New balance” is often chosen as a sneaker for adults because of its superb comfort and sophisticated design. The model lineup is diverse, and the design and functionality differ depending on the model number. In this issue, we focus on New Balance sneakers and introduce how to choose and the model numbers you should keep in mind!
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Points to check when choosing New Balance sneakers 1Price and quality differ depending on the country of production
New Balance sneakers are available in ” Made in the USA “, ” Made in the UK “, and ” Made in Asia “. American and British made are handmade and more expensive. On the other hand, those made in Asia, such as “made in China” and “made in Vietnam,” are mass-produced and sold at a lower price. If you are choosing based on budget, it is a good idea to pay attention to the country of production.
Checkpoints for choosing New Balance sneakers 2Understanding how to read model numbers and the differences between types
New Balance products are not given model names like other manufacturers, but rather letters of the alphabet, such as “M996” and numbers. The first letter of the alphabet indicates gender, such as “M” for men (Mens) and “W” for women (Women), as well as “CM” and “MRL” to indicate that the sneaker is made in Asia or is a lower-priced version. Incidentally, just as the standard model “M996” is worn by both men and women, the “M” does not necessarily mean that it is exclusively for men.
The number represents the “type of sneaker,” and the basic idea is that the type is divided by the first digit, such as the entry model for the 300s and the tray running model for the 500s. Among the many model numbers, the “500s,” “900s,” and “1000s” form the core of the series: the 500s are characterized by rugged soles and rounded silhouettes for off-road use; the 900s are for road running and are often slimmer; and the 1000s and 2000s are at the top of the series. The 1000’s and 2000’s are New Balance’s flagship series and incorporate the latest features of each era.
3 points to check when choosing New Balance sneakersSole specifications that determine comfort
New Balance has earned a high reputation for comfort, and one of the reasons for this is the sole construction. The “C-CAP” midsole, which was first used in the “670” model in 1985, is made entirely of EVA and is not only light but also resistant to hydrolysis. Ralph Lauren described the “1300” with “ENCAP” as “like walking on a cloud. The “1300” also has an “ABZORB” midsole with excellent shock absorption and elasticity, and a “REVLITE” midsole that is both light and durable, like a barefoot shoe. Basically, there are few cases where sneakers are selected based on the midsole, but it would not hurt to check what kind of midsole is used in the model you are interested in.
From here, we will introduce recommended models from the ” 500s,” “900s,” and “1000(2000),” which are the most popular New Balance sneakers! Let’s start with the 500s!
New Balance 500 Series Model 1576
Among the 500 series, the “576” is favored by fashionable people with a serious mindset. It is made in England and the U.S. and uses high-quality oiled leather and nubuck leather as materials. The shoes also feature a tread pattern with deep grooves designed for trail running and off-road running, providing excellent grip and a stable walking feel. They can be used around town or in the outdoors without difficulty.
Find the 576 series from New Balance
New Balance 500th Model 2574
The “574” was developed as a daily model of the 576. The “574” follows the 576 to the extent that it can be said to be a close duplicate in terms of design, but by reducing the cost of materials, etc., a lower price was achieved. It features mesh and suede uppers, the deca-N logo, and other details that symbolized New Balance in the early 90s. Unlike the 576, the midsole is constructed with elasticity and comfort in mind. The high cost performance of this model has made it a favorite of many people regardless of generation.
Find the New Balance 574 series
Next, we focus on models in the 900s!
New Balance 900th Model 1new balance M990v6
“On a scale of 1000 this shoe is a 990.” The first “990” was born in 1982 with the catchphrase “On a scale of 1000, this shoe is a 990. It is a classic among classics that has been updated over time as a symbolic pair of New Balance shoes. The “990v6” is the latest model in the 990 lineage at this time (December 2024) and features the familiar combination of pigskin suede and mesh upper. While retaining the feel of the original 990, it has evolved into a modern and sophisticated design. The past models, 990v3 and 990v4, have also been deeply popular and are still sold today, so you can choose the one you like best from the series.
