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New Balance 993 and New Balance 990 are two popular shoes for comfort, cushioning, and durability. New Balance 993 is the newer model with updated cushioning and durability improvements, while the 990 leans toward traditional comfort and a lighter feel. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which one is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Durable Suede Overlays:- New Balance 993 features premium pigskin suede overlays that increase upper durability and maintain structure over extended use.
- New Balance 990 uses quality suede overlays with slightly less reinforcement.
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ABZORB DTS Cushioning:- New Balance 993 has ABZORB DTS cushioning that combines shock absorption and stability for a smoother ride on varied surfaces.
- New Balance 990 includes ABZORB cushioning in the heel but not full-length coverage.
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Ndurance Rubber Outsole:- New Balance 993 features Ndurance rubber outsole that extends wear life significantly in high-abrasion zones.
- New Balance 990 uses a standard blown rubber outsole.
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Higher Heel Stack:- New Balance 993 has a slightly higher heel stack to provide more rearfoot cushioning and reduce impact stress.
- New Balance 990 has a lower heel stack for a closer-to-ground feel.
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Better Torsional Rigidity:- New Balance 993 includes a reinforced midfoot structure that improves torsional rigidity to enhance stability.
- New Balance 990 has moderate rigidity with more midfoot flexibility.
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Enhanced Rearfoot Support:- New Balance 993 comes with targeted rearfoot stabilizers that help maintain heel alignment during movement.
- New Balance 990 offers standard heel support without additional stabilizers.
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More Plush Comfort:- New Balance 993 features a high-durability outsole compound that prolongs wear for frequent use.
- New Balance 990 provides good outsole life but wears faster under heavy use.
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Full-Length ABZORB Midsole:- New Balance 993 includes a full-length ABZORB midsole that delivers consistent cushioning from heel to toe.
- New Balance 990 combines partial ABZORB with ENCAP for mixed cushioning.
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Durability:- New Balance 993 features reinforced overlays, an upgraded outsole compound, and enhanced cushioning for greater long-term wear.
- New Balance 990 is durable but less reinforced in key wear areas.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | New Balance 993 | New Balance 990 |
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| Upper Material | Premium pigskin suede with mesh panels | Premium suede with mesh panels |
| Cushioning System | ABZORB DTS full-length midsole with integrated forefoot and heel support | ENCAP midsole with ABZORB heel insert |
| Outsole Material | Ndurance high-durability rubber | Blown rubber with standard wear resistance |
| Heel Stack Height | Slightly higher for more rearfoot support | Lower for a more natural feel |
| Torsional Rigidity | Enhanced with reinforced midfoot shank | Moderate with flexible midfoot |
| Overall Support | Stronger rearfoot stability | Balanced support across foot |
| Outsole Lifespan | Longer wear with Ndurance compound | Standard wear duration |
| Aesthetic | Retro runner with chunkier profile | Sleeker retro runner profile |
| Midsole Coverage | Full-length ABZORB cushioning | Partial ABZORB with ENCAP combo |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the New Balance 993 if you:- Want maximum durability for long-term use.
- Prefer stronger heel and rearfoot support for stability.
- Need longer outsole life for daily walking or running.
- Like a chunkier retro runner look with more presence.
- Want full-length cushioning for consistent comfort.
Check New Balance 993 Best Price Buy the New Balance 990 if you:- Prefer a lighter, sleeker retro running style.
- Want a lower heel stack for a natural stride feel.
- Do not need maximum torsional rigidity or extra heel support.
- Value a more flexible midfoot for casual wear.
- Prefer the classic 990 heritage design at a slightly lighter weight.
Check New Balance 990 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
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| Durable Suede Overlays | New Balance 993 |
| ABZORB DTS Cushioning | New Balance 993 |
| Ndurance Rubber Outsole | New Balance 993 |
| Higher Heel Stack | New Balance 993 |
| Better Torsional Rigidity | New Balance 993 |
| Enhanced Rearfoot Support | New Balance 993 |
| Longer Outsole Lifespan | New Balance 993 |
| Full-Length ABZORB Midsole | New Balance 993 |
| Higher Overall Durability | New Balance 993 |
What They Have in Common
- Premium Materials: Both the New Balance 990 and 993 use high-quality pigskin suede and mesh uppers, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
- Made in USA: Each model is part of New Balance’s “Made in USA” line, which supports domestic manufacturing and high production standards.
- ENCAP Midsole Cushioning: Both shoes feature ENCAP midsole technology, combining soft cushioning with a supportive rim for comfort and stability.
- Classic Running Style: Each shoe carries a timeless running-inspired design, making them versatile for both athletic use and casual wear.
- Durable Rubber Outsole: Both models use a blown rubber outsole that provides excellent traction and long-lasting performance.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Which model is newer, the New Balance 993 or the 990?
The New Balance 993 is the newer release, offering updated cushioning, improved durability, and enhanced stability compared to the 990, which is an older but still popular model in the Made in USA series.
Which shoe has better cushioning for long walks or runs?
The New Balance 993 provides better cushioning with its full-length ABZORB DTS system, giving consistent shock absorption from heel to toe, while the 990 has partial ABZORB cushioning mainly in the heel area.
Is the New Balance 993 more durable than the 990?
Yes, the New Balance 993 uses reinforced pigskin suede overlays and a Ndurance outsole compound designed to last longer, making it more durable for heavy or frequent use compared to the 990.
Which shoe is better for people who need extra heel support?
The New Balance 993 is better suited for extra heel support because it has a higher heel stack and targeted rearfoot stabilizers that help reduce impact stress and maintain alignment.
Does the New Balance 990 have the same outsole as the 993?
No, the New Balance 993 features a Ndurance high-durability outsole designed to extend wear life, while the 990 uses a standard blown rubber outsole that wears faster under heavy use.
Which shoe has a sleeker design for casual wear?
The New Balance 990 has a sleeker and more understated retro runner profile, making it appealing for those who want a classic look without the chunkier design of the 993.
Is there a difference in torsional rigidity between the two models?
Yes, the New Balance 993 has better torsional rigidity due to a reinforced midfoot shank, which provides more stability, while the 990 offers moderate rigidity with more flexibility.
Which model offers a longer outsole lifespan?
The New Balance 993 offers a longer outsole lifespan thanks to the Ndurance compound that resists abrasion, while the 990’s outsole has a shorter wear duration under similar use.
Which shoe is better for people who prioritize full-length cushioning?
The New Balance 993 is better for full-length cushioning as it uses ABZORB throughout the entire midsole, providing uniform comfort, while the 990 has a mixed midsole design with partial cushioning.
Are both models suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, both the New Balance 993 and 990 are suitable for everyday wear, but the 993 is better for those seeking maximum durability and support, while the 990 is a good choice for a lighter and more flexible feel.