Why I’m Totally Obsessed with the New Balance 991 v2 (And You Might Be Too)

Let’s be real – I’ve gone through more sneakers in my lifetime than I care to admit. My closet has been a revolving door of footwear that promised the world but delivered blisters and regret. But guys, I think I’ve finally found “the one” – the New Balance 991 v2.

I stumbled across these beauties last month when my trusty running shoes finally gave up the ghost. You know that moment when your shoe literally talks to you with every step? Yeah, not cute. So there I was, scrolling through options, when the 991 v2 caught my eye.

The 90s Kid in Me Squealed with Delight

First things first – these shoes are like a time machine back to the 90s, but with a modern twist. Remember those chunky runners everyone wore back then? The 991 v2 captures that vibe perfectly. The first time I laced them up, I half expected to hear Nirvana playing in the background. They’ve got that retro coolness factor that’s hard to explain but impossible to ignore.

When they arrived (I splurged on next-day delivery because patience isn’t my strong suit), I literally sat and stared at them for a good five minutes. The attention to detail is insane. The real leather and suede feels so luxurious under your fingers – nothing like those plastic-y sneakers that squeak when you walk.

Breaking Them In (Or Not)

Here’s something crazy – there’s barely any break-in period. I wore mine to a farmer’s market the very next day and walked around for hours. My feet? Totally fine! No band-aids needed, no limping back to the car. The cushioning hugged my feet like they were made just for me.

I’m not gonna lie, though. The midsole is pretty firm compared to some uber-squishy shoes out there. But that’s actually a good thing for someone like me who tends to roll their ankles when shoes are too soft. The stability is spot-on.

Let’s Talk About the Price Tag

OK, here’s the part where I had to have a serious talk with my wallet. These babies cost $250. I know, I know – I can hear the gasps from here! That’s definitely not cheap. I actually closed my laptop the first time I saw the price and told myself, “Maybe next paycheck.”

But then I remembered all the $80-100 shoes I’ve bought that fell apart after six months. Or the “trendy” ones that hurt so bad I barely wore them. So I bit the bullet, and honestly? Worth every penny.

My dad always said, “I’m too poor to buy cheap things,” and with these shoes, I finally understand what he meant. The craftsmanship is just on another level.

The Daily Wear Test

I’ve worn my 991 v2s almost every day for three weeks now (sorry, other shoes). They’ve seen coffee spills, unexpected rain showers, and that one unfortunate incident with my neighbor’s muddy dog. They clean up amazingly well with just a damp cloth.

The breathability has been a huge plus too. My feet tend to get sweaty (TMI, sorry!), but these shoes keep things surprisingly cool. No more embarrassing shoe-off moments!

At 13.93 oz (that’s about as heavy as a can of soup), they’re lighter than they look. My previous New Balance shoes felt clunkier. I actually forgot I was wearing them during a three-hour shopping trip, which is pretty much the ultimate compliment for any footwear.

The Compliment Magnet

Can we talk about style points for a sec? I’ve gotten more comments on these shoes than anything else I’ve worn this year. My barista asked where I got them, my normally fashion-oblivious brother wanted the link, and even my mom (who thinks all sneakers look the same) said they were “quite nice.”

They go with literally everything in my wardrobe – jeans, shorts, even casual dresses. They’ve got this weird magic ability to look both classic and current at the same time.

The Bottom Line

Are the New Balance 991 v2s perfect? Well, nothing really is. The price tag will make your credit card wince. And if you’re looking for that super-soft, walking-on-clouds feeling, these might feel a bit firm at first.

But if you want a seriously well-made shoe that’ll last for ages, feels comfortable from day one, and looks cool without trying too hard, I can’t recommend these enough. They’re like the grown-up version of those light-up sneakers we all wanted as kids – except they actually deliver on their promises.

Anyone else rocking these beauties? Or have another shoe I should check out next? My bank account is begging me to stop, but we all know that’s not happening!