Overview
Released in 2012, the New Balance 890v2 is the second iteration of the 890 model that achieved almost instant success in the neutral training category when it was first introduced in 2011. The 890 was originally designed for Andy Baddeley, an Olympic runner and member of Team New Balance, so it isn't surprising that the shoe became popular among male athletes who wanted a high performance, lightweight, durable shoe. With the 890v2, New Balance engineers were able to create even smoother transitions in the gait cycle by reducing the overall stack height and heel drop of the original shoe from 12mm to 8mm to give it a slightly lower profile. They were also able to cut the weight of the shoe by 0.6 ounces to an impressive 9.2 ounces.
Otherwise, the 890v2 design remains the same as the original. The uppers are crafted from a lightweight mesh with a welded synthetic overlay. The seamless construction provides additional support for your feet, prevents blisters, and allows air to circulate through the shoe to keep the interior cool and dry. The 890v2 also has a unique flat lacing system that puts less pressure on the top of your foot, which can cause discomfort. Its still has a REVlite midsole, which is an exceptionally responsive midsole that is known to be one of the more durable ones on the market. It also still uses ABZORB® cushioning technology, which provides shock absorption to enhance the comfort of the shoe. The outsole is constructed with Ndurance®, an extremely durable rubber that is blown around the forefoot for extra comfort and flexibility. The design of the outsole allows for full ground contact, and it also has a diamond motif that helps with grip and transitions, so you'll feel comfortable regardless of whether you have a traditional heel strike or a midfoot or forefoot strike.
You can purchase the New Balance 890v2 online for about $110.
Product Report Card Grade
We give the New Balance 890v2 running shoes an A- because they provide great stability, responsiveness and cushioning for runners who have neutral pronation in their gait or even mild over-pronation. The newer model is lighter and it features a lower profile to make transitions even smoother. We had to deduct just a few points because some customers felt the new toe box design was uncomfortably shallow/narrow. Additionally, a few customers also complained that the overlay design or the lacing system put uncomfortable pressure on the top of their foot.
Date Reviewed
March 2013
April 2013
April 2013
Pros
Comfortable; lightweight (even lighter than the original 890s); durable; good stability for a shoe that is advertised as neutral; good responsive cushioning; REVlite is exceptionally resilient and maintains springy feel even after extended use
Lightweight and comfortable; Dynamic Support system provides good stability and control for women with over-pronation issues; Lunarlon provides good responsive cushioning (one reviewer called it more "springy" than the LG3); sleek design with lots of cool off-the-shelf styles and ability to customize; Nike+ ready
Lightweight and comfortable; Dynamic Support system provides good stability and control for women with over-pronation issues; Lunarlon provides good responsive cushioning (one reviewer called it more "springy" than the LG3); sleek design with lots of cool off-the-shelf styles and ability to customize; Nike+ ready
Cons
Many complaints about the 890v2's toe box being more narrow/shallow than the original 890s; some complaints regarding discomfort at the top of foot that could be caused by the lacing system or the design of the overlay.
Dynamic Flywire support may be uncomfortable for some users if the cords are putting too much pressure on top of the foot.
Dynamic Flywire support may be uncomfortable for some users if the cords are putting too much pressure on top of the foot.
Type of Running Shoe
Neutral Cushioning
Stability
Stability
Price (MSRP)
$110
$110 (or $145 if you customize)
$110 (or $145 if you customize)
Warranty
30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee
2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects and 30-day satisfaction guarantee
2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects and 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Weight (ounces)
9.2 (size 9)
10 (size 10)
8.2 (size 8)
Uppers
The 890v2s have lightweight mesh uppers with a welded synthetic overlay, which enhance the shoes' breathability, support and fit. They also have an eyelet lacing system with flat laces and flat lacing holes that provide a snug, comfortable and secure fit.
