New Balance 990 V6 "Grey" (M990GL6): Review & On-Feet

[@SeanGo]

#IZBAK

[@Theo_Isaacs]

Which variant of the 900 series is the better looking aesthetically and build quality

[@JeffreyAlexanderYT]

I absolutely hated these at first glance, but they have grown tremendously on me. Already picked up my Kith pair, and very excited to rock them! They will grow on everyone IMO.

[@JoanAvilez]

There is a kith collab already??

[@Jdog1681]

@@JoanAvilez nah Kith just sells the SKU. They're a regular sneaker store too

[@aldi9802]

Same idk how I went from thinking they were the worst thing imaginable, to fully on board

[@THEDOPEGAME]

@@aldi9802 Because you’re progressive. I bought them not because I’m necessarily progressive but because I always pick up the latest version of the 990 because of the culture. You know how when a new Air Jordan cw comes out and you see everyone wearing it, well If you come to the DMV area where I live you will see Grey 990’s on every other persons foot 🤣 I can’t lie. This shoe shouldn’t be the 990V6- 993V2 seems more appropriate IMO

[@mickyward3716]

Just received mine today. I love the new silhouette of the V6. Looks more modern and sleek over past variants. The addition of fuel cell is also welcome although it's a more firm version than what we see in the lerato or rebel series. It's a perfect balance of cushion with stability and is several grams lighter than past iterations. I think they nailed the update. Can't wait to see other colours and collabs.

[@SeanGo]

🤝🤝🤝

[@chriswizo9891]

Huge fan of this silhouette. Looks like a 993 x 990v5. Sleek sharp looking shoe.

[@julz2392]

So many reviews but always get the best visuals here. Thanks Sean.

[@SeanGo]

thank you 😊

[@chaechaerro]

I'm liking this model a lot, it reminds me of a modernized 990v3. Would probably pick up later colorways down the line!

[@jimferry4751]

I ordered a pair of V6's and really like how they hug my feet. I also have a wide foot and wore 9 X-wide on my V5's and 8 and a half on the V6 also in X-wide. The V6 feel better to me as the V5 did have some extra room but still wearable. The V6 seem to fit better and love the new look.

[@Jay-zb7hj]

Completely agree design wise. Had mixed feelings on the first images. But seeing the recent reviews I can also agree I like how it looks. I just got my first 990s this year with the 990v5. It’s crazy how outdated the V6 makes the v5 look!

[@THEDOPEGAME]

Lol… I happen to think it’s the other way around. The V5 looks more technical, svelt & sedate VS the V6 looking more like a marriage of the Fresh Foam model and the 2002r to make an all together different shoe 😵‍💫

[@vicodrocker3819]

been wanting this model ever since the official images are leaked, imo looks are just OK, not that good but not that bad, the midsole upgrade makes it look like it's gonna be a comfy ride and i'm all-in when it comes to comfort, agree that the sizing is a whack and i picked up a half-size down and kinda worried it'd get tight around my toes, hopefully they're gonna break-in though, great review as always Sean the 🐐

[@Nanijoe10]

I absolutely love the 'refresh' on the look. It's so nice. That white midsole just wraps it all perfect. Especially with that gray stripe going down on it. Just curious, you mentioned they use Fuel Cell and sacrifice stability for comfort. So how do you feel about it overall compared to the other versions? 990v3 is by far my favorite in terms of comfort/stability, so I'm curious how these compare before I pick em up (told myself the JFG 993s would be my last pair lol oops..)

[@SeanGo]

I like it, it’s just a different feel. Squishier and softer and more unstable. So you sacrifice A to get B, if that makes sense.

[@roycelabor4339]

Great review Sean! I appreciate how thorough you were on all aspects of the shoe and clearly differentiated between objective and subjective observations. I'm seriously considering heading over to my local New Balance store to pick up a pair of 990s and will be much better prepared thanks to your review! Thanks again!

[@SeanGo]

👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@sideswipe714]

These are really growing on me. I like the sleek and modern look, although I miss the amount of suede used on v2,v3 etc that made them feel premium. With too much releasing lately I passed on these but hope there's a dope GR/collab CW in the future. There has to be a Teddy/ALD pair at some point 😅

[@bulletsanchez5173]

Got into NBs because of you. Thank you!

