Few brands have weaved their legacy as deeply into the rich tapestry of sneaker history as New Balance. Two outstanding models have emerged from their storied inventory, each exhibiting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and style. Despite their design and historical differences, the New Balance 990 and 574 share a similar thread of brilliance that has made them sneaker culture stalwarts.
The iconic New Balance 990 was launched in 1982. It is famous for its top-notch materials, heavy-duty nature, and convenience. In contrast, the fan’s favorite, New Balance 574, was created in 1988 with a trendy design and diversity. Both sneakers are up-to-date with the ongoing years to adapt to the recent trends.
There are several important factors to consider between the New Balance 990 and 574 in the selection process, such as design, stack height, weight, and cost. Here, we will compare two models to help you decide.
Feature Table: New Balance 990 Vs New Balance 574
| Feature | New Balance 990 | New Balance 574 |
| Design & Aesthetics | Iconic, low-key profile with suede and mesh | Conventional, nostalgic design with suede and mesh |
| Comfort & Fit | Extra padded midsole, cushioned collar, and tongue | Cushioned collar, tongue, and portable insole |
| Durability & Quality | Heavy-duty rubber outsole, durable suede and mesh | Durable materials, including suede and mesh |
| Purpose | Athletic activities, running, walking | Casual wear, everyday activities |
| Price | Around $175 | About $80 |
| Weight | Approximately 13.6 ounces | 9 ounces |
| Stack Height | Heel: 30mm, Base: 22mm | Heel: 27mm, Base: 17mm |
| Heel Drop | 10mm | 8mm |
| Key Advantages | Maximum comfort, support, durability | Trendy design, affordability, versatility |
| Best For | Serious runners, long-distance walking | Casual wear, short-distance walking |
Key Takeaways
- The New Balance 990 and 574 are the most notable models from the New Balance brand.
- The New Balance 990 is famous for top-notch materials, long-lasting nature, and ease, while the New Balance 574 is fan-followed for its trendy design and diversity.
- During the selection process between the two models, consider some notable factors like design, stack height, cost, and price.
Overview of New Balance 990
New Balance is a notable brand that has been creating top-notch athletic shoes for decades. The New Balance 990 is one of the most remarkable models in their footwear collection. It is a multipurpose shoe for walking, running, or everyday wear. This segment will discuss the design, convenience, long-lasting nature, and quality of the New Balance 990.
Design and Aesthetics
The New Balance 990 has an iconic, consistent design since the 1980s. It has a low-key profile made of suede and mesh. The shoe comes in various colors, from neutrals to dazzling ones.
The shoe’s side displays a conventional “N” label strikingly. The New Balance’s subtle yet timeless design makes it famous among all customers.
Comfort and Fit
The New Balance 990 is created for additional assistance. It comprises a paddy midsole, a cushioned collar, and a tongue. The shoe also has an airy mesh-made upper to keep the user’s feet dry.
The New Balance 990 comes in a broad range of wideness, from narrow to extra wide, making it convenient to find a pair of perfectly fitted shoes. The shoe also comes in half sizes, improving the fitness.
Durability and Quality
The New Balance 990 is a top-notch and long-lasting shoe. The shoe has a heavy-duty rubbery outer sole, giving an outstanding grip. The upper exhibits an airy and durable suede and mesh. The shoe also has a robustly made heel, aiding to keep the shoes in place during different activities. The New Balance 990 is a flawless and long-lived shoe model.
In long and short, the New Balance 990 is created to provide additional convenience, aid, and reliability. The sophisticated and perpetual design of New Balance 990, mixed with its building materials and manufacture, renders it an ageless design among people.
Overview of New Balance 574
The New Balance 574 is a trendy and famous sneaker that has existed for decades. It is an everyday athletic shoe suitable for casual wear. It is available in a wide range of colors and designs.
Design and Aesthetics
The New Balance 574 comprises a conventional and nostalgic design. It displays the striking “N” label on the side and an upper made of suede and mesh. The shoe is available in various colorways, from neutral to bold.
