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New Balance 990v4 vs New Balance 990v3

Both are Made in USA 990s with the same gray suede-and-mesh formula, so the choice comes down to midsole feel and fit. The 990v4 has a firmer, more stable ride and a slightly sleeker upper; the 990v3 has a softer, plusher ENCAP setup and a chunkier look that many owners prefer for all-day standing. Reviewers and long-time 990 buyers treat both as near-indestructible daily shoes, with the v3 getting the edge on cushioning and the v4 on support and a cleaner silhouette.

  • Choose the New Balance 990v4 if you want a firmer, more supportive ride and a slightly trimmer upper for everyday wear.
  • Choose the New Balance 990v3 if you want the softer, plusher midsole and the chunkier retro look that 990 fans keep coming back to.

Prices

  • New Balance 990v4: $89.95 at eBay (checked today)
  • New Balance 990v3: $69.90 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the New Balance 990v3 is $20.05 cheaper than the New Balance 990v4 today
New Balance
New Balance 990v4

New Balance 990v4

$89.95at eBayChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
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Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Firmer, more stable ride for standing and walking
  • Trimmer upper looks less bulky with casual outfits
  • Made in USA construction with durable suede and mesh
  • Available in normal and wide widths
Cons
  • Less cushioning than the v3 for some wearers
  • Firmer feel takes break-in time
  • Upper can feel snug for wide feet in standard width
New Balance
New Balance 990v3

New Balance 990v3

4.8(13 ratings)
$69.90at WalmartChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Softer, plusher midsole that many find more comfortable
  • Chunky retro silhouette that 990 collectors favor
  • Reflective details add visibility
  • Made in USA build with proven long-term durability
Cons
  • Heavier than the v4
  • Bulkier toe box can feel loose for narrow feet
  • Less lateral support for long standing shifts

What separates them

New Balance 990v4New Balance 990v3
Midsole feelFirmer foam and EVA blend with more ground feel and stabilitySofter, thicker foam stack with a plusher step-in
UpperSuede, mesh and synthetic overlays in a trimmer profileSuede and mesh with a bulkier toe box and more visible layering
SupportMore stable underfoot, better for long days on feetCushier but slightly less lateral stability
WeightLighter than the v3 in the same sizeHeavier, partly from the thicker midsole
ReflectivityStandard 990 reflective detailsReflectors called out in the spec
Sizing and widthsRuns in normal and wide widths across a broad size runWide width offered, sizing runs similar to other 990s
DurabilityRubber outsole and sturdy overlays hold up for yearsSame rubber outsole; owners report similar long life

Price history

$163.00$89.95
Nov 9Nov 10
  • New Balance 990v4: lowest $89.95 on Nov 10 at eBay.
  • New Balance 990v3: lowest $155.99 on Nov 10 at Noirfonce USA.

Prices at every store

New Balance 990v4

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $89.95+ $14.95 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • GOATNew

    In stock

    $126.00+ $14.50 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit GOAT
  • GOATNew

    In stock

    $149.00+ $14.95 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit GOAT
  • KICKS CREWNew

    In stock

    $141.57+ $35.00 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit KICKS CREW

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 9 stores and price history →

New Balance 990v3

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by ShoenerdsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $69.90+ $13.20 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • GOATNew

    In stock

    $163.00+ $14.50 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit GOAT
  • Noirfonce USANew

    Availability unknownShips from the EU · duties may apply

    $155.99Checked 3 h ago
    Visit Noirfonce USA
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $161.99+ $14.95 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 16 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNew Balance 990v4New Balance 990v3
Size (US)13, 14, 11, 12, 13.5, 15, 16, 6.5, 5.5, 14.5, 9…13, 14, 11, 12, 17, 15, 16, 6.5, 14.5, 9.5, 18,…
Gore-TexNoNo
SeriesNew Balance Made In USA, New Balance 990New Balance Made In USA, New Balance 990
FasteningLacedLaced
Manufacturer ColorGray/SilverGrey/White
ColorGrayGray
OutsoleRubberRubber
Age GroupAdultAdult
GenderUnisex, MaleUnisex
Upper MaterialPolyurethane, Rubber, Mesh, Suede, LeatherMesh, Synthetic, Suede
WidthNormal, WideWide
MidsoleFoam, EVA, PolyurethaneCloudfoam, Foam, Polyurethane, EVA
Show all 13 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNew Balance 990v4New Balance 990v3
shoe_size—6

What reviewers say

New Balance 990v4

Owners of the 990v4 mostly praise its comfort and build, calling it a shoe that holds up over years of daily wear. Some find it heavy and warm compared with lighter sneakers, and a few say the fit runs differently from other New Balance models.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners describe the midsole as plush and stable for long days on foot.
  • BuildPraisedReviewers say the suede and mesh upper holds up over years of wear.
  • WeightCriticisedSome buyers find the shoe heavier than lighter modern sneakers.
  • BreathabilityMixedThe mesh panels help, but some wearers say the shoe runs warm in hot weather.

New Balance 990v3

  • 4.8 / 513 ratings

Owners rate the 990v3 very highly, with a 4.8 average across the ratings given. They praise the comfort, the solid build and the classic look, and many wear it daily for years. The main complaints are weight and a firmer feel underfoot than cushioned rivals.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners describe it as comfortable enough for long days on their feet.
  • Build qualityPraisedReviewers say the suede and mesh upper and stitched construction hold up over years of wear.
  • WeightCriticisedSome find it heavier than other sneakers they own.

Questions and answers

Which is better for standing all day?
The 990v3's softer, thicker midsole cushions more underfoot, which most people prefer for long standing shifts. The 990v4 is firmer and more stable, so pick it if you want support over plushness.
Which lasts longer?
Both use a rubber outsole and suede-and-mesh uppers with Made in USA construction, and owners report similar multi-year life. The v4's firmer midsole resists compression slightly better over time.
Is the 990v4 worth stepping up to over the v3?
Only if you want a firmer, lighter, more stable shoe. If cushioning and the chunky retro look matter more, the v3 is the better fit.
Do they fit the same?
They run similarly, both in a broad size run with wide options. The v3's bulkier toe box feels roomier, while the v4 fits trimmer through the midfoot.
Which is better for wide feet?
Both offer wide widths. The v3's roomier toe box suits very wide feet better, while the v4's wide width gives a more locked-in fit.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best New Balance shoes
  • CushioningMixedThe ENCAP midsole is stable and supportive, but some want a softer ride.