New Balance 993s?

[Alex P.]

Hey there, long time reader, few time poster, the usual.


So at my local family-owned running store, they have a pair of New Balance 993s on sale for $30 which, after checking online, is ridiculous because they usually go for ~$120. I've heard they are super comfortable and their biggest selling point is that they are entirely made in America.


Anyone have any experience with these bad boys? I am hesitant because my current running shoes are holding up pretty decently but I'm curious as to what people think.


Any comments are appreciated.

[Cannon]

I've heard they are comfortable, but I've never tried them. Steve Jobs wore the 990/991/992/993 as the line progressed. They are iconic as part of his daily uniform.

[YellowWonder]

I have myself a pair of 993s and they are comfortable. Though they are kinda ugly. I would recommend them for such a great price.

[Alex P.]

@Cannon Hmm never knew that about Steve Jobs but it's kinda cool that the creator of my phone felt they were good enough.


@YellowWonder Yeah... I thought they were pretty ugly too. Well maybe not ugly, just bland. But since they are running shoes I guess it wouldn't make too much of a difference.

[LesserBlackDog]

Honestly, when it comes to stuff like running shoes, getting the right fit at a good price is more important than looking good. My strategy re: workout clothes is not to maximize my hotness at the expense of function, but to prioritize function while minimizing how doofy I look. My current running shoes are a horrible Halloween orange-and-black but they were inexpensive and work for my running needs. What can you do.

[shad0w4life]

Just don't use them for weight training or running/impact(stability issues with those types of shoes has a much higher risk of knee damage)


If they are for point A to point B long distance walking fine.


and watch crazy stupid love :P

[Max]

I think I'm gonna be the odd man out here, but I definitely think it's possible to get a pair of simple sneakers that can work for athletic stuff and a stylish casual look without the New Balance clunkiness (though it is cool they're made in the US). I've also never spent over $100 on a pair of sneakers, which makes it possible to have a couple pairs to rotate.


This might come down to personal style and where I live, but I've gotten way more compliments on these than I ever have on a pair of dress or other casual shoes:





Some further, highly-researched empirical evidence to prove my point, not a huge fan of this outfit, but scroll down to the third look here: http://stylegirlfriend.com/why-dont-...l-your-chinos/

[Standard_Deviance]

You guys are tough, man. By running shoe standards, 993s are downright sexy... Most running shoes are an awful mish-mash of colors and materials, but the 993s are monochrome and unobtrusive.


My problem with the 993s was that I found them a bit heavy on my feet. They are indeed comfortable but I always felt like I had a bit of lead in my feet when I ran with them. I eventually switched over to a different NB model that felt much lighter, but I no longer run so I can't remember the model number.


Most important, though, if you're going to be logging any sort of significant running mileage, is whether the shoes are designed for pronators, supinators, or a neutral foot strike. Of course that requires knowing your own foot strike. I believe that a majority of people pronate and a majority of running shoes are designed to correct pronation, but if you're, say, a supinator, then you obviously don't want a shoe designed to correct a problem you don't have.


But assuming the 993s are appropriate for your foot strike (I believe they're for pronators), they're certainly a good value at that price.

[Cannon]

@Max - I don't like those. They hit me as that fresh and hip mainstream trend of color pop and easy-breeziness.


But then again, I obsess over James Bond's clothes and my closet consists of grey, navy, black, white, khaki/tans and earth tones just about exclusively. I may just not be fly enough for that new stuff.

[andrew5]

I am currently on my second pair of 993's and I use them casually (not for running) for walking/getting around. They are by far the most comfortable pair of athletic shoes that I've ever used (Asics, Nike, Mizuno mostly).


For $30, let me know if they have any pair in a size 13 and I'll PayPal you the funds + shipping!

[runners n jeans]

Any mention of New Balance shoes and Steve Jobs reminds me of this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk0roE34zLw

[glen_delossantos]

The 990/991/992/993 are as iconic and classic as the running shoe can get. My father and several of my uncles simply won't wear anything else, and they did a lot of running (military).


I wish New Balance would make some of their Minimus line domestically. So far, only 1 company makes "barefoot" shoes in the US - Softstar.

[Alex P.]

Thanks everyone for responding! Didn't expect this good of a turn out.


I decided if the shoes are still in the store when I next go, I'll pick 'em.