The LG4s have a single-layer engineered mesh upper for improved breathability. For a secure and supportive fit, the uppers also feature Flywire saddle technology, which is basically a series of cables between the mesh and inner sleeve that are attached to the midsole and lacing system around the midfoot and arch area. Additionally, the uppers have some reflective materials to provide enhanced visibility in low light conditions.
LG4s have a single-layer engineered mesh upper for improved breathability. For a secure and supportive fit, the uppers also feature Flywire saddle technology, which is basically a series of cables between the mesh and inner sleeve that are attached to the midsole and lacing system around the midfoot and arch area. Additionally, the uppers have some reflective materials to provide enhanced visibility in low light conditions.
Lining
The heel and tongue are padded with dual density foam for a secure and comfortable fit.
The tongue and collar are padded for added comfort and to prevent the heel from slipping. There is also a floating heel-support clip in the heel counter to control over-pronation.
The tongue and collar are padded for added comfort and to prevent the heel from slipping. There is also a floating heel-support clip in the heel counter to control over-pronation.
Insole/Midsole Technology
The 890v2s have New Balance's PL-1 Natural Last and a full-length ABZORB® cushioning insert for added comfort. The insert is removable if you want to use custom orthotics or arch support inserts instead. The midsole also features ABZORB® cushioning technology, as well as innovative REVlite technology, which offers exceptional support and responsiveness. In addition to being extremely durable, REVlite is also lightweight and New Balance claims it is 30% lighter than other foams with a comparable performance in underfoot cushioning and stability.
The LG4s have a foam insole that provides lightweight cushioning, but, if you customize your shoes, you can opt for a responsive or cushioned sockliner. The Nike+ Sensor fits underneath the sockliner in the left shoe in all models. The LG4's midsole features the Dynamic Support system, which is made up of Lunarlon and a firmer carrier foam, to provide additional stability, cushioning and comfort during the gait cycle. Lunarlon foam is 30% lighter than traditional Phylon and offers responsive cushioning that exceptionally resilient even after long runs. Unlike previous LunarGlide+ models, the LG4's Lunarlon component is now independent from the firmer carrier foam and much more substantial.
The LG4s have a foam insole that provides lightweight cushioning, but, if you customize your shoes, you can opt for a responsive or cushioned sockliner. The Nike+ Sensor fits underneath the sockliner in the left shoe in all models. The LG4's midsole features the Dynamic Support system, which is made up of Lunarlon and a firmer carrier foam, to provide additional stability, cushioning and comfort during the gait cycle. Lunarlon foam is 30% lighter than traditional Phylon and offers responsive cushioning that exceptionally resilient even after long runs. Unlike previous LunarGlide+ models, the LG4's Lunarlon component is now independent from the firmer carrier foam and much more substantial.
Last
PL-1 Natural
Unknown
Unknown
Outsole Technology
The 890v2's outsole is designed with Ndurance®, a durable rubber compound, in the heel, and it also has blown rubber around the forefoot that provides additional lightweight comfort and flexibility.
The heel of the LG4's outsole is designed with BRS 1,000 carbon rubber for durability. It also has Nike Natural Motion Engineering flex grooves carved alongside the length of the outsole and across the forefoot. Unlike previous LunarGlide+ models, the flex grooves on the LG4 are deeper, which allow your foot to move naturally and more efficiently.
The heel of the LG4's outsole is designed with BRS 1,000 carbon rubber for durability. It also has Nike Natural Motion Engineering flex grooves carved alongside the length of the outsole and across the forefoot. Unlike previous LunarGlide+ models, the flex grooves on the LG4 are deeper, which allow your foot to move naturally and more efficiently.
Style
It is available in 7 different color combinations.
It is available in 13 different color combinations.
It is available in 12 different color combinations.
Sizes
It comes in full and half sizes ranging from 7 to 15 and all styles are available in a normal width (D). The black/white and black/cherry tomato styles also come in a 2E and 4E width.
It comes in full and half sizes ranging from 6 to 15. It is available in a normal width (D), but there are other widths available for customized shoes.
