I was a bit surprised when New Balance discontinued the foam cushining 991 and replaced it with the gel cushioned 992. It took a bit of getting used to but I made the transition to 992s. With the 992s also came the option to get several different colors of 992s: the 991s always only came in grey.
I was elated to learn though that the company had again upgraded to 993s which includes a combination of foam and gel. I think they're lighter than 992s too and the feel on first putting on a pair of 993s is very similar to putting on a pair of 991s. They did keep the multiple color options of the 992 line so you can get these in black, grey, white.
Overall, I am extremely happy with this product.
Foremost on my loyalty is the commitment that the company has to local markets. The 993s are Made in the USA and in the back of each of these shoes you can see the prominent USA in bold against an American flag. They are a patriot's shoe and they are quite popular in the military. Unlike other shoe companies that use almost slave child labor to make shoes and then sell them at horrendous profits in America, New Balance provides good jobs in the US. Yes they make less profit and they endorse fewer athletes but we buyers are loyal because:
a) its a fantastic product
b) probably the best running shoe made (don't take my word, try one)
c) they're made in the USA
d) the company is committed to local markets and to producing quality running shoes
No I don't run many marathons anymore (but I have in the past) and I do love these shoes and once every couple of years when my old pair of 993s get relegated to the home repair shoe, I will go out and buy a shiny new pair of 993. It's always just a little bit special when I put on a new pair....
Btw, my closet has a lineup from the two pairs of decade old beaten up old 991s that still come out when I do gardening to the 992s that have been recently demoted with the purchase of my 993s: Yes I still own my 991s, the go through the washer now and again and they still work even after 10 to 15 years (amazing quality)....but they can't be seen in public anymore.
Anyhow, I hope this helps you make a decision on these shoes. It's hard to find a running shoe that has history and character like this line and I'll admit I'm a bit selfish here, the more popular 993s remain the less likelihood that they'll be discontinued before I die.
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First off these and all NB (I think) offer different width sizes so you can actually get the right fit. In addition the 992s (this model's predecessor) is designed for runners with a slight pronate which I have. Stability is what this shoe does and does super well for me. I didn't find that specification on NBs site for this shoe like the 992s, but it seems online sellers are still saying so, and I have no reason to believe my 993s have been changed either.As one seller described the shoe online:
"Classic New Balance Men's 993 Tie Running Shoes mean pure stability
Here's superior cushioning and enhanced stability for mid to moderate overpronators
If your feet tend to roll inward more than necessary when you run, this New Balance Walker can help correct your motion and ease fatigue. This classic design comes loaded with technological features that cushion, stabilize, support and comfort active feet."
I have worn these 990s for many years now and this model just seems as good if not better than its predecessors. The only reason I buy new ones is frankly from natural wear. And I don't mean wear that is obvious like frays or the sole is coming off. I mean MINOR wear on the tread (starting to affect ankle/foot alignment) and slight stretching of shoes fabric/leather (don't get quite as good support). What's is amazing is these shoes are built so well, that by the time I need a new pair for specific reason these shoes still look and feel great. So great I wear them for comfort for daily chores. I swear 1 year on this shoe is like 3-4 months on your average high end, Nike Airs.
Simply put I have found the best shoe ever for me. If you know or think you need greater stability, I encourage you try them on at a local seller.
PS. My feet, my knees and even my hips LOVE these shoes :)
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These shoes are extremly comfortable and the size was right on target. This is the third pair of running shoes I have purchased from New Balance and plan on continued purchasing of thier products. Overall these shoes are very comfortable and do not rub and part of my feet.Honest reviews on New Balance Men's MR993 Running Shoe
One of the most exciting running shoe concepts to come long in years. No one category of our population puts more miles on running shoes than the US Military. Available in all miitary service livery models the New Balance 993 military series should be a hot item for some time to come.New Balance has been an American made running shoe that I've worn since they were available in Military Exchanges in the late 1980's/early 1990s. Being flat footed and pronating is not a good combination for a military career. My feet gave me problems with most running shoes I purchased until I found the New Balance 99x series. Can't remember how many pairs worn out over the years. Now retired the comfort these shoes brought make me a lifetime customer.
When an internet e-mail notice informed me of this model's introduction I was eager to buy a pair that proudly indicated my Army legacy. This model is sold out at Post Exchanges for a 3 month period June/Aug 2011 so I went elsewhere to purchase them.
They look sharp and do not disappoint the pronating runner keeping the New Balance Heritage for yet another generation of military runners. Still too new for me to know how well they wear over time I'm hoping my overall experience and those of others will keep New Balance American workers employed for many years to come.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for New Balance Men's MR993 Running Shoe
The New Balance 993 is one of the most comfortable shoes I have tried in several years of Running..I do all my running on the treadmill and only weigh 165 now..But it is murder on your legs if you have the wrong shoe...This shoe combines comfort and stability, plus it looks pretty good as a casual shoe just to wear out or if you are on your feet a lot...I am a serious runner and by that I mean I may be running 35 to 40 plus miles a week on the tread..These shoes are really a trainer..If doing my weekly routine of 5 plus miles a day I will use the 993s due to their shock absorbtion...
But the reason this gets 4 stars instead of 5 is these are not a performance shoe...The big drawback here is weight...The shoes are heavier than most..So if you are looking at speed training or overall 5k, 10k best time this is not the shoe I wear..Would wear lighter more performance based shoe like the Asic GT 2030, 40, 50 line...But while training for that or daily running I use the 993s..Plus when you got to a lighter shoe for performance that is a plus..
And the other reason I rate 4 stars is durability..These shoes will last me about 300 miles and they are done..Once leg pain, shin splints return I usually buy a new pair..So roughly 300 miles or so and the in soles are shot..Personally I like the black the best also..The grey doesn't hold up very well cosmetic wise..
So good training shoe, good comfort..If they were slightly lighter and less cumbersome and more durable I would rate a 5...And they get kinda toasty as well..They are not real breathable mesh...
Well I am updating this review today based on the last pair I received..They did pretty poorly for me..Were on sale here for around 80 bucks..But they definitely didn't hold up as well as the ones from road runner....After about 200 miles in these my ankles started hurting so bad I had to use my Asic 2140 trail shoes instead..Within a week or so the pain and soreness is gone..So I don't know for sure but I might try one more pair of these..It just seems that the insoles don't hold up long at all...
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