[@zanemontego8090]

After the Grey Day release to the Action Bronson Lapis Lazuli and two Teddy Santis S3 pairs…I finally got a core grey. The only difference is the MIUSA flag logo on the heal.

[@ryanjamison2586]

these keep growing on me every time i see them Getting mine tomorrow so I hope they hit in person as well. Great review as always Sean.

[@SeanGo]

Thanks Ryan

[@JR-cl7hl]

I think these look fantastic on foot! Sizing has me a bit worried, usually when I size down I get foot ache on the sides of my feet. 11.5 and 12 on the way…I’ll see soon enough. Thanks Sean

[@ginoortega18]

Update on hows the fit?

[@andrescastillo07]

did you buy it? how was the fit?

[@frankf.6639]

The most comfortable of all 990. My favorite was the v3…but the 6 is incredibly much more comfortable probably because of the fuelcell sole…

[@GoopieG]

Wow I like these way more than I thought I would

[@forrestsautoreviewsofficial]

Was waiting for this video! Thinking about getting these or another pair of 2002r’s. Definitely a price difference but do you really think these are worth it??? 🤔

[@dayvin8131]

u ever decide on which one? im in the same boat decideing between 2002r and 990v6 cant make my mind up lol

[@jovenserrato5500]

@@dayvin8131well worth the price difference!

[@THEDOPEGAME]

Great vid! I picked up for posterity purposes from my local DTLR (IYKYK) last Friday and I gotta say, worst version to date… LOOKS wise. I think the divide is based on the fact that it’s just not a graduated look from the past models. Especially with the “organicky”midsole action… It feels like this one was pandering to the “chunky” shoe aesthetic that is all but dead going into 2023. Being from the DMV region, you know we have been loving the 990 since it’s birth waaay back in ‘82. It’s one of the main sneakers popularized by the region so it’s good to see NB getting that mainstream / bandwagon love lately. Like I said, I kinda had to add it to the collection, but I don’t love this iteration.

[@jasonm129]

Mine will be delivered tomorrow, can’t wait, this my favorite 990 version 🔥

[@KhalilKathrada]

As always great, honest, and lekker vid Sean ✨🙏🏽( you part of other S&S best review crew...the other S being Seth.F ). One may not realise it but it's only when you see these shoes in person that one's opinion changes. For some reason in pics the midsole looks extra chunky but when you see it live it's actually so aesthetically pleasing. Lots of people sleeping saying they waiting for a Teddy but these are the classics and we all know what they say about a classic. P.s so suprised UK only getting there's in December(from earlier comment), wasn't this suppose to be a world wide release? Even South Africa getting it before the UK.

[@paigewillow8768]

I wasn’t sure but I just got mine and they are so nice. Modern update as you say. I ordered a second one to make sure i can beat one up and have a spare.

[@samlee458]

Great detailed review Sean 👌🏻. i’m still in the mixed feelings haha. totally not sold yet.

[@catalann7]

picked them up tonight ,these are hard 💧💧

[@Willmelendz]

What a review man! Just picked up this pair on sale for $160.

[@SeanGo]

sweet!

[@hippo71124]

As a slow jogger, am excited to see whether the use of Fuelcell here (albeit the firmer version) would make the 990v6 a "modernised" runner - at least for slow paces. Hard to find a good looking and relatively understated jogger!

[@cognitivedissonance6688]

I think they’ve nailed it. Stunning shoe

[@GoopieG]

New balance is somehow able to keep their 990 line looking classic with slight updates, which Nike and Adidas tend to struggle with.

[@gabesoto9301]

I've liked them ever since they leaked but I like them even more after seeing them on feet. I'm going to hold off on buying a v6 though until we get more colorways, hopefully a Teddy Santis pair

[@historianofmanythings4294]

I love these. Think they’re a definite upgrade on v5, always thought those looked cheap. Gonna wait to cop tho. Need money for silver bullets.

[@nurswiz]

Good shoe for casual it’s be incredible. Thanks for the review. Love you bro. You are best sneaker blogger.

