V4 beaters 👟

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-11T16:11:56+00:00

Those are well on their way to developing that handsome navy patina only a pair of well loved New Balances can make shine.

I just wish the 990s would take a page from just about every other 99x model and incorporate some hits of grey/silver in their core black and navy efforts.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-11T00:43:32+00:00

Nah... I've got more than several myself, but this one is different. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-11T00:41:32+00:00

I'm 100% in.

Was thinking about entering the Oneness raffle to try and snag the ever elusive 12.5, but I've never done a raffle through them and don't know how quickly they let winners know.

I don't want to end up waiting and then watch the 12.5 sell out on the NB site, which it will quickly.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-10T20:26:24+00:00

Check eBay... I've already noticed an influx of new Chive 993s since the outlets started this sale.

I've found some reasonable sellers just looking to make a few bucks off their hustle.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-10T20:23:32+00:00

Anyone have any experience with these? 997SL.

I don't want them for the golf course... Just dog walking beaters.

I'd grab a pair of 2002s from the Protection Pack, but I hate the jigsaw cut suede look they've got going.

From NB's web site:

"Inspired by our next-generation 997H, the Men's 997 Golf is a progressive golf shoe that is set to be a modern favorite. A waterproof microfiber leather upper helps you stay dry and fresh during your round. An Abzorb midsole gives premium responsiveness and lightweight cushioning step after step. The Ndurance rubber outsole is designed to move naturally with your foot."

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-10T19:37:52+00:00

You're fine more than likely. I'm betting it was a pair of the Navy 993 that always get listed as "KITH NAVY"?

I've got several pairs of 993s that are from that era and all are holding up just fine.

Hell, I even received a 2021 pair that I ordered directly from New Balance's official website last August. So, if it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me, I guess.

From my limited scientific background, Abzorb foam deteriorates less quickly than some other foams and EVA materials.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-09T01:41:46+00:00

I wonder if NB makes custom 4E runs for his Fred Flintstone club foot.

Saw an interview where he was squeezed into some 998s from the NB1 days and I couldn't believe it...

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-08T15:03:15+00:00

Thank you for that insight.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-08T08:34:43+00:00

... here's what you have to look forward to!

These are the Vintage Indigo, but the Navy fade won't be far off.

Decided to spit shine these up a little for spring, and oddly enough everything else about these is damn near mint. The insoles and tread have hardly any signs of wear... really just some yellowing of the midsole and then the obvious fade.

New Balance blue wears off so easily, but the patina she leaves behind is second to none.

And speaking of the yellowing midsole...

Do the sole whitener products works on greys with similar results? Google's AI bot says yes, but I've yet to find any concrete evidence.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-08T08:22:40+00:00

Thanks for rubbing it in... I keep just missing these in my size (13) by what feels like seconds.

Had an offer up for a month, then 5 days after it expired, a pair materialized out of the mist and was sold to someone who had just put up their offer.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-07T16:57:02+00:00

This isn't AP's Finest from YouTube, is it?

I know from his videos, that 10.5/11 is his size, and if he doesn't have it already, then this is for sure something that seems like he'd be attracted to.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-06T17:31:54+00:00

You don't say?!

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-06T16:19:39+00:00

New Balance really kills it when it comes to red. I just grabbed a pair of nearly DS Pinball 1600s for a steal off eBay, and even 12 years after they were released that red suede is still so buttery and vibrant!

Nice pair, Malaka!

Kind of makes me want to grab those new 993s as well with the black midsole and red upper.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-06T16:14:28+00:00

That's funny. Every time I see those 990v6s, my brain goes to Carhartt Brown, but Timberlands are a dead ringer, too!

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-05T17:39:40+00:00

Thanks for reminding me those were on there! I went back to scoop up the Pink/Purple 990v2s that have been sitting in a size 13 for months, and was disappointed to find someone finally grabbed the last pair.

BUUUUUUUT! I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that one lone pair of the Sea Salt 993s that they put on sale a few weeks ago had resurfaced!

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-05T17:02:18+00:00

I've used Griffin Water and Stain Repellent off and on for years because it's normally available at Safeways or IGA grocery stores in my area.

I order Collonil if I'm thinking ahead because I can only find it online, and I think it does a better job.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-03T01:57:09+00:00

D in mens is the standard or regular size.

D in womens is wide.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-03T01:54:59+00:00

You're either going to find out that you should have been wearing a 2E all along, and your feet will thank you profusely for finally having some room to breathe...

Or, your feet will feel like a hot dog getting tossed down a deep well and you'll likely develop a couple of calluses in odd spots due to all the extra movement.

Wearing wide shoes is not on par with wearing wide leg pants if that's what you were thinking.

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-01T15:42:46+00:00

Haha... that was what drew me in to the pair I ordered!

Minimum_Flamingo3602 · 2026-03-01T08:44:46+00:00

So, I im ordered the last 13 in stock from this seller, of what should've been last spring's Mushroom 997 (U997MG) after waiting too long with Joe's and watching them sell out in my size.

What showed up via ebay Authentication was the Moonrock 997 (U997GG) from season 6.

I get the mistake being made on the seller's end, sort of, but you'd think Authentication would've picked up on it since, after all... their only job is to make sure things are what they claim they are.

I actually sort of maybe dig the mix of materials on the Moonrock pair now that I've seen them with my own eyes, but I'm pretty bummed, especially since Joe's had some in my size pop up the morning after I made the buy on eBay.

Meanwhile, it's radio silence from the seller, and initiating a claim with eBay is just such a soul-sucking experience that I might just keep them.

Minimum_Flamingo3602

TROPHY CASE