New Balance 890

1. Self Magazine

Self magazine editors select eight new models for their February roundup of the best new running sneakers. The New Balance 890 is chosen, and editors say the light foam midsole makes it ideal for distance running. Yet reviews are incredibly brief, providing virtually no information about the shoe. Plus, there's no clue as to how each shoe is tested or how many total models are reviewed.

Review: Best New Running Sneakers, Editors of Self magazine, February 2011

2. Men's Fitness

For their 2011 shoe guide, editors of Men's Fitness review nine running shoes selected to address a variety of needs ranging from speed to cushioning to agility. However, there's little information provided about each shoe. The New Balance 890 is named the best pick for added cushioning. Editors say the shoe is comfortable, light and well-cushioned, but it's unclear how each shoe is tested or how many shoes are tested overall.

Review: Shoe Guide 2011, Editors of Men's Fitness, As of July 2011

3. Women's Health magazine

A dozen different running shoes are selected by the editors of Women's Health for their Shoe Finder Shopping Guide. Each selection includes a brief description of why the shoe is so unique. The New Balance 890 earns praise for its "cushiony" feel and light weight, but editors don't provide any information about how the shoes are tested or by which criteria they're selected.

Review: The WH Shoe Finder, Editors of Women's Health, As of July 2011

4. Outside

In Outside magazine's 2011 Summer Buyer's Guide, editors select eight models as top picks for road-running shoes. The New Balance 890 earns the highest accolades. Unlike most reviews that place the 890 strictly in the neutral category, Outside says the shoe is comfortable and cushy, but has enough support that most runners -- even those with slight overpronation -- find it to be a superior running shoe. Unfortunately, the site gives no details as to why these shoes are awarded such high marks or how each shoe is tested.

Review: Summer Buyer's Guide, Editors of Outside, May 2011

5. ActiveGearReview.com

ActiveGearReview.com provides more than 100 reviews of popular road-running shoes. Since there's no rating system, this site is most helpful for finding information about a specific model of interest. Here, the New Balance 890 receives a detailed, balanced review; it's praised as a good pick for neutral runners looking for a more minimalist-inspired shoe. ZRod says the 890 is designed nicely to compliment a forefoot strike but warns that the lack of stability and cushioned feel makes the shoe better suited to long-distance runs on pavement rather than other surfaces. Plus, the heel pocket is narrow, which may result in blisters for some runners.

Review: New Balance 890 Review, Zach Rod aka ZRod, Feb. 1, 2011

6. Amazon.com

Ten users provide feedback on the New Balance 890 at this top online retailer, giving the shoe an average 4.5 out of 5 stars and posting generally positive remarks. Most reviewers say this is an ideal choice for neutral runners who are looking for a lightweight, low-to-the-ground shoe. Some warn, however, that the light weight comes at the cost of some cushioning. One reviewer says the firmer, thinner cushioning resulted in sore legs.

Review: New Balance Men's 890 Running Shoe, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of July 2011