New Balance first released its now-iconic 990 running sneakers back in 1982. The New Balance 990v6 MiUSA Grey (Women's) offered up a modern take on these shoes and helped usher them into a new era.
The upper on this New Balance 990v6 was made out of suede with synthetic overlays and mesh underlays. It also had a texture to it to provide it with a more premium look and feel. There were also several different shades of grey incorporated into the mix that worked well with the white in part of the midsole.
But the best part about this sneaker, according to our experts, was all the technology crammed into it. It featured FuelCell foam to make it more responsive as well as ENCAP cushioning in the midsole to make it more comfortable overall.
Origin: The New Balance 990 series, initiated in 1982, was conceived with the ambitious goal of establishing the preeminent running shoe available [cite: 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 25]. Initially priced at $100, the shoe immediately became a symbol of luxury and high quality, a status it has maintained throughout its history [cite: 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16]. The 'Made in USA' designation is a key element of its identity, with New Balance MADE U.S. footwear containing a domestic value of 70% or more [cite: 1, 4, 8, 9, 15, 19, 23, 29, 44].
Construction: The upper design of the 990v6 departs from the standard midfoot saddle, enabling the seamless integration of pigskin and synthetic overlays that flow from the heel to the toe over a mesh underlay [cite: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37]. This streamlined construction contributes to a sleek, modern aesthetic. The shoe incorporates a FuelCell foam midsole, providing a propulsive feel, while ENCAP midsole cushioning with a durable polyurethane rim delivers all-day support [cite: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37].
Utility: Initially designed as a performance running shoe, the 990v6 is now a versatile option for lifestyle and casual wear, suitable for daily commutes, long walks, and light running [cite: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37]. Its durable rubber outsole, with a multi-zone tread, is designed for pavement and mixed urban surfaces, including a blown rubber forefoot [cite: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37]. The inclusion of a removable insole further enhances its adaptability for different foot types and preferences [cite: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37].
Influence: The New Balance 990v6 has solidified its place within contemporary culture through strategic associations with prominent figures. Action Bronson, a notable personality, was featured at the New Balance 'Runners Aren't Normal' Campaign Launch, a global initiative that underscored the shoe's appeal [cite: 16, 41, 46]. Also at the 'Runners Aren't Normal' Campaign Launch, Olympic athlete Sydney McLaughlin lent her prestigious presence, amplifying the shoe's performance-oriented heritage [cite: 41, 46]. Trayvon Bromell, another luminary in the athletic world, was also included in the New Balance 'Runners Aren't Normal' Campaign Launch, highlighting the shoe's broad appeal [cite: 16, 41, 46].