[@marcusedcofficial]

Not big on the base grey, but these have major potential with new colorways. Cant wait for the Teddy Santis

[@Jay-zb7hj]

Thanks for the sizing recommendations! I’d make a bet that you’re the only KZbin shoe reviewer that was this thorough on sizing! I feet are on the wider side, but I have standard width, half-size down 990v3s and v5s. I go half-size up on 350 V2 and almost all air maxes. However, most NB collabs don’t offer wide versions. I think going forward, standard width half size down might be the move? What do you think?

[@SeanGo]

I agree, it may need some break in time but tts standard will be way too long in my opinion.

[@beegees333]

Did u ever get a pair? I tried them on for the first time today and I wear a half size down in 992 and 990v5… but felt these needed to be TTS because more narrow… and my foot really isn’t wide

[@Sgtgee]

The V6 will eventually grow on me as time goes on but for now I’m good off these.

[@RampagingChipmunk]

Really interesting design. It’s like a more traditional New Balance upper stitched onto one of their running midsoles. It does make them look more modern I suppose. I don’t really have interest in the standard grey, (I know; blasphemous. 😁) but I think it has a lot of potential for other colorways. I think the modern running style midsole lends itself well to more bold and bright colors… but on the flip side, I wonder if perhaps the design might be a bit too overtly “sporty” to work super well with the muted neutral/earth tones that New Balance loves so much for the 990 series?

[@fatherhooding]

Yo ty for the wide width portion of this video 😩 no one purchases regular and wides to compare. We wide footers appreciate it. 🫰🏼

[@SeanGo]

🙏

[@kaina732]

I am considering buying a v6 or a second pair of v5. I have several v3s, but I feel like the v5 looks better on my feet.

[@braden_tmoore]

youre a hidden gem in the sneaker community

[@SeanGo]

Haha thank you Braden

[@huamanJR]

I can’t wait for the all black version now!

[@LittleBigPhille]

I like it. Looks like a mix of 992, 990v3 and a little 327 (logo)

[@ElGuerreroMaya]

I honestly prefer the V5s, but it's strange how these grow on people, I'll wait to see the colabs first

[@nikos-giorgos]

1st pair of 992s I paid 110€ around 2010. 2 years later I bought a pair of 993s(no 992s by then) for 130€.Best shoes I've bought. 2 years later next gen I think called 990s they were 220€. Never bought them again and I'm not willing to pay that much more for the shoe.

[@cryptic4249]

My mind is starting to change i’m liking the design more and mire

[@geck1204]

I just noticed that they took away stability web for the v6. I'm guessing that it would clash with the fuelcell or make it too expensive. I think it's a great quality shoe that is both functional and stylish. I'm thinking of waiting for the Teddy Santis v6 release since my grey v5 is still functioning well.

[@ardhitoalphabhirawa4419]

IMO 2002r is the best overall price to design ratio for new balance now, followed by 993, 992, & 990 v5. New balance was known for their vintage look so v6 modern look is a big let down for me, considering how great the v3 & v5..

[@ericgutierrez5959]

they look great on feet. you sold me on them

[@kutariXO]

The only review on these i cared about 🔥

[@ThecrazyJH96]

V6 are so comfortable, have the v4 and they were so stiff

[@areksoo]

When it comes to running shoes, it's a completely different world and the rabbit hole is quite deep. Basically, the 990v6 is a shoe you can definitely run it, but it would never be taken seriously based solely on performance. Much like the Ultraboost, the 990v6 sticks with far too many things of the past purely for aesthetic reasons, while ignoring the trends and tech that would greatly benefit the shoe. -It's great that the 990v6 uses their top tier foam (FuelCell), but sticks with out dated tech like Encap and uses heavy material like leather and padding. -Ultraboost suffer the same issue. They make a bigger stack height (common trend), but refused to give up the cage lacing system which hurts the ability to lockdown the shoe. Also (and yes obviously they can't change it because of the name) Boost is a dated foam. Many sneaker companies have FAR surpassed Boost in terms of weight, softness and bounce. In both cases, you end up with a shoe that is very heavy and doesn't give much energy return/bounce compared to other modern running shoes, but these are perfectly fine for daily use. I personally like the design of the 990v6. The midsole reminds me of the Asics Novablast 3 (one of the more popular running shoes in the market). I'm waiting for NB stores to get stock of the EE and D. I want to try a few pairs to see what's best for me.

[@donniedarko86]

As much as I love suede, I’m kind of glad to see a little bit less of it. Cleaning the grey suede on 990s has always been such a pain.

