Side-By-Side Comparison of the New Balance 991 and 991v2
While the series gets a periodic update every few years, the has been rocking with the same form since the sneaker debuted in 2001. However, the Steve Jobs co-signed sneaker is now getting an upgrade after 20 plus years, with the iconic model getting a version 2. The is ringing in the new version by bringing some hype to the sneaker ahead of its .
But what is the difference between the v1 and v2? We compared the two versions side-by-side and pointed out some differences, both drastic and subtle.
Under the Hood Upgrades
The 991 is a pioneer for New Balance, as the sneaker was the first to use NB ’s ABZORB foam in the forefeet and heel and Ndurance rubber on the outsole, using a more durable compound in high-wear areas. While it does stand the test of time in 2023, the 991v2 swaps in full-length FuelCell in the midsole, bringing a plusher ride than the original.
ABZORB is still used in the heel and forefoot, emphasising the lateral side of the midsole, as the OG has a more symmetrical placement, surrounding the heel. The minor changes may not be that big of a deal to your eyes, but your feet will feel a big difference between the two sneakers.
Not So Subtle Changes
The biggest deviation from the original can be seen on the outsole, tongue, and heel of the sneakers.
Gone is the swooping stripe on the Ndurance outsole with N branding throughout, now replaced by a FuelCell branded cutout that mimics the swooping stripe, letting the updated cushioning expand upon impact. But like the OG, Ndurance rubber is still used for increased durability.
The wider tongue of the 991 flares out thanks to the tongue’s 991 branded overlay, while the v2’s tongue doesn’t extend out and instead sinks into the shoe. The round 991 cut-out (for this pair it’s ALD) is replaced by v2 branding that sits flush underneath the reflective heel panel in a smaller and vectored form.
Panelling Matters
While the panelling of the 991v2 looks similar to its predecessor, the subtle rounded edges of the v2, specifically in the quarter panel, bring a 992 vibe to the sneaker. The larger toebox uses a familiar yet different reflective overlay, as 991 branding is placed on the lateral side of the heel overlay, paying homage to the original 991 heel branding.
The 991v2 doesn’t forget about the heritage and history of the original 991, bringing subtle and under-the-hood changes to the contemporary running shoe. While the 990 series makes drastic changes from version to version, we hope that the 991 goes the modest route in future iterations.