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FAQ + live marketUpdated 2026-03-11
New Balance 998
Made in USA heritage runner with premium materials and an understated silhouette that sits in the upper tier of New Balance's classic lineup, valued by enthusiasts for its quality and clean proportions.
Guide Score
82/100
Very GoodLensLifestyle
Comfort7/10
Durability6/10
SizingTrue to size
WidthStandard fit
Dress codeCasual
CushioningABZORB
This is our 0-100 guide score for the shoe overall. Higher is better. It is not a stock number or a price score.
How to trust it
The Sources section links to 8 pages we used or checked.
This is a SoleFeed guide page with live store data.
Moderate evidence — enough to identify patterns
Key facts
- Popularity: Enthusiast favorite, less mainstream than 990
- Comfort: Good ABZORB cushioning, supportive
- Fit: True to size, standard D width
- Value: + is steep but quality justifies it
- Use case: Daily casual, understated fashion
- Risk: Irregular retro schedule, hard to find
Shoe intelligence
Comfort 7/10Durability 6/10True to sizeABZORBEveryday
Guide
Full breakdown
The New Balance 998 was first released in 1993 as a premium neutral running shoe manufactured in the United States. It features ABZORB cushioning technology, a pigskin suede and mesh upper, and a C-CAP midsole. The shoe sits between the 997 and 999 in NB's numbering sequence, part of the Made in USA heritage range that also includes the 990, 992, and 993. It has been a favorite for collaborations, with notable partnerships including Concepts, J.Crew, and Kith producing sought-after colorways.
Questions answered
FAQ
How does the 998 compare to the 990?
Both are Made in USA with premium materials, but the 998 has a slightly sleeker, less chunky silhouette. The 990v6 uses more modern FuelCell foam while the 998 uses classic ABZORB. The 990 is easier to find and has broader cultural recognition. The 998 appeals to enthusiasts who want something less common.
Why is the 998 good for collaborations?
Its clean, proportioned silhouette provides a versatile canvas for creative colorways and material choices. The premium Made in USA construction allows collaborators to work with high-quality suede, leather, and mesh. Concepts, J.Crew, and Kith have all produced celebrated 998 collaborations that are considered some of the best collab sneakers ever made.
Is the New Balance 998 comfortable for daily wear?
Yes, the ABZORB midsole provides reliable cushioning for walking and casual use. It's not as plush as the latest 990v6 with FuelCell foam, but the ride is supportive and comfortable for all-day wear. The pigskin suede upper molds to the foot nicely over time.
Can you still buy New Balance 998s?
Availability is inconsistent — New Balance retros the 998 periodically rather than keeping it in continuous production. When new colorways drop, they sell through quickly. The secondary market has pairs available but at premiums for popular colorways. Basic colorways occasionally appear at retail.
Sources & methodology
This page mixes guide writing with current store data.