[@vhacker71]

Great review. I am definitely going to try them out. 🤩😎😍

[@jellagonilla1927]

Is it me or you did not discuss the fit of the Standard 10 you got?

[@SeanGo]

massive

[@JoanAvilez]

It’s growing on me

[@jafc1456]

Need the all black ones

[@beegees333]

Tried these on today and had to go true to size rather than half size down

[@ClintAshlock]

Looking forward to getting my pair in this week! I feel like I’m going to miss the suede, but really the only thing I want to see in person is the toebox shape. It seems pretty unsleek and cliff-y?

[@SeanGo]

Not that bad but it could be sleeker

[@therealal1713]

I need a solid grey colorway in my rotation but that retail price...sheesh!

[@E24G]

hey SEAN always amazing reviews I'm a size 10 slightly wide, you mentioned size 10 is probably best in the standard or wider foot,, since I don't have time to go to a new balance store due to work , I usually order online there is a WTAPS V6 New Balance coming up, I want to go with the best suggestion, I;m a size 10 slightly wide, ty

[@SeanGo]

10 if you don’t like to “break in” ur shoes width. 9.5 if you hate too much length and are willing to break in the width.

[@hochayfai5220]

Definitely gonna cop this pair after watching ur nuclear vid thks!!

[@HeidiLovesNYC]

Is it pushing your heel forward like the v5? Couldn’t wear my orthotics with the v5 as the heel of the shoe was pushing my heel forward

[@gjr1974]

Hi Sean, thank you for the review! Can you comment on the arch support? The V5’s midsole seemed to sag down in the arch area when viewed from the side whereas this V6 midsole looks to stay a bit higher throughout that spot. My custom arch insoles (for flat feet) didn’t help with the V5s because that underlying structure just wasn’t there. Thanks!

[@SeanGo]

Arch support felt average, but I'll have to try on my V5 to directly compare to give you a proper response

[@afga3477]

They are fine but personally I will continue buying any other one of the previous versions

[@jayc3484]

I don't mind the silhouette, I just don't think the grey works the best for it. Now the pair that Action Bronson has been wearing is straight fire. Thanks for the in depth review Sean🙏

[@okifeelthat]

Great review Sean! I still have mixed feelings haha I need to see them in person. where can i get that shirt though? 🙏🏾

[@SeanGo]

Haha it was during Kawhi’s run with the Raps

[@ydcjydcj1724]

I like the V5 more, even though I don't have one

[@markfulton3633]

Is the V6 a neutral shoe then?

[@DSimms]

Great review! Could you share a link for the pants you’re wearing for the on feet portion of the video at 10:00? Thanks!

[@SeanGo]

I bought them years ago, they’re Nike cropped tech pants

[@Matt-vh9vs]

Is there anywhere to buy any of the 990s in Canada thats not 260?? I wanna try them out but 300$ for shoes after tax is steeep!!!

[@DetectiveConan990v3]

they look absolutely fire but $200?? 😢

[@GreekSneakCollector]

I really have to think about NBs dad shoes!

[@deftones7599]

I hear everybody say regarding the true size in US size. This is wrong since every sneakerd company produce shoes based on there own US sizing. The true size is only size in cm or inch measured by lineal.

[@ansoncheong7983]

I'm a true size 10.5 and I have really wide feet, so tts with standard width should be fine right?

[@SeanGo]

I’d suggest going with the 10 but in wide width (2E) if your feet are very wide

[@Jay_88_]

I know this is irrelevant to some but that small red design on the tongue for an all gray shoe really bothers me 😂

[@gjr1974]

Agree! Another touch of red on the heel like the V3 had (NB logo was red) would have at least balanced it out.

[@kzrmxmln]

The skechers v6's

[@jaskopdx6342]

How does the shoe look more youthful?? Some random words out together

[@SeanGo]

no speaky engrish

[@esaint7]

Hi Sean, I don't have a store near by to try the shoes but in the 550s I'm 10.5 because in my size (11) they were to long, so in 10.5 they fit great and also the 2002r is tts (11), so my question is, what do you recommend for the 990 v6? It's my first time buying this shoe and also I'm new to the NB community so all this sizes are new to me, thanks!

