New Balance WP11507BK | Our verdict

The Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey is an updated spin on a 70s model called the UXC72V1. It maintains the original retro-futurist look while ticking the boxes of what we expect from an excellent modern sneaker. The firm yet supportive midsole delivers a ride that we found to be extremely smooth and stable as we tested the shoe around town. What's more, the generously padded and luxurious interior kept us feeling as good as we looked in these fly kicks that will surely amp up any ensemble. There really isn't much for us to complain about with this shoe.

New Balance WP11507BK Pros

  • Unique aesthetic
  • SNEAKERS comfort
  • Excellent quality
  • Grippy outsole
  • Well-cushioned
  • New Balance 565 Series WL565GCA
  • Eye-catching hues
  • Great for all-day wear
  • Reliable lockdown
  • Perfect finish

New Balance WP11507BK Cons

  • Кроссовки new balance детские 28 р
  • Sneakers NEW BALANCE GM500RE1 Blanc

Who should buy

New Balance M992GG Navy 25.5cm:

  • Sneakerheads in the market for a revamped classic from New Balance with a cool retro-futurist look
  • стильные кроссовки new balance 2002r black fig
  • Those who prefer trainers with SNEAKERS traction
  • Fashion-minded individuals looking for a versatile, sporty/trendy kick that can be paired with many outfits
  • New Balance Chaussures Trail Running FuelCore Nitrel v4 Junior Large

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Who should NOT buy

While the XC72's narrow midsole helps keep weight off the shoe and contributes to its agile silhouette, it may prove a little too constrictive for those with broad feet. We recommend the NB 1906R as an alternative with a wider platform and a similar "blast from the past" appeal. 

We found that despite its strong rearfoot lockdown, our heel would rub against the XC72's stiff counter leading to discomfort over time, especially when we were in thin socks or went sockless entirely. We recommend the NB 327 with its more forgiving heel counter instead for those prone to blisters in that part of the foot. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey beabdfb

Cushioning

Heel stack

At 34.8 mm thick according to our calliper measurements, the XC72's heel stack is higher than our current lab average. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Heel stack

This leaves us with a generous amount of foam underfoot that keeps our heel elevated and adequately protected from impact as we test the shoe. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Heel stack 2
Test results
XC72 34.8 mm
Average 30.2 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

The XC72's forefoot stack is also higher than average with our caliper measuring it at 23.8 mm thick. This robust stack provides great cushioning that allows us to be on our feet for extended periods without paying for it later in the form of achy joints and sore feet. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Forefoot stack
Test results
XC72 23.8 mm
Average 19.2 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

The difference in our stack measurements leaves us with a drop height of 11 mm which puts the XC72 on par with the average sneaker.

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Drop

This feels quite comfortable and natural underfoot as the elevated heel provides protective landings and smooth transitions to the forefoot that propel us forward. 

Test results
XC72 11.0 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

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

We pressed our durometer against the XC72's midsole foam and got a rather firm reading of 33.6 HA. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Midsole softness

However, the shoe's high stack means that we're still able to savour the XC72's cushioning despite the fact that the foam doesn't compress very much under our weight. As such, we enjoyed great impact dampening while testing this shoe with a ride that feels quite stable rather than squishy. 

Test results
XC72 33.6 HA
Average 29.1 HA
Tecnologias New balance T-shirt Sans Manches Impact Run Printed.
Compared to 76 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Insole thickness

At 4.8 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the XC72's insole is just shy of our current lab average. However, it still provides us with a nicely cushy footbed and good arch support that somewhat offsets the firm midsole as we test the shoe. 

Test results
XC72 4.8 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey is half size large (13 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 110 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

New Balance 2002R Good Vibes Pack GreenM2002RGZ

While its platform is quite narrow, the XC72's toebox is surprisingly roomy. We measured it at a whopping 111.2 mm wide at its widest point, leaving our lab average in the dust. This means that it should provide a comfy fit for most foot shapes although, as previously mentioned, the narrow midsole means that those with broad feet will likely feel constricted within the shoe. 

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Test results
XC72 102.9 mm
Average 99.0 mm
Compared to 84 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
91.3 mm
New Balance 2002R Good Vibes Pack GreenM2002RGZ
105.3 mm

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New Balance 2002R Mule Bryant Giles What Now.

