New Balance 2002 vs. 2002R vs. 993 vs. 990v6: Differences and Reviews 2024

New Balance 2002R Review

• 1st Release Year: 2010

• Made in Asia

• Official Price: $144.99

The New Balance 2002R is a re-imagined version of the original 2002 model, released as part of the brand's top-tier running line in 2010.The original 2010 version was a luxury running shoe made in the US and sold for $250. It was not popular at first due to its high price.The ‘Dad Shoe’ movement of the late 2010s kicked in and shone some light on NB’s historically chunky designs. The 860v2 from 2010 came back in 2019, and its modest popularity proved promising.Fuelled by the potential of their archival styles to turn ironic sneaker style into a serious movement, the brand revived the 2002 – now with an R suffix – under NB’s lifestyle category at a palatable $130 retail. 

New Balance 2002R sneakers were introduced in 2020 with improved features and qualities. These sneakers use better technological advancements, materials, and features for users to lead an active life comfortably. They provide proper protection and keep your feet cold. These sneakers remind sneaker lovers of the old version while offering a new and trendy look. 

Building on the success of the 990 line, the 2002R carries over the dad-shoe aesthetic with additional comfort granted by the N-ergy and ABZORB midsole. This has made it the choice sneaker for collaborators like thisisneverthat, Joe Freshgoods, Salehe Bembury, J.Crew and Bape.Made with premium materials and ample amount of cushioning, support, and shock absorption, these shoes keep you ready for anything. The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a smashing combo of cushioning and compression resistance for a smooth ride. Finish off your everyday look with the New Balance 2002R.If you like the look of the 990s yet want something less ubiquitous, consider the 2002R.

New Balance 2002 vs. 2002R: What's the Differences?

Manufacturing: 2002 is manufactured in the US, while 2002R is manufactured in Asia.

Design & Style: The 2002R boasts a sleeker and more streamlined silhouette compared to the original 2002. This updated design offers a more casual and comfortable feel, making the 2002R perfect for everyday errands, walks, or light workouts.

Features and Qualities: The 2002R snakers use better technological advancements, materials, and features for users to lead an active life comfortably. The 2002R model is equipped with a new and advanced cushioning technology that provides instant response against accidents. 

Performance: The 2002R features a functional and lightweight sole unit, which offers improved performance and responsiveness. Additionally, the manufacturing process has been optimized, resulting in a more affordable price tag compared to the 2002.

New Balance 2002R Pros and Cons

Where to Buy New Balance 2002R?

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New Balance 993 Review

• 1st Release Year: 2008

• Made in USA

• Official Price: $199.99-$219.99

Originally introduced in 2008, the 993 combined elements of the two previous 99X series models, the 991 and 992, into one, streamlined design.A favorite from the legendary 990 series, the 993 features responsive cushioning and premium materials ready for a run or all-day wear.

The New Balance 993 approaches closer to crafted perfection with the incorporation of new technologies including an ACTEVA midsole for unbelievable comfort and DTS in the heel to provide a softer heel strike. The big addition was ABZORB DTS, or ‘Dynamic Transitioning System’, a new form of cushioning that utilised ABZORB foam together with the SBS elastomer to target different areas with support and stability. The upper underwent a few minor tweaks, including the addition of an elegant ‘993’ stamp on the heel.Despite its bulky appearance, the 993 is surprisingly lightweight, though not as light as, say, the average pair of running shoes. 

The New Balance 993 shoes are almost like slippers with their all-around softness and require little to no break-in straight out of the box. The padded suede-and-mesh upper feels like pillows on your feet as you move around and the overstuffed tongue adds extra cushioning without being obstructive. They're a sturdy, simple shoe fit for any situation—walks at the park, running errands, hangouts with friends—and they're soft enough to want to prioritize wearing. These are built to take a beating.

New Balance 993 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy New Balance 993?

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New Balance 990v6 Review

• 1st Release Year: 2008

• Made in USA

• Official Price: $199.99

At first glance, the v6 looks similar to its predecessor with the chunky, multi-layered look we’ve come to expect.Like its immediate predecessor, the v6 adopts a sporty aesthetic, indulging in a slimmer shape and more angular lines than past New Balance shoes.However,The New Balance also made a series of performance-inspired updates.

