase. Unfortunately, now I wanna buy more boots for dress and casual wear. I really like the military boot series. Hope you can do more, contemporary boots from other countries like France, Germany, China, Japan, Canada, Brazil, across the economic spectrum. I'd be interested in that. Again, love the content, continue to do what interests you, stay motivated. I'll watch.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

Got a pair of JG razorbacks myself. Found em on sale for 90 bucks on Amazon. I decided then that I needed another pair of brown leather boots. They’re supposed to deliver them first week of December which is not a big deal for me. I’m also waiting on a new pair of rockport works met guard boots I need for a new job starting 11/30.

[@user-oz5xb9ed3w]

can you please use something wider to scrap the leather coating when you burn it. thanks

[@ZombieStrantz]

Review one of the 990 series that actually has tech in the shoe! 990v6 is the newest or the 990v5 would be a good candidate

[@timo7641]

11:43 well Converse got a whole Atelier in Japan (Converse Made in Japan) its nuts, quality is above and beyond likes of Chuck 70's they even got a collaboration piece with local tannery, but I think they don't sell overseas hence why people rarely knows about it making them somewhat JDM shoes

[@Anubis13XD]

I want you to try Asics. I now have 3 pairs, the first is almost 10 years old and is only now falling apart.

[@rogerbrassard]

I wondered why my feet would sweat in a leather running shoe, the plastic coating. No more leather for me I will stick to cloth.

[@Bob_Weir617]

Love NB! Best sneakers out there. I spend the extra $ to get the MITUSA versions. I drive by the NB headquarters on my way to work on Boston.

[@andyburd7906]

Awesome video, Would like to see more cowboy boots cut open. I stumbled upon Captain Boots online and they seem like Tecovas.

[@EvilSSP]

I love this tread where companies take a USA made product, move manufacturing overseas without lowering the price, wait a few years and then bring out a "premium USA made" version at an increased price.

[@jamestillman5247]

when you are a publicly traded company your loyalty lies purely with profit.

[@justsomeguy5470]

​@jamestillman5247 new balance is privately owned

[@bm6563]

The big problem with this shoe and the 574 is the polyurethane (PU) midsole, which disintegrates into a powdery mess in a few years of use or storage

[@RafanoesunpandaAWKW]

u should do the new balance 574! i can actually afford them lol

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

My grandma loves her made in US of A new balances so it's good to now that their legit and why they kinda fall apart at end of life... Unlike my nikes and Vietnam NBs which sole just compresses and bottom's out.

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

Damn dude you have me obsessed with footwear lol. I love your channel, you seem pretty chill and a good guy. If I was a younger man I’d definitely want to be a shoemaker.

[@StevOPelO]

Laso strap arriving tomorrow!!