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Toebox width at the big toe

We therefore had no issues with hotspots or blisters as our toes had plenty of room to play out as we sautered about town. 

Test results
XC72 75.8 mm
Average 75.0 mm
Compared to 83 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
65.7 mm
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83.0 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

While shoes with high stacks tend to feel rather wobbly, the XC72 bucks that trend by feeling extremely well-planted as we shift our weight from side to side. Apart from the sturdy midsole, several factors play a part in the shoe's stable ride which we'll explore in the next sections. 

Torsional rigidity

The XC72 puts up a mild level of resistance as we bend and twist the shoe in our hands, earning it a torsional rigidity score of 3 out of 5 on our subjective scale. This provides us with a mix of comfort and stability as the shoe is able to conform to the natural contortions of our foot to a certain extent while still providing a relatively level base.

Test results
XC72 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Kestävä New balance Fuelcell Prism Running Shoes

The shoe's reinforced plastic heel cup is rather stiff, leading us to give it a score of 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. This level of stiffness combined with the shape of the heel cup gives us an excellent rearfoot lockdown that mitigates any excessive lateral movements. That said, we did find that our heels were rubbing against the stiff counter which was quite uncomfortable when we had thin socks on. We therefore don't recommend going sockless in this sneaker. 

Test results
XC72 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
1
Kestävä New balance Fuelcell Prism Running Shoes
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Using our calliper, we measured the XC72's midsole to be 102.9 mm wide at the forefoot.

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Midsole width in the forefoot

This is considerably narrower than average but, thanks to the features we just discussed, this doesn't hamper the shoe's stability very much. Instead, it lends the shoe a sleek look that's key to its nimble nature and aesthetic charm. However, it does mean that this shoe doesn't boast much of a platform for those with wide feet. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
XC72 102.9 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

Midsole width - heel

The midsole is also significantly narrower than average at the heel, measuring only 75.8 mm wide. This also wasn't too much of an issue during testing, with the squared outer edge giving us a good surface area of grippy lugs underfoot to dig into the ground with every landing. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Midsole width in the heel
Test results
XC72 75.8 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
67.7 mm
Midsole width - heel
103.1 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

We secured the XC72 to our workbench and found that 28.4N of force is required to bend the shoe 90 degrees, making it stiffer than the average sneaker. As such, the shoe actively resists the natural movement of our foot during our stride which, on the one hand, sacrifices some level of comfort.

On the other hand, however, this further contributes to the shoe's stable ride which makes it a supportive choice for those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis that are exacerbated by excessive flexion. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Stiffness
Test results
XC72 28.4N
Average 23.4N
11374 vip New Balance 574.
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
5.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
51.8N

Weight

Weighing in at 14.5 oz (410g), the XC72 is marginally heavier than our current lab average.

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That said, it sits rather comfortably on our foot and feels lighter than the scale implies. This is thanks in big part to the shoe's aerodynamic silhouette as well as the midsole's toe rocker which helps with smooth transitions and gives our strides a little extra liveliness and a nice fleet-footed sensation. 

Test results
XC72 14.46 oz (410g)
Average 13.76 oz (390g)
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

To test the breathability of the XC72, we pumped the shoe full of smoke in order to see how easily it filters through the upper. As we can see, the tongue quickly lets out a slow but steady stream until, eventually, smoke starts seeping through the mesh sections at the toebox and sides of the shoe as well. While this is somewhat better than expected from a shoe with a mostly suede upper, it earns the XC72 a middle-of-the-road breathability score of 3 out of 5. This means that the shoe does boast a fair amount of airflow but will still feel rather toasty on hot days. 

The areas of ventilation are further illuminated when we inspect a backlit cross-section of the shoe and see that the light shines through the tongue quite easily and is just about visible under the mesh sections. The suede portions of the upper, however, block out the light entirely. 

Turning to our microscope image of the mesh portion of the upper, we can see how many gaps there are that promote good airflow through the shoe. Apart from allowing some heat to escape, it means that the shoe shouldn't develop a funky odour over time. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Breathability

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Breathability
Test results
XC72 3
Average 3
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

To test the quality of the pigskin suede, we turn to our trusty blowtorch and give it a good scorching. From how it gets singed and flakes away as we scratch at it with our awl, we can safely conclude that it's genuine. As an added bonus, being a chrome-free suede makes it a more environmentally correct sneaker choice. 

