New Balance 2002r VS 990: What Should I Buy?

updated from March 2023

So, you’re eyeing up a new pair of New Balances, but the 2002r and the 990 have both caught your eye. Both boast iconic status and undeniable style, but which one deserves a spot in your shoe collection? Fear not, sneakerhead! We’re diving deep into the New Balance 2002r VS 990 showdown, dissecting their features, comfort levels, and that all-important price tag to help you make the perfect choice.

Choosing the best footwear for lifestyle from New Balance remains a difficult task for everyone, especially for the newbies due to the similar construction.

Some people prefer comfort over fashion whereas some have entirely different choices. Just like that, there are always mixed opinions when it comes to picking between New Balance 2002r and 990.

Both of these iconic models have been in the market for too long and have a lot in common so keep reading to know which is worthwhile.

Similarities and Differences between New Balance 2002r And 990:

Features	New Balance 2002r	New Balance 990
Launched in	2010	1982
Stability	Stable	Highly Stable
Flexibility	Moderately Flexible	Highly Flexible
Sizing	8-16.5 Unisex	7-16 for Men5-13 for Women
Weight	14.5 oz.	11-13 oz.
Cushion	Cushioned	Moderately Cushioned
Outsole	Rubber	Rubber
Insole	Foam	OrthoLite
Midsole	Abzorb, N-ergy	ENCAP, EVA, FuelCell
Upper	Leather/ suede/ mesh/ Pigskin	Suede/ Mesh/ Pigskin
Retail Price	$130-$169	$89-$199

New Balance 2002r Vs 990: Good, Bad, and the Worst:

So, to make it easier for you to decide between the 2002R and 990, we’ve compiled all the relevant information regarding their features and design to help you pick the ideal one.

1) Comfort:

As far as comfort and cushioning go, you will be satisfied that both the 990 and 2002r are phenomenal. The New Balance 2002R has an ABZORB midsole, ABZORB SBS heel cushioning, and an N-ergy outsole which provides a comfortable underfoot feel with just the required bounce without feeling squishy.

In addition, their breathability and comfort are enhanced by their lightweight and perforated design with mesh fabric. The perforations allow sufficient air to pass through the shoes, allowing them to be worn easily throughout the day in hot conditions.

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On the other hand, the upper of the 990 is made of a mix of materials that has structural overlays and tonal laces which is a perfect example of how fashion and comfort can go well together.

This sneaker has an exceptionally light feel on the feet while having a well-overlaid top and a little thicker fuel Cell midsole; as a result, walking in them for long periods will be an ultimate pleasure.

Generally speaking, the 990 and the 2002r are extremely similar in terms of under-foot comfort. Both are soft and supportive, but the exception is the 2002R model also has improved padding under the heel.

Also, Check Out our Comparison On NB 608 VS 623

2) Popularity:

Since its debut 40 years ago, the New Balance 990 series has been regarded as the company’s best-selling globally. Celebrities and Street style enthusiasts like “Adam Sandler, Steve Jobs,” Hilary Duff,” Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and many others have also worn and preferred the 990 models.

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Moreover, BBC, Forbes, and other media platforms have featured this series of NB in their news and magazines. Also, 990 is well appreciated by fashion-forward rappers, sneakerheads, and runway models.

Alternatively, based on the popularity of the 990 series, the brand maintains the dad-shoe appearance in 2002R while being more reasonably priced. For this reason, “thisisneverthat”, “Joe Freshgoods”, “Salehe Bembury”, “J.Crew”, and other designers decided to collaborate with the brand for the launch of 2002R.

3) Running:

The New Balance 990 and 2002R are running-inspired sneakers, although they are more suited and intended for everyday use. Both of these models will not provide you with enough support and motion control required for running. Even though it’s not made to be running or performance footwear, it will keep your feet comfortable as you go for slow running wearing them.  

4) Walking:

We have observed that the 2002r and 990 are quite versatile for a wide variety of uses, including standing, walking, and daily activities.