For starters, there’s the contrast piping around the “N” logo, a detail that hasn’t been around since the V3.While the V3 through V5 all sit on a relatively similar sole unit, the V6 rides on one chunkier than any 990 before it. The upper dispenses with the standard midfoot saddle, allowing the pigskin and synthetic overlays to flow from heel to toe across the mesh underlay, for a speedy, streamlined look. Furthermore, a first-look at the shoe reveals an inaugural greyscale colorway, which has become customary of many new models from the brand.

The main difference between the New Balance 990v6 and previous versions is the chunky midsole that sits underfoot. Opting for a more contoured look, the sole unit boasts a curvier appearance, and appears to ditch the silhouette’s typical ENCAP branding for the brand’s FuelCell foam, which brings the pair more in-line with the imprint’s performance running range. With the V6, New Balance has seemingly addressed the market’s aesthetic adjustment accordingly.But the shoe’s new chunky look isn’t for everyone, and the pair has left 990 fans feeling divided on the bulkier aesthetic. 

New Balance 990v6 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy New Balance 990v6?

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New Balance 2002R vs. 993 vs. 990v6: Comparison Side By Side

1. The Upper

New Balance 2002R - The shoe is made with breathable leather/suede/mesh uppers. While the purpose of the suede overlays is to add durability and style, its suede overlay did not hold well after several uses. Also, those who used the shoe for moderate daily wear complained that the mesh material started to develop holes too. Some reported signs of wear after only a few weeks of using the shoes.

New Balance 993 - New Balance 993  shoes feature uppers that are made from 50% mesh and 50% synthetic pigskin.A mesh base with leather and suede paneling on the toe, sides, and heel, as well as a stitched-on “N” emblem, make up the upper.

New Balance 990v6 - One of the most noticeable changes from the previous model is the upper. The standard midfoot saddle has been dispensed with, allowing the pigskin and synthetic overlays to flow from heel to toe across the mesh underlay. There are reflective elements that can be found on the “N” lettermark and below the collar. To complement the reflective elements, metallic finishing is applied to the 990 logos at the rear of the sneaker and on the tongue’s branding while the V6 is done in a curvy font in red. Alongside the suede, most of the rest of the upper is a polyester blend. Elsewhere on the upper, plastic panels on the tongue and heel cap are just that – plastic – but they have a bit step up compared to previous models.

2. The Midsole

New Balance 2002R - The ABZORB cushioning technology found on the midsole offers a springy feel for maximized comfort and stability.The visible N-ergy technology, which effectively absorbs shock, is seen on the lateral side of the back heel and pretty much looks like the popular Nike Shox.On top of that, it uses a very well-padded foam insole which contributed to the underfoot comfort. It can be easily removable to fit in your custom orthotics if needed.

New Balance 993 - 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.

New Balance 990v6 - The New Balance 990v6 midsole gets a complete revamp. New Balance used three different types of EVA foam represented by the three different colors. New Balance has given the sneaker a chunkier, textured midsole with a much taller stack height. In terms of design, the forefoot is given much smoother lines while the grey Encap heel sports more aggressive, sharper lines.FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward.

3. The Outsole

New Balance 2002R - The N-ergy outsole provides superior shock absorption, and Stability Web outsole technology ensures added arch support for a stable and secure fit.

New Balance 993 - The outsole of the 993 has a full-length rubber out sole and features an Ndurance rubber heel. This provides excellent traction and shock absorption, as well as being durable, which means runners should find that these shoes last a while if properly taken care of.

New Balance 990v6 - Thick rubber panels make up the majority of the outsole.The outsole is much more classic New Balance. Thick rubber with minimal cut outs shows that this was still designed with durability in mind.

4. Fit and Sizing

New Balance 2002R - The New Balance 2002R is known to fit true to size. This means you should go with your normal shoe size when purchasing a pair. The 2002R isn’t considered particularly wide or narrow, so unless you have very wide feet, you should find that your usual shoe size fits perfectly.

