I literally just listed my entire closet full of Nikes on ebay replacing them with one pair of 1540V3s but i wanna collect all the NB models now. Every time i wear my Nikes my insufferable back and hip pain that ive dealt eith since childhood returns within minutes. Currently in experimenting with custom aches.
@@ilyafleisher I'll check em out. Looks like they're on V6 now? Not sure the differences... I have kind of a cavus foot on the right I need tons of lateral support. But the 1540s are like wearing a boot lol.
@@embeaston they’re pretty comfy and midsole is cushiony but ended up hurting my heel for some reason after a run, probably due to the squishy midsole. I prefer the comfort and stability of the 990.
I doubt there are any other large scale production of athletic shoes in America. It would be great if they would move their entire line of shoes to the United States as well.
unfortunately most things produced in the us automatically become a luxury good, which is why the made in uk and us line are the most expensive out of the new balance shoes.
You'd need to employ a lot more people to do that, as as far as I've seen people don't really want to do that work at all which is unfornatue despite probably being able to making a decent living. I'd love nothing more though, but I don't see it becoming a reality
Americans love the idea of shoe factories creating jobs for other Americans. But they don't want to work in the factory themselves. Even people who currently work in cut-and-sew jobs at the few shoe factories in America say they wouldn't want their kids to do that same work. Therein lies the problem.
I am a sneakerhead who has been moving away from the Nikes, Jordans, and Adidas and more towards New Balance. I now own several Made in USA New Balances and the quality of materials and craftsmanship is far superior to other brands like Adidas and Nike shoes of similar and even higher price points. I don't mind paying a little bit of a price premium to support New Balance's domestic production.
I wear Nikes and Jordan’s when I’m trying to impress which is like 0.5% of my life. The other 99.5% of my life I’m wearing the tried and true comfortable New Balances.
I couldn't agree with you more, I'm in the boat myself and slowing selling my Nike stuff to make room for better and just a few carefully picked NB made in US or UK models
Agree with this, with one exception. The Adidas forum, which appear to be the highest quality leather on any sneaker in my collection (but i'm no rose Anvil).
I've always had a soft spot for Adidas. Maybe nostalgia. Now I want the soft spot in my shoes. After decades of wearing Adidas, I have made the switch to New Balance. I have never had sore feet, blisters, or my back put out of alignment wearing them. For what you pay and what you get, New Balance is the most superior sneaker shoe on the market today. (This was not a paid endorsement)
I have been wearing these shoes for at least 15 years. (Probably more than 20 years.) I currently live in Tokyo where you pretty much walk everywhere, every day. They are the only shoe I wear, and I get a solid three years wearing them all day, every day. I can attest to the quality of these shoes. Not enough good things I can say about them.
For us 40+ year old ex sneakerheads...these are a very logical next step. It's nice to actually be able to just get this sneaker (and in wide fit!) without paying resale, or your plug. A near perfect sneaker! Great review Anvil.
I rock NB hard. 990v3 best look, V4 best fit, V5 well done update. Love the 993 and the 574 classics. Well worn in the land of Go Go Music and Federal buildings.
@@marcusbrown3024 Wooot I love it! I sleep on them. I need to go and snag a pair soonj no matter what. But seriously I want both pairs of the 997 Shoe Palace San Jose Sharks shoes. I am from San Jose and they hit hard for me.
Owned a pair of new balances my dad didn't like so he tossed them my way. One of the most comfortable sneakers in long endurance wear wise. Others shoes feel comfy right out the gate, but those new balances could house my feet through running around Disneyland without making my feet sore. It's a shame when I started working retail, I wore them for the comfort ,but the work tore them up. Rip
i bought a new pair of $60 ... 6xx's every 4-6 months cause of work lol, ripped holes in the uppers on most in th toe area, one managed to fail where the shoe bends when i bend down. 0 day break in period and no foot pain was worth it
I love how the Rose Anvil cinematic universe is expanding as well as bringing back old characters. I would have appreciated a more in depth comparison between these and the 624s. The latter is my go to shoe for everyday activities, and that is because I can get it in wide and it is comfy to walk around in. I had a pair of the NB 5-somethings, but I hated those. They were slimtoed and fit too small.
