I bought these shoes based on an earlier review comparing them favorably with the 990 series from NB - 991, 992, 993. The 498s don't compare in terms of support or balance. The 990 series has a torsion ring embedded in the heel & sole that aids balance. Not so the M498! Likewise arch support - yes for 990 series, not so hot for 498. These are just OK shoes.

The 991 falls into the "great" category (I originally bought a pair in 1993 based on Pres. Bill Clinton's recommendation of a similar NB number - he knows shoes whatever else you might think of him), and the 993 into the "pretty darn good" category.