Conversely, the N overlay on the side of the shoe quickly talla upon contact with the flame and catches fire; with its burnt remains oozing as we poke at it with our awl. Clearly synthetic. 

Test results
XC72 Real suede

Toebox durability

We fired up our Dremel to 5K RPM and set it against the most fragile part of the toebox, the mesh cutout, with 3.2N of force. 

This didn't inflict nearly as much damage as we had anticipated, with only the upper layer of mesh having been destroyed while the layer beneath remained relatively intact. This earns the XC72 a respectable toebox durability score of 3 out of 5 which is a good indicator of the shoe's high-quality construction. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Toebox durability
Test results
XC72 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
1
Toebox durability
5

New Balance WP11507BK | New Balance WP11507BK

Next, we turn our attention to the XC72's heel collar and set our Dremel against the shoe once more. 

Rather anticlimactically, we found that our tool had only popped a small hole in the lining and left the padding within mostly undisturbed. This earns the XC72 another 3 out of 5 for heel padding durability which means that it shouldn't succumb to too much wear and tear from friction over the shoe's lifetime. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey New Balance WP11507BK
Test results
XC72 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
1
New Balance WP11507BK
5

Outsole hardness

Pressing our durometer against the outsole yields an average reading of 86.6 HC. This level of hardness usually denotes a good mix of grip and durability. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Outsole hardness
Test results
XC72 86.6 HC
Average 85.7 HC
Tecnologias New balance T-shirt Sans Manches Impact Run Printed.
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
94.0 HC

Outsole durability

To test our last claim, we set the Dremel's abrasive element, this time spinning at 10K RPM, against one of the XC72's round and flat outsole lugs. The tool eventually kicks up a flurry of rubber debris, though the damage seems rather minimal. 

We confirmed this with our tyre tread gauge as we found that only 0.6 mm of material had been shorn away by the end of the twenty-two-second test. This makes the XC72's outsole more durable than average and leads us to predict that it should be well beyond 400 miles of use before noticing any significant signs of wear and tear on its lugs. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Outsole durability
Test results
XC72 0.6 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 93 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The outsole is 4.1 mm thick according to our caliper measurements which is a little shy of our current lab average. However, this doesn't account for the lugs which give us more sturdy rubber to wear through before the grip is completely compromised. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Outsole thickness
Test results
XC72 4.1 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

Apart from being incredibly grippy, the XC72 takes a unique approach with its tread pattern to maximise traction wherein the outsole is split down the middle. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey 4hr

On the lateral half, we have a pattern of spiky, triangular lugs that do a good job of biting into uneven and soft terrain while the medial side is comprised of round and equally spaced nubs that work great on smoother surfaces. This combination had us feeling as surefooted as mountain goats while testing this shoe whether we were on asphalt or dirt, wet or dry. 

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Reflective elements

With no reflective elements to speak of, we recommend exercising caution if waling along a dimly-lit road at night in the CX72. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Reflective elements
Test results
XC72 No

Tongue padding

Using our calliper, we measured the XC72's tongue to be 3.7 mm thick, making it much less padded than average.

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Tongue padding

As such, the laces did feel quite present across our instep once we were locked and loaded. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Tongue padding
Test results
XC72 3.7 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
New Balance Donna 373v2 in Beige Rosa
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Tecnologias New balance Pantalones Cortos Impact Run Fitted

The XC72's tongue isn't gusseted, though the central lace loop helps to prevent it from sliding off to the side. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Tecnologias New balance Pantalones Cortos Impact Run Fitted
Test results
XC72 None

Heel tab

The XC72's heel cup flares upward to form a tab that we can pull on to make sliding the shoe on a little smoother and easier. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Heel tab
Test results
XC72 Pull tab

Removable insole

The XC72's insole is fully removable, so those in need of custom orthotics for added arch support can use them with this shoe. 

Чоловічі кросівки new balance 990 v5 grey Removable insole
Test results
XC72 Yes