Comfort and Fit
The New Balance 574 is famous for its convenient fit. The shoe has a cushioned collar, tongue, and a portable inner sole. It also has a paddy midsole and rubbery outer sole for additional aid and support. The shoe fits perfectly and comes in both regular and broad widths.
Durability and Quality
The New Balance is famous for its top-notch sneakers and the 574. The shoe comprises reliable and durable materials, with suede and mesh. The rubbery outer sole is long-lasting and provides outstanding grip, making the shoe perfect for various activities.
The New Balance 574 is an iconic and convenient sneaker, perfect for casual wear. Its nostalgic design and colorway range make it a famous choice for sneaker lovers.
Direct Comparison
There are some considerable factors regarding comparing the New Balance 990 and 574 shoes. In this section, we will directly compare the two models, keeping an eye on the design, comfort, and endurance.
Design Comparison
The New Balance 990 and 574 shoes have a range of designs that fit customers’ specific needs. The 574 has a conventional style, perfect for casual wear. It has a light upper and a low-profile sole, rendering it a convenient pick for everyday wear.
On the contrary, the 990 has a high-tech design, perfect for running and athletic tracking. It comprises the finest materials, additional cushioning, and assistance, making it ideal for different races and contestants.
Comfort Comparison
When it comes to comfort, both the New Balance 990 and 574 shoes have their strengths. The 574 is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, with a padded insole and a low-profile sole, providing a relaxing experience.
On the contrary, the 1990 was created to provide additional assistance. It has an extra padded sole and a thicker sole with a broader base, providing secureness. The 990 comes in a wide range, making it comfy for people with large feet.
Durability Comparison
Both the New Balance 990 and 574 shoes are famous for their heavy-duty material, but there is a difference in their firmness. The 574 is created with its light and adaptable nature, making it less long-lasting. Yet, it is a reliable shoe that resists the damage.
On the contrary, the 990 is created with its heavy-duty materials and manufacture that resists the austerity of strenuous activities. The 990 also comes in a high-quality and heavy-duty USA version.
Overall, the New Balance 990 and 574 are outstanding picks, yet they vary in firmness and purposeful designs. Those searching for a conventional and nostalgic style for casual wear prioritize the 574 model, whereas those finding a high-tech athletic shoe providing maximum convenience prefer the 990.
Price Comparison
Regarding the pricing of New Balance 990 vs. 574, admitting that the 990 is a bit more expensive than the 574 is mandatory. The reason is the prime quality of the New Balance 990, whereas the 574 is all about a lifestyle shoe.
The 990 costs around $175, whereas the 574’s price is about $80. It is noteworthy that prices differ based on a particular model, color combination, and wholesalers.
The 990 costs more than the 574, so it is significant to discuss the quality and characteristics of the two shoes. The 990 exhibits unique manufacturing and additional comfort, making it perfect for running lovers or those who prefer foot assistance over anything. The 574 is an everyday shoe offering convenience and a trendy design.
In the long run, the price variation between the 990 and 574 depends on individual requirements and purposeful usage. Those who prefer multipurpose functioning are ready to invest in the more expensive one, the 990. Those who prefer trendy design and reasonable prices go for the 574.
Weight Comparison
There is a considerable difference regarding the weight of the New Balance 990 and 574. The 990s have more weight than the 574s. The 990 weight is around 13.6 ounces, while the 574 is 9 ounces.
If you are looking for shoes to wear for a long time, consider the shoes’ weight. The 574s are light and comfy, making them suitable for casual wear. They are also perfect for athletes while running and walking.
In contrast, the 990s have heavy-weight and sturdy material, making them an ideal choice for long-running and other strenuous activities. The additional weight adds to the standard support and secureness, minimizing the chances of wounds.
The weight variation between the two models is because of the building materials. The 990s exhibit a sturdy and long-lasting material, whereas the 574s are created for comfort and adaptability, making it a lightweight shoe.