We also recommend these shoes to fitness walkers who require greater cushioning and stability and would benefit most from the stable ride and firmness of both of these shoes. 

You Can Also Read: New Balance 408 VS 530: What Should I Buy?

5) Flat Feet:

New Balance made its shoes for people with different foot shapes and issues, especially low arches. Both of these models will not irritate your flat feet but the New Balance 2002r does not fit too narrow or too wide, these shoes have a very regular width. 

As most people with flat feet need more space in the shoes and apply pressure on their toes so 990 has a wider fit and the upper material is very lightweight which forms easily to the shape of your foot, so it is the New Balance 990 which is preferable in this regard.

6) Design:

The New Balance 990 doesn’t have a flashy appearance to stand out it has a timeless athletic vibe due to its tried-and-true construction and design. This footwear by NB is lightweight, has a strong sole, and is cushioned enough to wear all day long. For a more streamlined and sporty appearance, the upper has pigskin and synthetic overlays to run continuously from heel to toe across the mesh underlay. In addition, the 990’s refined modernization gives a sophisticated ultimate experience. 

The New Balance 990 will be your best selection for walking and daily activities if you like to wear shoes with a lot of cushioning and support that still feel light on your feet.

Alternatively, the style of 2002R offers a ready-to-wear version of a sleek, technical design. This model maintained the original aesthetic of its predecessor 2002 while incorporating modifications to make it more comfortable and inexpensive for modern wear. This sneaker provides dependable arch support and stability for daily activities. 

With the benefits offered by the New Balance 2002R, you can rest assured that you will be able to walk steadily and it will work even well for people who suffer from foot issues.

All in all, it’s perfect for people who like the look of old-school dad shoes and want something they can wear all day.

Also Check Out: New Balance 409 VS 608: What Should I Buy?

What do customers think?

New Balance: a name synonymous with quality and timeless style. But when it comes to choosing between the iconic 2002r and the legendary 990, the decision can get tricky.

Many people argue that the New Balance 2002R is a winner in the field of retro sneakers and that its design is reflective of the NB 990, which hits a historically perfect balance that is appropriate for the dad sneaker trend of today. 

A few sneaker experts consider the 2002r to be one of New Balance’s most comfortable lifestyle sneakers. Customers are amazed by its all-day comfort due to its optimal level of cushioning, and there are reviews about people claiming that they were able to take long walks in this pair. 

However, some sneaker fans claim that the New Balance 2002R is not exactly a lifestyle sneaker that you can wear every day and a few of them said that after some time of use, the suede top did not hold up well.  Some users also noted that the mesh material began to develop holes and show signs of wear after daily use.

Alternately, people adored that the New Balance 990 has a well-cushioned foam insole that contributes significantly to underfoot comfort and is easily removable to accommodate custom orthotics when needed.

In addition, many people agree that this model employs premium materials and technologies to make your city walks as comfortable as possible, those same reviewers also commented on how excellent the step-in comfort was. 

Some reviewers with significant foot and ankle swelling remark that this is the only sneaker from the company that has not caused them any problems.  

Moreover, reporters observed that the shoe’s padded tongue and collar increased stability, particularly around the ankle whereas others reported that even with the extra material of these shoes still the upper felt light and airy, earning a top score for comfort.

Conclusion: Which Is Better For You?

The New Balance 2002R and 990 series are one of the signature shoes in their huge collection, in the end, it will come down to each person’s choice. 

The New Balance 2002r is one of the best shoes for everyday wear that you can buy due to its comfort whereas the New Balance 990 shoes are more durable as they incorporated thicker materials.

I would say that the 2002r is the ideal complement to any casual outfit, and it will be a great alternative to the 990s if you like their design but want something unique or more within budget. 

Also, go for New Balance 990 if you have flat feet and need shoes for long hours of standing and you can choose 2002r if there is no issue with your foot arch.

That wraps up our comparison, these were all the differences between these two options, so I hope that this article has helped you make the final decision.