New Balance’s Latest 990 Is Cooler Than Ever

For the shoe’s previous revamp, the 990v6, the brand overdelivered on the “something new.” The chunky rocker sole didn’t feel too far removed from those commonly seen on Hokas these days, and the mesh and suede paneling had a distinctly modern feel. Of all the 990s it’s the one that felt the most of its moment—which can be a good thing but, a few years down the line, risks that moment passing.

The 990v7 feels like a re-embracing of tradition, with the design improving on what the…