It comes in full and half sizes ranging from 5 to 12. All styles are available in a normal width (B), but there are other widths available for customized shoes.
Runs True to Size?
Yes, New Balance says the shoes run true to size for athletic shoes.
Yes, Nike says the LG4 fits true to size for men's athletic shoes
Yes, Nike says the shoe fits true to size for women's athletic shoes
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Lightweight (even lighter than the original 890s)
- Comfortable
- Good stability for a shoe that is advertised as neutral
- Durable outsole
- Responsive cushioning
- REVlite is exceptionally resilient and maintains springy feel even after extended use
- Great return policy
Cons
- Many complaints about the 890v2's toe box being more narrow/shallow than the original 890s
- Some complaints regarding discomfort at the top of foot that could be caused by the lacing system or the design of the overlay.
Key Features
Manufacturer's Category
Neutral (offers less stability, but apparently the 890v2 is still good for runners with mild over-pronation)
Arch Type
High or normal arches
Weight
9.2 ounces (size 9)
Uppers
- The uppers are a combination of lightweight mesh with a welded synthetic overlay. This enhances the shoes' overall breathability and fit characteristics, while also providing additional support. The welded design also helps to reduce the shoes' weight and to prevent blisters.
- The eyelet lacing system has flat laces and flat lacing holes that provide a snug, secure fit without causing any discomfort on the top of your foot
- The heel and tongue are padded with dual density foam for a secure and comfortable fit.
Insole Technology
- The last is New Balance's PL-1 Natural Last, which is most popular for running, cross-training and court. It is essentially a standard fit with a few enhancements, including a more anatomical heel, an improved arch and a closer fit in the toe box.
- The 890v2 has a full-length ABZORB® cushioning insert that provides added comfort. It is perforated and removable in case you would prefer using custom orthotics or arch support inserts.
Midsole Technology
- The midsole features New Balance's innovative REVlite technology, which is extremely responsive and durable but surprisingly lightweight. In fact, New Balance says that it is 30% lighter than other foams with a comparable performance in underfoot cushioning and stability.
- The midfoot also has ABZORB® cushioning technology that responds to the amount of force placed on your foot to evenly disperse the impact and keep your feet comfortable throughout the gait cycle.
Outsole Technology
- The heel of the outsole is designed with Ndurance®, a rubber compound that is extremely durable, to help prolong the life of your shoes.
- Around the forefoot, the outsole has blown rubber that provides additional lightweight comfort and flexibility.
Styles
The 890v2 comes in 7 different color combinations including grey with green detailing, blue with green and black detailing, black with white detailing, lime green with black detailing, red with lime green and black detailing, silver with blue and lime green detailing and grey with cherry tomato detailing.
Sizes
The 890v2 comes in half sizes ranging from 7 to 15 and all are available in a normal width (D). The black/white and black/cherry tomato versions also come in 2E and 4E widths. New Balance says the shoes run true to size for athletic shoes. However, if possible, you should visit a local running specialty store to get a proper fitting.
Warranty
New Balance products have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with a full refund.
Reputation
Since the New Balance 890v2s were just released this year, there aren't any online retailers that have enough consolidated reviews to get a good feeling for how these shoes are performing versus the 890s. That said, the individual reviews I saw on the 890v2 were relatively positive, and reviews on the 890 were stellar (all 83 reviewers on Footlocker.com said they would recommend the shoe). The main complaint on the 890v2 has to do with the shallow/narrow toe box, which some runners felt was very uncomfortable. Overall, most customers seem to be happy with the shoes' weight, durability and performance. The REVlite midsole received numerous compliments for its responsiveness and its resilience even after high mileage. Although its marketed as a neutral training shoe, it sounds like the 890v2 has enough stability for a runners with slight over-pronation. However, you should probably have a professional at a local running specialty store evaluate your feet/gait first to make sure the 890v2 is the best fit for your needs. If you aren't able to get fitted in person, New Balance has a great return policy and will refund you in full if you aren't satisfied with the shoes within thirty days.
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