@@ClaySano thanks for wanting to help out. I did know that he reviewed the 624s. I was just musing on how I would have liked to see a head to head in-depth-comparision between the 624s and the 990s
I will ALWAYS go out of my way to buy USA made products. Really my thing is just buying a products from where the company originates. Not gonna buy a German axe company's axe if it's made in China, same with boots, im not gonna pay +$200 for a boot from an American company that's not made in USA. So glad it means something to others too
Well I'm not from the US but I toeTally agree that everyone should buy and support goods and food from their own county. Whenever it's a product that can easily be produced inland. It's just logical, green (in the good way) and should be natural.
@@BradyBegeman that green rub…. I have a pair of dark blue new balance mountain trail trainers, and even the grass from my lawn rubs off on that too. Beautiful.
The New Balance 990s have also been a staple in the DC area for years. You mentioned how New York has their Timberlands in a past video. The DC, MD, and VA area has 990s and Nike Foamposites 💀.
I’m from VA born and raised and I agree with the foamposites but not some much with 990’s I don’t think ive seen anybody in them that I can think of. I might be wrong tho maybe it’s a nova thing I’m from the 757
Federal law permits as much as 30% of a shoes materials to be beyond domestic while being able to claim made in USA. In this case NB was exactly a 70% made domestic to 30% imported mix. If they even made a 1% difference to 71% to 29% this would have never been made public as it was within law. I would say change the % legally of what you are allowed to claim.
When I sold shoes, Dr. Scholl's, New Balance, and Nike Air Monarch IV were the only three good, wide-width shoes. Nike was primarily bought by dads, New Balance was primarily bought by everyone, and Dr. Scholl's was primarily bought by older folk.
After seeing multiple sports shoes cut apart you really have to wonder where all the money goes. Is the majority of the MSRP going to advertising? Endorsements? To cover the dozens of color schemes/variations that don't sell?
@@pollenskins My point is, that if walmart can make a profit selling a sneaker for $40 and that sneaker is constructed no worse than the NB then what is my extra $100 going for? A logo? You look at the construction of the average sneaker and it looks like very little money is put into actual material and we know the workers in these factories aren't making big bucks. So is it all profit? And yes, NB makes some of their shoes in the USA, but the majority come from China and countries in that region.
@@fredoswego My point is that yes, it is all profit, and that's why the apparel industry is one of the most lucrative. The cost of the production materials is next to none, and people still pay high prices for clothing/apparel products regardless, due to the nature of the fashion industry
@@fredoswego I think if you compare a NB 990 to a $40 Walmart shoe you will find that the materials and overall build quality of the NB shoes are vastly superior. Add on the cost of US manufacturing and it makes sense why the MiUSA sneakers are so pricey. Now compare the $40 Walmart shoe to something like an $80 NB 574 that’s made overseas and the gap of construction quality and materials probably closes quite a bit. Of course you’re going to pay some extra for the New Balance name but not by an outrageous amount. The real disgrace is Nike selling Jordan 1s for nearly $200. Those shoes (while aesthetically pleasing I will admit) are made with absolute junk quality materials and are made overseas with dirt cheap labor. And yet people still pay more for them over a Made in the US NB shoe. And don’t get me started on resale prices of most retro Jordan shoes… it’s insanity.
@@pedroflores9603 100% spot on about the AJ1. I have deconstructed about 6 pairs up to now. Absolute disgrace. Fake plastiky leather. The unit price on those is less than $5 with box and labor.
The 990 is probably the most reliable running sneaker I have ever purchased, owned a pair for about 2.5 years, and if I were to choose one sneaker to wear for the rest of my life it would be this one
I came soo close to buying a pair of these yesterday but I went with the 624s because I just figured two pairs of those for the price of one pair of these was more value for me and I already knew I liked 624s whereas I haven't worn these particular NBs before. They always have buy-one-get-one-half off at the shoe store I go to so that had me even closer to getting these to get another pair for cheap but in the end I don't think they're worth over twice as much as the 624s when they're not twice as good and they weren't any more comfortable and won't last any longer because I'm going to get rig of them or relegate them to beater shoes when they look old which is the same amount of time as any other pair. And that was my whole thought process in the shoe store yesterday.
