Adidas Ultraboost vs New Balance 990: Which Should You Buy?

The Adidas Ultraboost and the New Balance 990 are both premium daily trainers, but they are built around different priorities. The Ultraboost (current generation: Ultraboost 5X) is a softer, more cushioned lifestyle-leaning shoe with a lower 10.4mm heel-to-toe drop, making it a good fit for people who want an energetic, plush ride for walking and light daily wear. The 990 (currently on v6) is a stability-oriented shoe with a firmer ride, a higher 15.3mm drop, and a dedicated rearfoot support post, making it better suited to runners or walkers with flat feet or mild overpronation who need more structure underfoot. Neither is objectively “better” — the right choice depends on your arch type, foot shape, and how much support versus plush cushioning you personally need.

Key Takeaways

• The Ultraboost 5X has a lower 10.4mm drop and independently lab-tested stack heights of roughly 34.6mm heel / 24.2mm forefoot.
• The New Balance 990v6 has a higher 15.3mm drop with a firmer PU insert at the rearfoot for added stability and arch support.
• The Ultraboost’s knit Primeknit-style upper gives a sock-like, flexible fit; the 990’s suede/mesh upper is sturdier and holds its shape longer.
• Overpronators or people with flat feet tend to do better in the 990’s firmer, more structured ride.
• People who prioritize plush, energetic cushioning for walking or light daily use often prefer the Ultraboost.

Quick Comparison

Cushioning and Ride Feel

Direct Answer: the Ultraboost feels softer and more energetic underfoot; the 990 feels firmer and more controlled.

Explanation: the Ultraboost’s Light Boost TPU foam is tuned for a springy, responsive rebound that many wearers describe as “bouncy,” which makes it comfortable for extended standing or walking. The 990’s FuelCell foam is paired with a firmer PU insert at the rearfoot specifically to limit excess motion, which trades away some of that bounce in favor of a more planted, stable feel.

Nuance: “softer” is not automatically “more comfortable” for every foot type — some wearers with flatter feet find very soft, unstructured foam actually feels less supportive over long periods.

Recommendation: if you know you have neutral-to-high arches and prioritize plush comfort, lean Ultraboost. If you have flat feet, or your older shoes tend to wear down unevenly on the inner edge (a common overpronation sign), lean 990.

Fit, Upper Construction and Durability

Direct Answer: the Ultraboost’s knit upper fits more like a sock and flexes with the foot; the 990’s suede-and-mesh upper is structured and holds its shape for longer.

Explanation: Primeknit-style uppers are stretchy and adapt closely to foot shape from the first wear, which many people find comfortable immediately but which can also wear out or stretch further over time. The 990’s classic suede-and-mesh construction is stiffer at first and needs a short break-in period, but tends to maintain its structure and support over a longer lifespan.

Nuance: wide-footed wearers sometimes find the Ultraboost’s knit more forgiving out of the box, while narrow-footed wearers may find the 990 fits more securely once broken in.

Recommendation: if you want a shoe that feels good on day one with minimal break-in, the Ultraboost’s knit upper is the safer bet. If you want a shoe that holds its supportive structure over years of wear, the 990 tends to age better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for standing all day at work?

The Ultraboost’s softer, more cushioned ride is generally more comfortable for extended standing, though people with flat feet may still prefer the 990’s added arch support.

Is the New Balance 990 good for overpronation?

Yes. Its higher drop and firmer rearfoot PU insert are specifically designed to add stability and control excess inward roll of the foot, which is common with overpronation.

Do these run true to size?

Both generally run true to size for most wearers, though the Ultraboost’s knit upper has more give, so some people size down half a size for a snugger fit, while the 990’s structured upper is closer to true-to-size across widths.

Which shoe is more casual or lifestyle-friendly?

The Ultraboost leans more toward lifestyle and streetwear styling thanks to its sock-like knit silhouette, while the 990 has its own strong “dad shoe” heritage following that has made it a streetwear staple in its own right.

Can I run in either of these shoes?

Both can handle light-to-moderate running or walking mileage, but neither is a dedicated racing or high-mileage performance running shoe — think daily trainer and everyday comfort rather than competitive running.

Which one is more durable long-term?

The 990’s suede-and-mesh upper and firmer midsole construction tend to hold their shape and support longer than the Ultraboost’s knit upper, which can stretch and show wear sooner with heavy daily use.

For a deeper look at how New Balance sizing compares across brands, see our New Balance sizing guide.

Browse the current Ultraboost lineup in the Adidas Ultraboost men’s and Adidas Ultraboost women’s categories, or explore the New Balance range on cecilemilan.com.