Our verdict

The 991 v2 is here to improve an already wonderful design. With now a lighter, more durable and more breathable structure, we just couldn't get enough of it. It features top-quality materials in a super trendy 90s runner construction that looks good with pretty much anything. The best part is that its comfort levels are also over the top, which, added to its breathability, makes it perfect for running daily tasks non-stop. Even though these trainers are definitely expensive, our wear and lab tests agree on them being worth every penny!

New Balance Logo M Bag Pros

  • Really comfortable
  • Premium quality
  • High-end materials
  • Super breathable
  • Durable design
  • Very stylish
  • Attention to detail
  • Fantastic traction

New Balance Logo M Bag Cons

  • Pricey
  • Todd Snyder x New Balance Love 997

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Who should buy

The 991 v2 should be the next main element of your OOTD if:

  • You're looking for something really comfortable and durable to run errands all day every day.
  • You settle for nothing but the best quality regarding not only design but also materials.
  • Buty new balance 327.
  • You're a retro lover and the 90s vibes of this former runner make your heart melt.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch_outdoor_02

Who should NOT buy

The 991 v2 isn't here to make you believe in crazy price drop fairytales: it keeps the same steep price as the previous version. We believe its premium materials are totally worth it, yet we can see some people taking a step back when they check these trainers' price tag. If you're looking for a cheaper pair and you are a New Balance lover, you might find this selection interesting.

This is a Made in UK pair. If you want to check the Made in USA models we have reviewed so far, mens new balance unisex pro court silvergrey silvergrey proctseh! They are also premium quality and incredibly trendy nowadays. Don't miss out!

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch-pieces

Cushioning

Heel stack

Even at first sight, it's easy to say that the 991 v2 is a cushioned shoe. We felt really comfortable during our wear tests, and our calliper confirmed it in the lab when it returned 35.2 mm. This New Balance pair is taller than average, which translates into great shock absorption and impact protection.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Heel stack-1

Test results
991 v2 35.2 mm
Average 30.3 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot follows the same example, as it's also higher than average. At 19.6 mm, we enjoyed this shoe's cushioning during our walks, as it completely erased the harsh urban surfaces underneath.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Forefoot stack-1

Test results
991 v2 19.6 mm
Average 19.2 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

Even though both the rearfoot and the forefoot stacks of this New Balance are higher than average, the heel still comes on top. After doing our maths, we saw the 991 v2's drop goes all the way up to 15.6 mm.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Drop-

Test results
991 v2 15.6 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low hombre measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The 991 v2 features a full-length FuelCell midsole that returned a rather firm score when we pressed our hombre against it. At 31.0 HA, we can't say this New Balance felt like a couple of clouds, but it kept our feet comfortable at all times.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Midsole softness-1

New Balance Logo M Bag De New Balance USA is een klassiek model van, this second version is not that plush, but we felt an extra touch of stability during our long walks: this update features the classic ABZORB SBS pods and ENCAP cushioning.

Test results
991 v2 31.0 HA
Average 29.0 HA
new balance hs77 dragon boat festival custom by zhijun wang.
Compared to 72 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Insole thickness

At 5.0 mm, our calliper indicated the thickness of this insole is just average. But we aren't complaining, though! It felt cushy and comfortable, and that's what matters.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Insole thickness-1

Test results
991 v2 5.0 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

New Balance Logo M Bag | Size

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Cechy New balance 570 V2 Xialing?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large

Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 Steel Blue at Foot Patrol

Our standard feet didn't feel like the 991 v2 was too tight on the toe area. To verify it, we conducted our gel test, where we create a mould of the shoe and measure it with our calliper.

At 93.0 mm, we can't say wide-feet sneakerheads will find their perfect match on this New Balance.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 Steel Blue at Foot Patrol-1

Test results
991 v2 93.0 mm
Average 92.1 mm
Compared to 8 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
88.2 mm
Ronnie Fieg x New Balance 999 Steel Blue at Foot Patrol
94.3 mm

trainers new balance wl574lx2 navy blue

The good news is that this shoe doesn't taper like crazy. Our calliper returned 70.0 mm, which felt just nice on our standard-width feet.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch trainers new balance wl574lx2 navy blue-1 

Test results
991 v2 70.0 mm
Average 69.8 mm
Compared to 8 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
61.9 mm
trainers new balance wl574lx2 navy blue
72.8 mm

Toebox height

We can't say the 991 v2 has a spacious fit, but our calliper returned 29.0 mm when we measured the toebox height. This, added to the stretchy mesh of the upper, offered us enough space to feel comfortable during our walks.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Toebox height-1

Test results
991 v2 29.0 mm
Average 27.5 mm
Compared to 8 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
23.0 mm
Toebox height
35.0 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

We felt pretty stable with this shoe during our wear tests. Even though the 991 v2 doesn't feature any specific stability technologies, our feet felt safe and balanced. After all, we're talking about a former runner, and it shows!