The weight variation between the New balance 990 and 574 is considerable in the long and short. The 990s are heavy-weight and valuable, making them perfect for strenuous activities. On the contrary, the 574s are light and comfy, making them ideal for casual wear and different activities.
Stack Height & Heel Drop
While comparing the New Balance 990 and 574, it is considerable to note the shoes’ stack height and heel drop. The stack height is the material between the foot and the base, whereas the heel drop is the variation in padding between the heel and the toe.
The New Balance 990 has an elevated stack height than the 574, making it an extra padded shoe. The 990 has a stack height of about 30mm in the heel and 22mm in the base, whereas the 574 has a stack height of 27mm in the heel and about 17mm in the foot. This additional padding makes the 990 a perfect pick for runners in dire need of a secured fit.
The higher stack of the New Balance 990 tells about the higher heel drop than the 574. The heel drop of the 990 is 10mm, whereas the heel drop of the 574 is 8mm. The reason is the presence of a prominent slope of 990 from the heel to the toe, aiding runners in extra support.
The perfect stack height and heel drop vary based on the runners’ requirements. Some runners prioritize a lower stack height and heel drop for a natural, comfortable feel. Those who prefer extra padding go for the higher stack and heel drop.
In the long run, the New Balance 990 has a higher stack and heel drop than the 574, making it a padded shoe. The ideal stack height and heel drop differ based on personal requirements and priorities.
Pros & Cons
New Balance 990
The New Balance 990 is a multifunctional athlete shoe designed to give comfort during different activities to people. It is built with prime materials and exhibits the latest technology, making it the best runner choice. Here are a few pros and cons of the New Balance 990:
Pros
- Comfort: The New Balance 990 is created to give paramount comfort to runners. It consists of Ultra Soft Ortholite inner sole, providing padding and comfort to the foot.
- Support: The New Balance 990 is built to give maximal license to the foot. It consists of a robust sole, providing a secure fit and avoiding rolling of the foot.
- Durability: The New Balance 990 is created with unique and long-lasting materials. It is designed to resist the damage of strenuous activities, enduring for many distance spans.
Cons
- Price: The New Balance 990 is a high-quality athletic shoe with prime price tags. It is more expensive than other athletic shoes in the market.
- Weight: The New Balance 990 is heavier than other running shoes. There are better choices for runners finding a lightweight shoe.
New Balance 574
The New Balance 574 is a trendy sneaker, more famous among casual wearers and runners communities. It is created to be diverse and comfy, rendering it a perfect pick for everyday wear. Here are a few pros and cons of the New Balance 574:
Pros
- Style: The New Balance 574 is a trendy sneaker in various colorways and designs. It is famous for random people looking for a comfy and voguish shoe.
- Comfort: The New Balance 574 is created solely for confortability. It has a padded sole and a delicate inner sole, providing comfort to the foot.
- Price: The New Balance 574 is a more reasonable choice than the New Balance 990. It is perfect for those looking for a top-notch shoe without draining their wallet.
Cons
- Support: The New Balance 574 is less supportive for the foot than the New Balance 990. It is not a perfect choice for runners who are looking for additional assistance for the foot.
- Durability: The New Balance 574 is less long-lasting than the New Balance 990. It is not as durable as other athletic shoes on the market.
Sizing Comparison
Sizing Table For New Balance 990
The New Balance 990 is famous for its convenient fitting and comes for both genders’ sizes. The 990 is designed to fit perfectly. According to some customers, it has mixed reviews; they find it comfy straight away, whereas others find it a bit wider because it has a broader end.
Here is a sizing table for the New Balance 990 to aid you in getting the perfect fit:
| US Men’s Size | US Women’s Size | UK Size | EU Size | Length (cm) |
| 4 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22 |
| 4.5 | 6 | 4 | 37 | 22.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23 |
| 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 38 | 23.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 7 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41.5 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 9 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 10 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 45 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 11 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11.5 | 46.5 | 30 |
| 13 | 14.5 | 12.5 | 48 | 31 |
Sizing Table For New Balance 574
The New Balance 574 comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. It is famous for its trendy, convenient fit. The 574 is created to fit perfectly. It has mixed reviews; some people find it comfortable right away, whereas others find it smaller than other New Balance models.
