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I’ve covered the New Balance 992 extensively on this blog. The sneaker debuted in 1996 as a running shoe. Today we attempt to answer: does the New Balance 992 hold up as good for running today?
Are New Balance 992 Good For Running
You can run in a pair of New Balance 992. However, it’s a better idea to take advantage of the newer technologies and lower weight of newer runners and use retro 992s for casual wear instead.
The New Balance 992 is a running shoe design, but the issue for runners is that this design is from 1996. Tech such as Boost, React, Flyknit and Primeknit have since been invented, creating better and better runners.
Additionally, the retro 992s that we see around today are designed as casual sneakers. The soft suedes and leathers are meant for a premium feel, and that comes across right away. The sneakers are comfortable enough for walking, but a newer running sneaker is going to be way better for jogging or running.
New Balance 992 Fit True To Size
New Balance 992 fit true to size. They often feel bigger on feet than many other brands (i.e. Nike) at the same size, however this is due to the 992 having a slightly wider fit.
I used to think that the 992 was a half size big, but I was used to wearing Nikes all the time, which on average fit narrow. Eventually I came to realize that the sneaker is just built with more width.
Additionally, the premium suedes and leathers allow for quick break in (if needed). The materials used on the 992 generally provide more give than stiffer sneakers from other brands, and this leads to a more forgiving fit overall.
New Balance 992 Are Comfortable
The New Balance 992 is extremely comfortable, especially for casual wear. The sneaker is wide-foot friendly which minimizes break-in time and provides immediate step-in comfort.
New Balance 992 Are Expensive
New Balance 992 are part of the Made In USA line, which incorporates better materials and is made at least 70% domestically. Made In USA New Balance almost always come with a price increase over non-Made line releases.
Made-line NB, whether USA or England, are typically a higher price vs non-Made. Besides the 70% domestic build of the sneaker, the materials often surpass those of a “general release” pair by a lot!!! You get what you pay for.
The high price is exacerbated by the popularity of the New Balance brand in general these days. With the resurgence of limited 992 retros in 2020, including collabs with Joe Freshgoods, WTAPS, KITH and JJJJound, the model stays popular and in the public eye.
New Balance 992 Price
The retail price of the New Balance 992 ranges from $174.99 to $249.99 depending on if it’s a special edition, collaboration or normal release.
While New Balance can be hard to find at times, the pressure on 992s selling out has been reduced recently by other models from the brand coming into popularity. Many sneaker boutiques and footsites (i.e. Champs and Finishline) have been known to carry the model.
Many colorways have an official release on the New Balance website (browse their 992 stock here). However, if you miss out on a color you wanted, you can always check aftermarket sites such as eBay (link)
Find New Balance 992 Near You
Use the New Balance store locator to find official retail locations where the 992 is available.
If you don’t live near an official NB retail store, you can always try a nearby sneaker boutique (i.e. Packer, Feature, etc). If you don’t live near a place like that, you will probably have to shop for 992s online (see above section).
Retros as runners
Retro runners can functionally perform the task of being a running shoe. However, generally speaking, a more modern running shoe is going to have a lighter weight and better tech for running than a retro. The older tech in retros is better left to casual wear.
This is true across the board for the most part. For example, while you can technically play basketball in some Air Jordan 1s, there are much, much better sneakers out these days for ball. Thus, it’s a better idea to keep the 1s for collecting and casual wear.
Even sneakers like the Air Max 1, 90 and 95 do better as casual kicks these days, even though when they originally released, they were competitive, premier running shoes.
If the 992 Isn’t Good For Running, What Is?
Modern runners will want to reach for a pair of sneakers containing ZoomX, React or Adidas Ultraboost. Developments in newer, better technology mean runners should look at upgrading. It is worth it to take care of your feet!
Other brands such as Asics and Saucony make attractive running options as well. Most of the larger sneaker brands have some sort of competitive offering to stand against the likes of Nike and Adidas.
Speaking of Nike and Adidas, one trend of these brands is putting their running tech into non-running sneakers. Be aware of this if you purchase a sneaker with this tech with the intention of using it for running. You want to get an actual running shoe for optimal performance.
Which New Balances Are Good For Running
Currently, New Balance has been focusing on Fresh Foam technology for modern runners.
That’s not to say that this will be their most popular tech or even one they will stick with. Serious runners should check back in with their brand of choice every year or two to see if they have newer technology.
An even better idea is to ditch the brand loyalty for sports sneakers. Collectors might stick to one or two brands or models, but the smart runner will check reviews across a few brands when it comes time to get a new running sneaker to make sure they make the best investment for their feet.