New Balance Logo M Bag | Torsional rigidity

This New Balance's midsole didn't let us really twist the shoe. Our thumbs had such a hard time with this that we decided to give the 991 v2 a 4/5 on our torsional rigidity test. Undoubtedly, this added some extra points on stability.

Test results
991 v2 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Concepts x New Balance 575 M80

Hombres New Balance XRCT Workwear Cobalt Blue 991 v1, the 991 v2 scored a 2/5 on our heel counter stiffness test. We were actually pretty happy about this change, as it added extra points on comfort. This might also mean some loss of support, but former New Balance RC Elite SI Stone Island TDS!

Test results
991 v2 2
Average 3.2
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
1
Concepts x New Balance 575 M80
5

In esclusiva per ASOS New Balance Gonna a pieghe blu navy

One of the changes that we liked the most on this newest version is that it features a wider midsole. At 110.9 mm, our calliper indicated that it's not only wider than the v1's (107.9 mm) but also wider than average.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch In esclusiva per ASOS New Balance Gonna a pieghe blu navy-1

This provided us with a wider platform every time we landed, which felt great during our walks as it enhanced the overall stability.

Test results
991 v2 110.9 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
95.1 mm
In esclusiva per ASOS New Balance Gonna a pieghe blu navy
121.0 mm

Tecnologias New balance Hanzo R V3 Running Shoes

The midsole at the heel follows the same path. Our calliper returned 87.0 mm, which is way higher than average. This provided us with plenty of space, and we really appreciated it when we had been walking for hours, as feet tend to get swollen.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Tecnologias New balance Hanzo R V3 Running Shoes-1

Test results
991 v2 87.0 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
67.7 mm
Tecnologias New balance Hanzo R V3 Running Shoes
103.1 mm

New Balance Zapatillas Clavos UMD8 v6

Just like the previous iteration, the v2's midsole gets in the way when it comes to flexibility. Its dense composition makes the 991 stiffer than the average sneaker, as our tread gauge returned 30.4N when we pushed the shoe all the way up to 90 degrees.

This means that the 991 v2 might need a little bit of a warm-up to start following your feet moves closely. Even so, the ride is not as natural as the one we felt with other models of this same brand, such as the NB 530 (needed 17.8N on this same test), for example. Once again, and just like the v1, this stiffness comes in handy for people with foot conditions, as it prevents excessive foot flexion.

Test results
991 v2 30.4N
Average 23.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
5.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
51.8N

Weight

The second key point where we actually see a massive improvement in the 991 line is regarding weight. We could already tell this second version felt lighter on foot, but you know we always turn our ideas into numbers, so we grabbed our scale and put the shoe on it.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Weight-1

It returned 13.93 oz/395g, which is an average score. The thing is that the v2 is a whole 9% lighter than the v1, which stands at 15.31 oz/434g. Even though this might not sound like much, trust us, your feel will start to feel it after a couple of hours walking in this pair.

The best part of it all? That the durable upper and high-quality materials of this premium pair do not mean a heavier weight!

Test results
991 v2 13.93 oz (395g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

With the v1 earning a 5/5 on our breathability test, we had high expectations for the v2. And they were met! When we cut its upper in half, we noticed the light could easily shine through the mesh of its toebox.

This was great news, as it anticipated wonderful results regarding breathability. Our smoke machine confirmed it, look!

Thanks to our microscope, we could see the reason why. The 991 v2's material has big ventilation gaps. It reminds us of the 991 v1's, as it also features a second layer underneath.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Breathability-2

All this just makes the perfect cocktail for the 991 v2 to get a perfect 5/5 on our breathability test. This makes the shoe perfect for any summer adventure, and the fact that its design sweetly balances a breathable forefoot with a structure rearfoot (even though it's made using the same mesh) just proves how much of a quality pair it is!

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Breathability-3

Test results
991 v2 5
Average 3.1
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

As expected from a premium model, it features premium materials. Even though we burned the suede of its rearfoot, there was no flame and no sticky mess as a result. Consequently, we can confidently say the 991 v2 features authentic suede.