Here is a sizing table for the New Balance 574 to assist you in making an informed decision:
| US Men’s Size | US Women’s Size | UK Size | EU Size | Length (cm) |
| 4 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22 |
| 4.5 | 6 | 4 | 36.5 | 22.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23 |
| 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 37.5 | 23.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 38.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 39.5 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 41.5 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 42 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 9 | 42.5 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 43 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 10 | 44 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 11 | 45 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11.5 |
What are the key differences between New Balance 990 and 574?
“New Balance” is notable for its high-quality and trendy design. The two most famous models from New Balance are the 990 and 574. Though both models comprise their distinct features, they also have differences. Following is the detailed guide of some notable differences between the New Balance 990 and 574:
Materials
The New Balance 990 and 574 have different manufacturing materials. The 990 is made of high-standard suede, mesh, and leather material. On the contrary, the 574 is built of synthetic materials. The 990 is famous for its pigskin-made suede, adding to the delicacy of the shoes.
Comfort
The New Balance 990 and 574 are convenient sneakers, but the 990 is famous for providing additional comfort. The 990 exhibits an Ultra Soft Ortholite inner sole, providing outstanding padding and comfortability. In contrast, the 574 has a regular inner sole, which is less comfortable than the 990 one.
Design
The New Balance 990 and 574 vary in design. The 990 has a conventional and nostalgic appearance, while the 574 has a trendy design. The 990 has a bulkier sole, giving it a more robust look. In contrast, the 574 has a thin sole and sleek style.
Price
The pricing is another crucial difference between the New Balance 990 and 574. The 990 is more costly than the 574. The reason is the superior materials used in manufacturing 990.
Although the New Balance 990 and 574 are excellent sneakers, they differ in their unique features. The 990 is comfy, trendy, and prime-quality sneakers. Whereas 574 has a classy, reasonable, and thin look.
Which is more comfortable, New Balance 990 or 574?
When talking about comfortability, the New Balance 990 and 574 are superior shoes. Some key differences make one shoe model more comfortable than the other for targeted customers.
The New Balance 990 is famous for its additional convenience. It exhibits a padded midsole, providing outstanding resistance against damage. The shoe has a cushioned collar and tongue, helping to avoid aches near the ankle area.
In contrast, the New Balance 574 is also convenient but less padded than the 990. The shoes have a flat sole, not providing enough resistance as the 990. The 574 has a cushioned collar and tongue, helping to provide additional comfort.
Regarding the sizing of both shoes, they fit perfectly. Some users say the 990 fits more extensively than the 574. The reason is the extra cushioning in the 990.
Overall, the comfortability of the New Balance 990 and 574 is superior. Those who prefer padding and resistance against damage go for the 990 option. Those who prioritize a sophisticated shoe model go for the 574.
Which one is good for running? – New Balance 990 Vs. 574
Regarding the running capacity of shoes, the New Balance 990 and 574 are superior options. There are considerable differences before deciding between the shoes.
New Balance 990
The New Balance 990 is a high-end running shoe designed for running enthusiasts. It is manufactured in the USA and exhibits Ultra Soft Ortholite inner soles, providing additional shoe comfort. The shoe also has a rubbery outsole, providing outstanding grip.
The New Balance 990 has a high weight of about 13 ounces. The extra weight is counterbalanced by the shoe’s outstanding padding capacity, making it perfect for long miles of running. The shoe also features a 12mm heel drop, promoting a natural pace.
New Balance 574
The New Balance 574 is an everyday running shoe designed for casual wear. It exhibits superior quality and long-lasting upper made of suede and mesh. The shoe has an assisting ENCAP midsole padding, providing superior comfort and aid.
Compared to the New Balance 990, the 574 is a lightweight shoe weighing about 11 ounces. It has slightly less padding than the 990, making it less perfect for running enthusiasts. The shoe features a lower heel drop of 8mm, making it less suitable for runners who prefer a natural race.