I have a pair of 900v5 I’ve had them for 1 year. I’m a hair stylist, I work a lot of hours on my feet. I’ve worn Jordan’s, nikes etc. NBs 990s and my Iron Rangers are workhorses. With my 990s with being my work shoe I wear them on a daily outside of work. I can honestly say that New Balance is definitely one of my more favorite brands
I had my 990s for 9 years of absolute ABUSE of hiking mountains, running 10ks, and playing sports. They would easily last double that of casual wear. Fantastic shoe and well worth the cost. I bought another pair immediately as soon as they started falling apart - would have gotten them repaired but when my cobbler put his hand on my shoulder and said they had lived a good life and that I should accept it I was forced to retire them 😥
Love the desire to support US manufactures! Until we fix the US and dollar as the global monetary currency, US manufactures are at an ‘intentional’ (by design) disadvantage. The US is structured to export dollars and import cheaper international goods; the sad hollowing (financialization) out of our economy.
NB's made in usa are awesome. i've owned many different models and they've all lasted several years. Wish I could say the same for their fashion shows like 574 which only last a few months. Becareful cutting some of their older running technology shoes. They had carbon fiber roll bars. that would make a mess on your saw table.
Yes thank you! Love my 990v5s. One of the comfiest shoes I’ve ever owned. Lasted longer than my non NB shoes as well. Can’t really go wrong with 990s, although each version offers some pros and cons in my mind
New Balance are a great value. Unlike you I have one pair of dress shoes, two pair of work boots, and two pair of soft shoes. My last NB were about $240.00. and have been used hard and never stop. But think I used them hard over 10 years now. that breaks down to $24.00 a year or $2.00 per month. Way to go USA. NB does have a issue. The younger people do not know about the "Made in USA products". They buy lower cost China shoes and trash them after a season. NB make some new advertisement.
I absolutely love this shoe, it is probably the shoe that has lasted the longest even through the toughest experiences. The only thing that has been lacking a little is the insole, since I have worn it so much down there's beginning to come holes in the bed area of my big toes, and also at my heels. Otherwise, this shoe is amazing
I have been wearing these for 30years. I live near the Lawrence MA factory where they are made. Location L on the tongue tag. (S = Scarborough Maine). I have been buying them at the factory store and they were my cool shoes even before I became a dad. I have them in gray and Vintage Indigo blue and everyone comments about how good they look. I reply that t"hey are super comfortable too. " Now my old school cool shows.😁
@@michaelpalm2210 just checked my shoes and they're made in Lawrence MA! Beyond thrilled--I spent my formative years in the Boston area and still feel a lot of love and nostalgia for the region.
Love the comments on this video. I'm a huge new balance fan. Sold all my addidas, asics, converse, nikes, just prefer new balance for comfort and style. Don't care if it's considered a "dad shoe" I'm 31 and a dad lol 574s are my go tos but 990v3s and 5s are fantastic. Love this video
Hi there, I know it is the wrong video but anyway I want to congratulate you on the channel. The information and knowledge about boots and shoes we get from you is something I always wanted. Personally, I always wanted to know the quality of the boots and shoes I bought or was about to buy, but could never find proper and reliable sources, and nothing ever with the incredible amount of detail you provide on your videos. Now I now know exactly, and inside out, what I am buying and the options there are on the market regarding brands and fantastically even between models within the same brand. You've actually even saved me money bro, because now I don't buy a pair of boots anymore thinking I'm getting something great that will last forever when in reality it is nothing like that. Now, before I buy any pair of boots or shoes, I check with your channel 😁 👍. So, keep up the awesome work and thanks a lot.
I wore New Balance for years because they offer extra wide but I found out a few years back that their wides or extra wides don’t always increase the width of the sole, they only add more materials on the upper. I have bad over and under pronation and the extra sole width helps with that problem for me. Now I usually pick up ASICS Extra Wide running shoes.
My NB 1260 v7 (4E) have a wider sole than the shoe. But I hear you, the past few year the outside of my foot has been aching because of this. Many shoes and boots don't do wides well at all.