[@SeanGo]

10.5 assuming you don’t have really wide feet

[@esaint7]

@@SeanGo thanks Sean

[@dejones803]

How do you go a size down in the v3? TTS is already tight on my foot, I go half a size up on v3

[@SeanGo]

No clue but most 990 I find are roomier to me than my normal true size

[@paradigmshift7541]

Not liking the design of the v6, glad to hear it has functional improvements tho.

[@MisterLaughAlot]

Thats what I thought at first lol, but now its kinda growing on me especially how it looks on feet.

[@blackgoblin1004]

I think they're just ok. I like the design of the V5 and V3 a lot more

[@alfredoloyola8626]

Give it time lol

[@WesternRAM]

You’re just not ready for the redesign. Come back when you’ve grown up.

[@pattonPwr]

Thought the same and these are now my fav 990’s and most comfortable

[@dannyjones9580]

Loro piana collab 👌

[@Mr.Lawton534]

I wear 8.5 on 99v5 and 993s...should i go with a 8.0?

[@SeanGo]

8.5

[@norvieYT]

I love your shirt. insert kawhi laugh

[@SeanGo]

Lmao

[@gelotorres]

Sorry but whats your sizing for the standard width? As i always able to follow your sizing

[@SeanGo]

What’s my foot size? I’m a 10 between D and E width on a Brannock device

[@gelotorres]

@@SeanGo sorry. What do you opt to get for v6 standard width? Size 10 or 9.5?

[@SeanGo]

9.5 D

[@黃靖豪-q7f]

Have narrow size for man?

[@rafaelm3523]

the grey on the outsole looks kinda odd looking

[@ShoeBoyReview]

They look better on feet!

[@stalvey12]

So which size did you go with?

[@SeanGo]

9.5 D, going to try to break them in because I’m worried the 9.5 2E will be too wide when they’re worn in.

[@stalvey12]

@@SeanGo I literally did the same exact thing you did. I purchased 9.5, 9.5E, and 10. Haven’t gotten them in yet. Please do a follow up post or video for an update on whether they broke in or if going TTS is best moving forward!

[@stalvey12]

@@SeanGo follow on question.. did you feel like the size 10’s were too long?

[@SeanGo]

@@stalvey12 yes! Tried the size 10 and width was good but length was super long. Had over a thumbs width space at the front.

[@stalvey12]

@@SeanGo sheesh. 9.5 maybe the move for us then with the potential break in

[@carlcueto2689]

Of all the grey 990s to date, this version has the least amount of suede materials--making it the least desirable for me. I'll wait for an all-leather release.

[@cryptic4249]

Tbh design is kinda mid imo. All the over 990s are fire but this design is lacking. Price increase isn’t fun either, but i guess fuel cell is worth it

[@sylverckerjp]

O was t feeling the v6 but soon after the leak I saw they were very cool. Worst of the group is the v5…. But by very far. Never should have released

[@jivillain]

I don’t like this design because it goes from the most good looking retro dad shoe to a mediocre neglectable modern running shoe that looks like any other shoes. I mean now it shrugs off all the retro looking elements, what makes it stand out in terms of design? Idk

[@Thelimey]

Really like 👍

[@gianni_drm]

V4 was the best looking but Midsole not the most durable

[@muddajaedon]

🐐

[@WondererFree]

You gotta start putting sections in your videos man. I want to see sizing and it's annoying to scroll through the entire video to find it.

[@benduncan6256]

This was by far the most confusing explanation of sizing that Sean has ever done for any shoe. …I felt like a Will Ferrell character listening to a lecture on Astro Physics.

[@SeanGo]

LMAO

[@media1981]

It’s nay for me. It doesn’t have 990 genes anymore. It should have been another line up. Missing all traditional features in one iteration is just bad idea for people who loved the old look. Bye 990.

[@GOD999MODE]

Fugliest 990 iteration thus far. I would much rather rock the v2 or v3 any day.

[@andrien0606]

is 990v6 use pig skin?

[@picanha694]

All 990 uses pig skin except for the vegan 990v5 which uses no animal products.

[@cbo44]

I truly don't understand how he can size down on shoes that are pretty snug. His feet probably are so deformed by now.

[@beegees333]

I usually go half down on v5, 992… tried these on today and felt needed to stay TTS