Test results
991 v2 Real leather

Toebox durability

Great breathability usually comes with low durability, yet this New Balance is ready to be the exception to the rule. We always place our Dremel in the very same spot, and the thing is that this model features a bigger protective layer around the toebox.

As you can see, the tool barely touches the mesh, as the top suede material shields it from the abrasive tool. This achievement alone has made us give the 991 v2 a solid 4/5 on our toebox durability test, which is a huge step ahead from the 1/5 the previous version scored on this same test.

Test results
991 v2 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
1
Toebox durability
5

New Balance Logo M Bag

We were pretty happy to see the heel didn't back down. It faced the Dremel bravely, earning another wonderful 4/5 on durability. Even though the tool rolled at 5K RPM and with 2N of force, it was not enough to make this supposedly more fragile part break down.

Test results
991 v2 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
1
New Balance Logo M Bag
5

Outsole hardness

When we turned this shoe upside down, we were welcomed by the brand's wonderful NDurance rubber compound. When we pressed our hombre against it, it returned 88.0N, which is higher than average.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Outsole hardness-2

This indicates that the outer rubber focuses on durability. But there's a lighter and inner compound that we found was not as hard. At 82.5 HC, the rubber hugging the FuelCell technology is softer, creating a comfortable balance on every step.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Outsole hardness-1

Test results
991 v2 82.5 HC
Average 85.6 HC
new balance hs77 dragon boat festival custom by zhijun wang.
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
92.0 HC

Outsole durability

At 10K RPM and with 2N of force, our Dremel tried to destroy the 991 v2's outsole. Once the time was up, we measured the dent left by the tool, which went all the way up to 1.0 mm.

It's an average result, so we expect this New Balance pair to last for a while before any worrying signs of wear appear on its rubber.

Test results
991 v2 1.0 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 88 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

As the compound used is durable enough, New Balance didn't need to go for a big piece of rubber in order to make the outsole last. Our calliper returned 5.2 mm, which is just slightly lower than average. But after our Dremel test, we're not worried at all!

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Outsole thickness-1

Test results
991 v2 5.2 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

We walked for hours with this shoe around our city, and its runner soul tagged along in every step of the way. Why? Well, because the traction levels were just on point. We can't say this pair bites the floor like a hungry pup, yet the grip it offered was enough for us to feel safe and happy.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch_outdoor_04

The pattern is slightly similar to the v1's... just like a distant cousin! It also features multiple flex grooves that allowed our feet to move more freely, as they added some flexibility to the shoe. The big longitudinal gap does pretty much the same, apart from reducing the overall weight!

Price

A premium shoe with premium materials and... a premium price. Just like the previous iteration, the 991 v2 has nothing to do with some new balance 393 bleu jeans. You need to be ready to make the investment, and after our detailed analysis, we can say we believe it's worth the money. This stylish long-lasting pair looks good with pretty much anything, as its aesthetics are really trendy nowadays. But that's not all: its overall design is also made to last!

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch_outdoor_011

Test results
991 v2 $249.99
Compared to 112 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
£60
Price
£240

Reflective elements

As expected from a pair of trainers with this price tag, the 991 v2 features reflective elements all over its upper. You can see the shoe shine no matter where you are! From the top:

Ténis New Balance 373 v2New Balance 373 v2 Winter Fashion cinzento branco castanho:

And even from the back!

Test results
991 v2 Yes

Tongue padding

Even though the v2 is lighter than the v1, it features a thicker tongue, improving the overall comfort levels.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch Tongue padding-1

With a solid layer of foam that reaches 12.3 mm, we absolutely forgot about any kind of lace bite. This pillowy piece comes alongside strategically padded interiors that focus on the mid and rearfoot. All in all, this New Balance offers the best of both worlds: a well-ventilated toebox and a padded heel.

Test results
991 v2 12.3 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 89 trainers
New Balance 237 Nb Beige Brown White Men Unisex Casual
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Heel tab

Following the retro aesthetics and 90's vibes, the 991 v2 doesn't have a heel tab. It keeps a clean touch with the name of the version and its lovely suede and leather accents.

homme new balance 247 tarnishfaded birch tarnishfaded birch_outdoor_017

Test results
991 v2 None

Removable insole

As a master of insoles, New Balance added perforations and containing walls to the one this shoe features. As if that wasn't enough for us to love it, the brand also made sure it was removable!

Test results
991 v2 Yes