@@stephenmac23 Finally picking up a new pair of shoes because the ASICS I bought 4 months ago are already falling apart because of quality issues. Going to take a look at your suggestions. Thanks.
I've always wanted a pair of these since I was like 16 (I'm 35 now), they were just always out of reach price wise. I've always thought the simple design and neutral colors was great and went well with anything casual.
New Balance will always be my go to for comfort, durability, and style when it comes to sneakers. I've had some last years without any issues, and the fact that they fit basically any foot style has always been awesome.
My favorite sneakers were a pair of 80s all leather Nike's that I literally walked the soles off. 100% leather uppers and a bathtub sole with no perforations. Perfect for year round wear in Denver. Pattern was the same as the Modern Court Royale but actual leather not pleather.
New Balance is the only brand that's both widely available in the US that sells shoes that fit my feet in the sense that i can walk into a store and walk out with a pair of shoes. That, alone, makes me like them. However, there's plenty else to like. I also tend to just destroy shoes, they usually last somewhere in the 1/2 to 2 year range for me... but i bought a pair of New Balance 990v5 shoes years ago and they're showing some signs of wear but they're still going strong!
I agree with you plus why buy New balances they are they come in wide shoes I usually get a good year out of a work shoe I got another one over 5 years
I would say they are not the only as Skecher is seen the same way. When I look at peoples feet around here New balance and Skecher are the most I say. My parents love skecher and my dad had never owned a pair of new balance. He used to really like the Christman boots but those are not made any more and I am not exactly sure if the die hard boots that are now made by rock rooster are the same as those. Also I have never owned a pair of New balance either. :) But I have seen many people around here wearing them so I know about them.
No too long ago these shoes were priced @ $120-$130 what has caused these shoes to cost nearly $200 now?!?! They're basic AF thought there would be Some AIR or GEL in the sole but it's nothing, SMH inflation is real 😤..
I wonder what the Asics equivalent to this shoe is, I'd like to see an Asics cut in half too, pretty much only wear these two brands when it comes to wearing shoes around, can't beat the comfort.
I ran on ASICS Kayano running shoes for years, but I finally realized they were either too wide or short, depending upon the size. I turned to New Balance and haven't looked back. New Balance fit and support my feet so much better than the ASIC's ever did. Maybe typical Asian feet have different dimensions than typical North American feet or something, but there is a noticeable difference in fit even in standard widths.
I used to own mainly Nike/Vans but now I literally own everything New Balance. I bought a pair of NB on sale a year ago just to try it out and it blew my mind how comfortable and supportive it was. I have flat feet so I always end up having to put some sort of insole into my sneakers cause most Nikes are uncomfortable long-term. Slipped on a pair of NB's and walked all day with no pain. Never looked back.
Mid '90s everybody was wearing pumped up reeboks Nike pumps Nike Air there I was with my New balance tennis shoes... It's funny they felt so good but when everybody laughs at you they don't feel so good. 🙃
My last pair of NB lasted me from highschool until the end of college, eventually my mother decided to burn them because they were so grungy. Light as air, felt like I was wearing practically nothing and the jet black always looked good. I always recommended them when I sold shoes in my younger years.
So much for an unbiased review. Calling cheap glued sneakers high quality is ridiculous, especially coming from someone who is supposed to unbiased, but hey I guess they’re paying you so it’s OK to lie to your viewers.
Always glad to support the American workforce. Just ordered my first pair. The main reason being the fact that they are made in the USA. When I was looking for shoes made in the US I saw a lot of dress shoes and boots but not many sneakers. Hopefully there will be more choices one day as more people look to support "made in the USA" products. They cost more but you need to think about the fact that American workers need to make a wage that makes it worth going to work. At least you're not giving your money to businesses in other countries that don't pay the workers a fair wage which could lead them to jump off buildings.
as a European, "made in the USA" doesnt really mean anything to me, specially because many of the things that are made on the USA that arrive in Europe arent really better than things made in Europe
New balance advertises their products as being American made but when you get right down to it only a few models are American made and even they have overseas sourced materials.