Find the New Balance 990 series
New Balance 900th model 2996
This was the third model in the 990 series and is known as the revolutionary pair that defined the popularity of the 990 series. Even today, the Asian-made models “MRL996” and “CM996″ are still the number one most popular among the many New Balance sneakers. The two main lasts used by New Balance are the ” SL-1 ” and the ” SL-2 “, but the 996 uses the SL-1, which has a more slender silhouette. The 996 uses the slimmer SL-1 silhouette, which gives a stylish impression and can be easily matched with a jacket and other beautiful coordinates.
Find the 996 series from New Balance
New Balance 900th Model 3997
The “997” series was created in 1990 as the successor to the 996. It is particularly slim and stylish among the 900 series, which is based on a slender silhouette. The N logo on the side is also smaller than on the 996 and other models. The “M997” made in the U.S. was not widely popular due to its high price tag, but the Asian-made “CM997” released in 2019 has dramatically increased its popularity, making it an ideal model for those who want to avoid standard models such as the 574 and 996.
Find the 997 series from New Balance.
New Balance 900 Series Model 4998
The “998” is the fifth in the 990 series. It has a thick midsole while inheriting the design typical of running shoes. The design is reminiscent of high-tech sneakers, reflecting the historical background of the year of its release, 1993. The N mark on the side of the shoe is more compact than on previous models in the 900 series, giving the shoe a cleaner look. Another distinctive feature is the direct stitching of the model name and place of origin, rather than a label on the shoe tongue. The midsole uses “C-CAP (C-CAP)” for the forefoot and “ENCAP (ENCAP)” for the heel, and “ABZORB (ABZORB)” as a shock absorber.
Find the 998 series of New Balance
Finally, pick up models in the 1000-2000 range!
New Balance 1000-2000 Series Model 11300
The “1300” was the first model of the 1000 series, and was released in 1985 at a price of $130 in US dollars or 3,9000 Japanese yen, an It was sold for 130 US dollars or 3,9000 Japanese yen, an unparalleled high price for a running shoe at the time, and created a buzz. The shoe was also used by many celebrities, including Ralph Lauren, who famously said of the model, “It’s like walking on a cloud. It was also the first model to adopt the ENCAP technology, which provides both shock absorption and stability. The “Walking on Clouds” is not an exaggeration at all.
Find the New Balance 1300 Series
New Balance 1000-2000 Series Model 21500
The “1500” was introduced in 1989 and retains the New Balance character inherited from the 900 series, with a multi-part upper and The “1500” was a new model that incorporated innovative details such as a multi-part upper and a thick midsole. Unlike previous models, the heel counter and sole unit were integrated into a single unit. The sole is equipped with ENCAP, and a heel stabilizer with excellent elasticity and hardness is integrally molded into it.
Find the New Balance 1500 series
New Balance 1000-2000 Series Model 31400
This model was planned to be developed as a follow-up to the M1300, but was released later than the M1500 due to high product costs. The N mark on the upper is a big size logo, and the design is very typical of New Balance. In addition to the ENCAP that was adopted in the M1300, the midsole is also adopted C-CAP. It boasts a high level of stability and cushioning.
New Balance 1000-2000 Series Model 41700
The M1700 was the last model in the 1000 series; it was difficult to find as it was not reissued for a long time after its release in 1999, but in 2016 reissue model was released in 2016. The base design is similar to the M1500, but the M1700 has a wider and more voluminous silhouette. Furthermore, the shape of the sole is curved like a cradle when viewed from the side, suggesting the pursuit of more walking comfort. The sole is equipped with ABZORB, which is used in the heel and center of the sole in models such as the 998, but in the 1700 series, ABZORB is used throughout the sole, providing a different dimension of cushioning compared to other models.
Find the New Balance 1700 series
New Balance 1000-2000 Series Model 52002
Inheriting the heavy upper design of the “2002,” which was created in 2010 as the flagship model of the Made in U.S.A., the “2002” series has a high-quality nubuck and The upper is made of nubuck and mesh material. The soles are equipped with the high-spec ML860 v2 sole, which features New Balance’s proprietary Nergy and ABZORB technologies for superior shock absorption and resilience. It is a pair that combines design and functionality at a high level.
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