New Balance M992 - Super Solid Shoes for the Super Over-Pronating Runner

Author's Rating:

Pros: Excellent Support; Superb Build Quality; Removable Insoles; Different Colors

Cons: Expensive; Looks & Styling

The Bottom Line: 
The New Balance M992 are more expensive running shoes, but do not fail to impress. I am running pain-free with these.

Author's Review
I have currently added the New Balance M992 running shoes to my workout regimen. I decided to divide my newly found running duties between the New Balance M992 and my Nike Air Structure Triax 10+. I love both of the shoes, but felt that the Nike's, with their light color and design, would be more optimal for indoor tracks and paved conditions. The New Balance M992 are built like tanks and would be more suited for outdoor only conditions where I would run on unpaved trails in parks and forests. Also, I purchased the black shoes, which do not look dirty after running unlike my light-colored Nikes. So far I have been extremely satisfied with the New Balance M992 and would like to share with you my experiences.

-PRICE-

*The New Balance M992 are some higher-priced running shoes. My Nike Air Structure Triax 10+ can be found both online and in stores for $90.00. The New Balance M992 are in the over-$100 price range and fetch over $100.00 wherever you purchase them. I had gift cards for Nordstrom and therefore purchased them for the regular price of $124.95. I have never seen the shoes go on-sale in the store.

New Balance is a very good name in athletic shoes. I have worn New Balance shoes for many years (The cheaper ones), and have been satisfied. The New Balance M992 are quite a step up from more generic, let's say, $40.00 running shoes. But they have many features that do indeed warrant such a high price tag. First of all, the people that should be looking at these shoes are over-pronators. The New Balance M992 themselves are marketed towards mild to moderate over-pronators that need the additional ankle support. In case you are wondering about over-pronation, it is when your ankle sags down and causes a very strong burning sensation and sharp pain when either running or speed-walking (In my case). If I were to wear a cheap pair of running shoes with no support, I would be able to run only a few feet before stopping of severe pain.

For someone with severe over-pronation, the New Balance M992 are a blessing. Like other higher-end running shoes, the New Balance M992 features the required support in the back to help get a severe over-pronator running. I have a pair of custom orthotics that I got from my podiatrist. I use them in all of my shoes. The advantage that the New Balance M992 give over a generic pair of $40.00 shoes is firstly the removable insoles. The insoles are easily removed and not actually stitched to the bottom of the shoe. Therefore, someone that requires orthotics can very easily remove the insoles and replace them with his or her efficient orthotics. Aside from the removable insoles, the New Balance M992 offer superb ankle support that hugs the back of the foot quite well. It also has Abzorb® SBS Heel and Forefoot that acts a shock absorber to help reduce stress on the ankle and other parts of the foot. Yes you can have cheaper shoes that offer the same kind of features and superb performance (Such as my $90.00 Nikes), but the shoe is built like a tank. If you get the black shoes, you can take them in all kinds of conditions and they won't look too dirty. New Balance is also a good company that puts out great products. Even though the New Balance M992 is one of the priciest shoes, for someone with severe foot problems like me, they allow someone to run without the slightest bit of comfort. You simply can't buy $40.00 running shoes and expect the same level of performance. You can buy running shoes for maybe around $90.00, but then again, if these shoes seem to fit you better, they would be worth it.

-THE FEEL-

*So far, the New Balance M992 have not failed to impress. I wear the shoes with my custom orthotics only, and have actually never tried them with the original insoles that came with the shoes. I assume that they would still allow comfortable running and significantly improved performance for someone with mild to moderate over-pronation. The shoes are also superb for someone with severe over-pronation that uses custom orthotics. The shoes provide an excellent one-two punch when coupled with orthotics. The feel a bit stiffer, heavier, and less airy than the Nikes, but this is not a problem. They are great for running, where there is absolutely no discomfort whatsoever. I like to take them into the woods or through the park on unpaved trails, and I still feel great despite the uneven surfaces. So far I have not used them in the gym, but like the Nike Air Structure Triax 10+ that I use in the gym, I am sure that they would feel great and would add considerable support when performing exercises such as squats, calf raises, or just about anything else.

-DURABILITY-

*The one thing that I really like about the shoes is the fact that they are built like tanks. These are extremely solid shoes, and I do use them in rougher conditions than my Nikes now. They withstand running on the unpaved surfaces quite well. Aside from the bottom of the shoe, the actual shoe itself is pigskin and mesh. These shoes are built to last, and should last you a few good years before having to buy new ones. They do feel a bit heavier and less flexible than my Nike Air Structure Triax 10+, but the shoes are afterall being used in different conditions. Despite the more solid build, they still feel great when running.

-OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER-

*The one major factor that almost turned me away from the shoes is the styling. They don't look like your typical athletic shoes. They actually remind me of VANS or Airwalk shoes. Nonetheless, you are probably going to wear the shoes for athletics anyhow, and not as a fashion item. As I have mentioned before, the solid build on the shoes is better than others I have seen available, and that more than makes up for it.

-THE VERDICT-

*The New Balance M992 are very expensive shoes. At over $100, they might be outside the budget of some runners. But you should know that you aren't just paying for a name, but for a product that will actually perform as promised. The shoes are intended for mild to moderate over-pronators and without a doubt serve this purpose very well. The shoes sport superb ankle support, a raised heel, Abzorb SBS absorption, as well as removable insoles. These all will help an over-pronator well. For those with severe over-pronation, the shoes will give a strong one-two punch when using custom orthotics. The shoes also have a stronger build and are available in black which make these ideal for outdoor running on unpaved trails. While the shoes feel less flexible than the Nike Air Strucutre Triax 10+, they perform very well for the circumstances that I use them in. Nonetheless, not only are they extremely comfortable when running in, but I also experience absolutely no pain when running. Another problem solved, and another mile ran!

If you are interested in less expensive shoes that perform just as well, you can check out the Nike Air Structure Triax running shoes.