Just gonna throw my two cents in there as someone who has narrow feet: NB is awesome. Very few companies make narrow width anymore, especially sneaker companies. I’ve had NB shoes for close to 20 years. They always wear like iron and each pair lasts a good 5+ years before they need to be replaced.
I never knew about this shoe until I got plantar fasciitis…….now it’s the only one I buy. Plus I have to get inserts…..I haven’t needed any more injections in my heel since
I have always been into Nike air max. They have made lots of different shoes with the exposed air bags but air max 97 maybe or air max 90 would make a good video. I’d like to see how these stack up against each other or against other air max shoes or maybe some other iconic shoe like Reebok pumps. I’ve enjoyed watching you cut some pretty cool shoes but how about the king of comfort, Nike air max!
As a European viewer who hates underpayed sweatshops I have to say that I disliked the USA preaching in this episode. It felt like it was third of the video.
I love my new balance all terrains, and I recently got my little boy a pair too. I was umming and ahhing over Sketchers and Fila, but after your father's day video my mind was changed and I'm very happy about it lol
There is so much more to a company than just where is their product made or assembled. Retailers cannot get new balance because the company is pushing direct to consumer, which hurts way more people's lives because you cannot buy them in store. The manufacturing sure helps maybe at most a few hundred people in America. But suppliers of the main costs of a shoe 100% are imported overseas and assembled here. But the thousands of small local shoe stores that need inventory cannot get it because nb keeps it on their website. That hurts thousands and thousands of true American businesses because of the policy and processes at NB. A brand that works amazing with local stores and small shops will have my business way more than companies that have American made product but availability is negated based on how they prioritize distribution.
I always thought these look like grandpa sneakers. I did try a pair and they got destroyed in a month. K Swiss is more comfortable if I wanted a lightweight shoe that will only last a little bit
I like your video. Maybe an idea to compare the 997 to the 997H. Are the 997 worth twice the price? Or is the 997H the better choice price/quality-wise.
I owned a pair of centennial new balance 992s. Best sneaker I ever purchased. My dad always wore the 99'series and I'm glad I do too. I had them for 5 years and lasted great until I was in a serious accident. They almost had to amputate my foot to get me out until the officer suggested to cut my shoe and I came right out. Durable and because it held up so well it allowed me to slide out. Fucking love new balance. Lawrence MA what up. Got the factory right here...
Can you do the 990v3? They are the most loved 990s (by every Reddit poll) and are very popular right now. But they are not comfortable to me because it feels like the midsole doesn’t sit flat. I’d love to see you cut them open and show what I’m feeling in them.
Totally unrelated to these but I'd love to see Nike Metcon 7's cut in half. They're supposedly highly specialized for CrossFit but I'm not sure how much of it is BS. Unique heel regardless.
Thank you so much for this video. I always support American made. And I’m not even American. I’m Canadian. I’ve owned 3 pairs of 990’s I’m on my third. I went grey, black and I’m back at grey again. I love new balance but I also like ASICS. I NEVER buy Nike or adidas. Anyway really cool you did this video. I have a recommendation for boots. Could you please do oliberte? Thank you
As a 50 year old with high arches, broad fore feet and arthritis in my big toes new balance are about the only trainers I can now wear I use them with sidas high insoles. I would love to see you taking apart my favourite hiking boot the scarpa SL activ.
I always use NB for my work shoes. Very comfortable right from the start. Almost no break in period. Also the wide size is great for me. Something that I always have a problem with Nike. I will say that very close competitor is Asics. Also super comfortable from the start and also have wide sizes. They also last just as long as NB.
Thanks for the comedy!!! Especially in these controlling days we live in!!! The new balance in the UK are copies and of course nothing like the same in comfort and quality!!! Cheers from London josh!!!
I grew up within walking distance of their factory in Lawrence, which if anyone's familiar they'll know it s a really poor city.. but NB always had really cheap shoes available in the factory store, so us kids near the factory always had nice new sneakers... albeit a bit off-fashion!