New Balance 993 - You’ll get a great snug fit in New Balance 993 if you would go true to size. However, for the wide-footed sneakerheads, most reviews recommend getting it half a size up as the forefoot feels a tad too snug to their liking.

New Balance 990v6 - The New Balance 990 v6 has a surprisingly good last.These new 990s are shaped much more like a normal foot.Even better, they come in a number of different widths. The heavy padding also makes the shoes pretty accommodating if you’re in between sizes. 

Comparison Table

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider your activity level, comfort requirements, and budget before making your final decision.

Who should buy the New Balance 200R?

This running-inspired sneaker is perfect for those who:

• prefer the old-schoolish dad-shoe vibe in their footwear.
  

• are looking for a lifestyle shoe that provides arch support.
  

• need an NB shoe that they can wear all day long.
  

• want a sneaker that feels airy when worn.
  

However, the 2002R is heavier than the 990 and 993, and it may not be suitable for those who are looking for a lightweight running shoe.

Who should buy the New Balance 993?

The New Balance 993 is very similar to 990.They’re both neutral shoes that are ideal for daily training but weigh a little too much to be effective for racing.If you’re looking for a little more cushioning, then it would be worth it to get the 993.However, if you want a shoe that’s slightly lighter and not as soft, the 990 would be the better choice.

Who should buy the New Balance 990v6?

• Dad shoe lovers who want that modern twist to the classic retro vibe of members of the New Balance 990 series.

• Runners and walkers who want a pair of kicks that they can take for casual strolls without giving up the forward propulsion that they love in their trainers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are New Balance 2002R good quality?

The New Balance 2002R is a very capable shoe that will transfer a feeling of confidence to you the moment you put them on. You can easily sprint at a moment's notice with them and don't have to worry about your footwear not being up to the challenge.

What does 2002R mean?

The shoe was originally known as the “2002,” and the “R” was added to the current version to indicate that it is a “retro” model. 

When did the new Balance 2002R come out?

The New Balance 2002R is a re-imagined version of the original 2002 model, released as part of the brand's top-tier running line in 2010.

Is the New Balance 2002R waterproof?

Yes. This pair is beefed up with waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex so you can wear them in almost any conditions.

Who is the designer of New Balance 2002R?

Tetsuya Shono.

Do New Balance 2002R run small?

Generally speaking, the New Balance 2002R fits half size small. It's built with extra padding in the collars and inner midfoot walls, so they give a snug fit. If you have narrow feet, then going true to size shouldn't be a problem.

Is the New Balance 2002R a stability shoe?

While the 2002R offers good stability, it's not designed for severe overpronation. If you need maximum stability, consider other New Balance models like the 1080 or 860. The 2002R is a responsive shoe, but the stability features may add a slight amount of stiffness.

Why is 2002R so expensive?

Producing premium sneakers like the 2002R comes with significant manufacturing costs. Attention to detail, specialized materials, and skilled labor all play a role in the final price.

Where are 2002R made?

The sneaker is manufactured in Asia. 

Is 2002R good for walking?

You can easily sprint at a moment's notice with them and don't have to worry about your footwear not being up to the challenge. Wear them for walking, running, or any job where you'll be on your feet all day and they won't let you down.

Is the 2002R good for wide feet?

The New Balance 2002R offers a slightly snug feel in its default size, especially around the toes and midfoot. Therefore, if you have a wider foot, consider going up half a size or opting for a wider fit.

What year did New Balance 993 come out?

First introduced in 2008 and the final model to be included in the 99X line, the 993 mixes elements from the New Balance 991 and New Balance 992 while adding enhanced cushioning for a modern-day feel.

Is the New Balance 993 a stability shoe?

The New Balance 993 is often touted as one of the best stabilizing running shoes on the market.One reason the New Balance 993 excels in terms of stability is its unique midfoot segmentation. This feature allows for a greater degree of flexibility and adaptability to various foot types.

How long does New Balance 993 last?

About 300 miles.

Can I run in New Balance 993?

Yes.

【Read More】

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