Which one to choose?
The New Balance 990 is the best option if you are a serious runner looking for extra comfort. It is an excellent sneaker designed for long miles of running, providing extra padding and comfort.
On the contrary, the New Balance 574 is a perfect choice if you are looking for a casual shoe. It is a lightweight shoe for casual wear, providing extra convenience and assistance. It is not perfect for running lovers, requiring extra padding in the shoes.
Which one is best for walking? – New Balance 990 Vs. 574
Regarding walking, both the New Balance 990 and 574 shoes are the perfect options. Some key differences make one shoe model more perfect than the other.
The New Balance 990 is a unique and superior model to the 574. It provides extra padding and assistance, rendering it perfect for longer walks. The 990 has a broader toe box, providing more space for the mobility of your toes and minimizing the chances of injuries.
In contrast, the New Balance 574 is a more economical and casual shoe. It is created for walking and casual wear. The 574 has a tight toe box, unsuitable for people with broader feet or those who prefer more space for their toes.
Following is a table to give a summary of the walking differences between the New Balance 990 and 574:
| Model | Cushioning | Support | Toe Box | Price |
| New Balance 990 | Excellent | Excellent | Wider | Higher |
| New Balance 574 | Good | Average | Narrower | Lower |
In the long run, the New Balance 990 is the perfect option for people looking for robust shoes for long-distance walking or running. The New Balance 574 is the best pick for those who prefer casual and economical shoes for short-distance walking and running.
What are the main features of New Balance 990v5 and 574?
The New Balance is a famous brand for athletes’ footwear, and 990v5 and 574 are their prominent shoe models. They have standard features, but there are also considerable differences.
New Balance 990v5
The New Balance 990v5 is an excellent sneaker designed for athletes. It is a famous running shoe in the market due to the presence of advanced technology. Some of the characteristics of the 990v5 are as follows:
- ENCAP midsole technology gives outstanding padding to the feet.
- Pigskin and mesh-made upper is heavy-duty and airy.
- The rubbery outer sole provides an outstanding grip on different surfaces.
- Double-density collar foam provides additional padding for the ankle.
Overall, the New Balance 990v5 is an exceptional sneaker designed for additional comfort for running enthusiasts. It is more costly, which is a con for many people. In comparison, others find it worth the money.
New Balance 574
The New Balance 574 is an everyday shoe designed for daily wear. It is a top-notch shoe, but not designed particularly for athletes. Some of the main characteristics are as follows:
- Upper, made of mesh and suede, is trendy and airborne.
- EVA foam midsole provides extra padding and assistance to the feet.
- Solid rubber outer sole provides extra grip on multiple surfaces.
- Classic New Balance’s trendy style makes it a famous choice for everyday wear.
The New Balance 574 is a convenient and classic shoe for casual wear. It is not designed solely for athletes but has top-notch and long-lasting material, perfect for casual wear.
In the long run, the New Balance 990v5 and 574 are the prominent shoe models in the New Balance lineup. They have some standard features but are designed with different ideas, and some variations in features and technologies make them different.
Conclusion
Long and short, the New Balance 990 and 574 are famous sneakers with distinct features and advantages. Both sneakers are convenient and classy but vary in adaptability, cushioning, design, material, weight, and sizing.
The New Balance 990 is a long-lasting sneaker made in the USA. It exhibits a thicker insole and an elevated sole height, providing extra padding and comfort. It has a broader outer sole, making it extra stable. It is less adaptable than the New Balance 574.
In contrast, the New Balance 574 is a more adaptable sneaker with a smart design. It has a sleek insole and a short sole height, making it light and more convenient. It has a tight outsole, perfect for running and strenuous activities. It is not as long-lasting as the New Balance 990.
The selection between the New Balance 990 and 574 depends on personal requirements. Those who prefer heavy-duty shoes for daily wear go for the New Balance 990. The folks preferring more adaptability for athletic activities go for the New Balance 574.
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