They still do ! I just went there to get my daughter back to school shoes and paid under $30 for shoes...They have buy 1 get 1 50% deals tht really save $$$ especiallly when the everyday prices are about 40% off everyday!😁
I got a pair of these on the local stores clearence rack for $100. Someone had ordered them, and then didn't want them. Probably because they don't size like most shoes. Mine are 10.5 wide. The arch is a bit off for my foot, but they fit perfect otherwise, but i generally wear a 12 or 13 depending on brand, and some brands are too narrow to fit at all for me. So I imagine they got ordered and didn;t fit. Lucky me. These shoes are legit. NB should not change anything. Excellent quality. Deffinately worth the extra 80-90 dollars more then the foriegn made counterparts. MADE IN USA is also worth it's weight in gold right now.
I love new balance, they are one of the only companies that make shoes wide enough for me to wear, as I have serious bunions. Maybe you can feature some other shoes on your channel for people with extra wide feet, space for orthotics, etc. I can't find winter boots for the life of me!
I would love for you to do a follow up video cutting in half the same shoe but one made in a factory outside the US as there are many of US who are not American so the premium of paying for US made is not a factor in this type of Shoe other than if the US made ones materials are far superior to justify the considerable extra cost of a US made shoe. Here in Austria the 990 only comes in US made versions at €200 where as a 997 which looks to be of similar construction is half that price not made in the US. I find it hard to believe that these two models are so drastically different in materials and construction to validate the double price and as there is no cachet or reason to buy US made to a non US person I would rather save the considerable cost.
There are no 990s that are not U.S. made. The U.S. made New Balances are much better than the Asian made ones. You are not paying just to be patriotic, as the U.K. ones are just as good as the U.S. ones. Now comparing the U.S. 997 vs the Asian 997h. They don't even use the same technology. The 990s vs 997 even farther apart than the 997 vs 997h. Construction is better in the U.S. ones. Yes, they are similar but not the same. The U.S. ones are more flawless. Meaning lack of glue stains and no loose threads. More care is taken in the construction and quality control of the U.S. ones.The suede is actually just as good or similar in quality in the Asian ones. New Balance was smart for doing this because people will think the materials are just as good. It is actually other materials like the mesh that are better in the U.S. made ones in this case.
I’ve had 990s for about a year now. No real wear. I don’t like the clunky look, but bought them for the Made in the USA and the comedy of it. NB is expanding their USA production, so I hope they will offer more minimalist uppers.
I'm so glad you did my favorite shoe! I'm a carpenter this is the only shoe I wear while I work. A pair lasts me a year, but I do run them till they have holes in them
My son and I buy mostly New balance shoes, my pair are over 15 years old and they still look newish. My father, when he was alive, loved New Balance. For shoes, there is no other brand.
Thanks for the "inside scoop". I have worn 990s or 993s exclusively since 2005. It's cool to finally see what is on the inside. And I completely agree that with comment that it is worth choosing to pay a little more for a product Made in the USA!.
Cracked up at the end when you sat down on the bench hahaha, good stuff. My boyfriend and I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and became very interested in your videos. Your knowledge and passion in what you do is very appealing to watch, and we’ve definitely learned a lot about a variety of different materials and what goes into making various shoes, boots, etc. Your videos are very informational👍
People like me and my father buy them because (a) they aren't ugly and (b) you aren't walking around endorsing some hip-hop singer or athlete that beats women. Also, since they aren't white, you can wear them year round. In short, very comfortable shoes that aren't ugly and don't try to convey a hip, urban vibe.
When I started buying New Balance when they all were made in the USA. They used to be so comfortable and last forever. Like has been said it was like walking on pillows. Then they started making them in China they just didn't feel as good so I mostly stopped buying them. I think I still have a few mostly wore out pairs of the original USA made ones I bought many years ago.
Love your channel great episode. I would love too see the Reebok JJ Watt shoe cut in half it is the most comfortable shoe I have wore in a very long time. They are inspired by Allen Iversons show the Reebok Answer. They have been on sale lately for well under $100. For a shoe that is so comfortable that is amazing in its self. Part of the money from every shoe sold goes to the Pat Tillman foundation. An American Hero/ football player who was killed by friendly fire in the war in the middle east it's an easy story to find about great Americans. Please try to make this video I have a feeling it will be one of our favorites and one of your favorite videos as well. Thank you for your time.
