New Balance 993 vs 990: Complete List of Comparison [Guide 2023]

This time we would like to compare the New Balance 993 vs 990 and share the key differences between them. The most noticeable difference between them is the amount of cushioning, traction and the durability.

Running is a wonderful exercise to stay healthy. With the right choice of shoes, you will feel much more comfortable and lighter. So, New Balance has some of the best collections of running shoes. New Balance is a company based in the United States that was established over a century ago. They continue to produce some of the most popular running shoes, but at a higher price point. This greater cost is due to the fact that New Balance produces far more specialist shoes than other firms, particularly for customers who require extra arch and heel support.

New Balance makes outstanding quality running shoes and are well-known for their wideness that can fit every type and size of foot. If you are looking for a daily pair of shoes, the 993 and the 990 are exactly for you. Today, we will compare the differences between the New Balance 993 and the 990.

Here is the table we have put together to help you better understand the New Balance 993 vs 990:

Related Article: New Balance 992 vs 993

New Balance 993 vs 990: Key Differences

Considering their design and comfort, both New Balance 993 and 990 are very similar shoes. Yet, they still have different features. Key differences between New Balance 993 and 990 are:

• While the New Balance 993 is much more durable and gives more traction than the 990. However, the New Balance 990 has a midsole which is less cushioned and therefore it is more flexible.
• If you are looking for a more cushioning and sturdier running shoe, then it could be worth to get the 993. But, if you need a shoe that is barely lighter but with less cushion but more breathable, the 990 would be a better choice.
• Finally, the 990 has also much more size options than the 993. So, the 990 is more inclusive than the 993 if you have small feet.

Comparing the Upper

The New Balance 993 features high-quality suede and mesh, while the New Balance 990 is made from 50% mesh and 50% pigskin. Pigskin material makes the New Balance 990 much more breathable, loose, light and easy to take care of. However, it may not be as water resistant as other New Balance shoes. It is also obvious that no matter how soft and spongy the pigskin is, suede looks much better than pigskin.

Even though both shoes are dual-toned, the New Balance 993 provide more color options than the New Balance 990.

Although these two shoes have different specialties, they also have similar features. Both the New Balance 993 and 990 are well-known for their low ankle collar which provides a protection for the people who experiences chafing.

Both shoes also have padded tongues. This soft and padded lining provide support for the ankles and even extra comfort.

There is also a stylish lace keeper that supplies extra arch support. This material helps to keep the pesky shoelaces out of your way while running or walking.

Comparing the Midsole

The soles of the New Balance 993 and 990 are quite thick and tough so this makes both shoes last longer.

Yet, the shoes were made from different midsole technology. The New Balance 993 has a multi-density midsole with ABZORB and ACTEVA cushioning which provides additional cushioning. So, this extra cushioning arranges a smooth transition and ideal cushioning. In this way, your feet do not feel much pain while running or jumping.

The New Balance 990 features ENCAP midsole technology which is made up of more than one material and New Balance has labeled as their own. This midsole material provides support and the best durability.

Comparing the Outsole

When we compare both shoes’ outsole, we can see solely the differences. While the New Balance 993 is made from full-length rubber, the New Balance 990 is made from blown rubber.

The full-length rubber, along with being durable, provides superior traction and absorption. So that means runners could find out that these shoes last longer if suitably taken care of.

The blown rubber is one of the most used rubber material. It is light and flexible so this is why there is enough space for forefoot. However; according to some people, the 990 is not as durable as the 993. Also, they believe that the 990 does not provide enough traction as the 993 does.

Comparing the Fit of the 993 vs the 990

Both the New Balance 993 and 990 fit true to size. However, the 993 has more size options than the 990. It is available for wide, extra wide and narrow feet which provides a chance to choose for your feet shape. In case you do have huge toes then you may want to order a half-size up, as you may want the forefoot to be a bit comfy.

Comparing the Durability of the 993 vs the 990

There’s no doubt that both the 990 and 993 are long lasting running shoes. New Balance is a brand that does not compromise on the durability of their running shoes. The shoes have specific outsole materials which are well-designed.

New Balance 990’s outsole is a fabric called blown rubber. We know that the blown rubber is a light-weight and really flexible rubber. It’s one of the most popular rubber substances for running shoes. However, it isn’t always as durable as other materials like carbon rubber.

In contrast to the 990, New Balance 993 comes with an endurance rubber heel. The gain that this remarkable rubber heel gives is that it is very durable and can resist the friction and force in high density areas.

So, the New Balance 993 wins the tour of sturdiness of outsole fabric.

New Balance 993 Review

The New Balance 993 has a low cut which is excellent for wearers that are worried about chafing.

Extreme comfort is felt by the wearer thanks to the ABZORB midsole technology. ABZORB midsole provides an ideal cushioning and smooth heel. Another outstanding midsole called ACTEVA makes the shoes last longer and prevents them from deteriorate easily.

No one can go wrong with a pair of New Balance 993 wearing on feet, whether you are going for a quick run or a long walk. After all, it was designed to be a running shoe.

Premium price tag comes with extra quality materials. The New Balance 993 is made from high quality suede-mesh in order to provide the light feeling.

Thanks to the full-length rubber, the 993 improves its durability in high density areas which makes the shoe’s life last longer.

Pros for New Balance 993

• Durable
• Quality materials
• Superior traction and cushioning
• Heavy compared to its contenders in the market place

Cons for New Balance 993

• Pricey
• Harder heel

New Balance 990 Review

The New Balance 990 also has a low top which is excellent for wearers that are worried about chafing. It makes extended city excursions considerably more enjoyable with its blend of comfort and long-lasting support.

The mesh and pigskin fabric of the New Balance 990 makes it light, flexible, and sturdy. There is also a lace keeper that supplies extra arch support. This material helps to keep the pesky shoelaces out of your way while running or walking.

As an outsole material, blown rubber makes the 990 thick and tough. But there is adequate room in the toe box for people who have wide or narrow feet than the average.

Here is a video of New Balance 990:

Pros for New Balance 990

• Flexible
• Comfy
• Supportive
• Breathable and light

Cons for New Balance 990

• Heavy
• Large fore toe area
• Light but not as durable as 993
• The fabric is thin

Bottom line for New Balance 993 vs 990

The New Balance 993 and 990 are very similar in both style and capabilities. They’re both neutral running shoes which are best for every day training. However, they weigh a little too much for speed work trainings. You may want to check out our Brooks Launch vs Ghost post if you are looking for a speed trainer.

Here is the final question to be answered! Which one is better New Balance 993 or 990? Our verdict for the New Balance 993 or 990 is:

• If you are looking for a more cushioning and sturdier running shoe, then it could be worth to get the 993.
• Yet, if you need a shoe that is barely lighter but with less cushion but more breathable, the 990 would be a better choice.

To help you make an easy decision to which running shoe to pick, we compared the high-end running shoe brands and their products with each other. So that the following articles could help you:

• Brooks vs Hoka Running Shoes are compared
• Brooks vs Saucony: Which brand has the best running shoe
• Brooks or Asics: Which one is better?