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Let's talk about the New Balance 9060. In the last few years, few sneakers have stomped onto the scene with such a perfect mix of familiar comfort and straight-up weirdness. It’s a shoe that feels like it was pulled from a Y2K-era time capsule and polished up for today. It’s chunky, it’s bold, and honestly, it’s one of the most comfortable things you can put on your feet.
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Read New Balance 9060 ReviewSince its debut in 2022, the 9060 has become a massive hit, acting as the perfect canvas for both wild, story-driven collaborations and incredibly clean, everyday colors. But with so many options out there, which ones are really the best? It’s a tough question. Are we talking about the most hyped? The most wearable? The most historically important?
Here’s the thing: a good colorway is about more than just a nice shade of suede. It’s about the story, the materials, and how it makes you feel. So, I’ve waded through the hype and the endless releases to put together the definitive ranking. This isn’t just about what’s reselling for the most money; it’s about the designs that have truly defined this modern classic.
Our Ranking Process: It's Not Just About Hype
Before we get to the list, let me explain how we got here. Ranking these isn't an exact science, but it’s not random, either. We weighed a few key things:
- Cultural Impact: Did a release change the conversation? Collaborations that told a compelling story or introduced the shoe to a new audience scored high.
- Wearability & Versatility: How easy is it to rock? The best general releases (GRs) are the ones you can wear with almost anything, and they got major points for that.
- Execution & Storytelling: How well was the idea realized? This looks at material choices, unique details, and the narrative behind the shoe. A great story can turn a good shoe into a legendary one.
- Community Consensus: What do real enthusiasts think? We looked at what the community—the folks who genuinely love this stuff—consistently praises.
Alright, let's get into it.
The Definitive Top 10 New Balance 9060 Colorways
10. Triple Black: The Undercover Workhorse
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Kicking off the list is the 'Triple Black'. I know what some of you are thinking—it’s the shoe you’d wear for a restaurant job, right? I’ve seen the comments. But hear me out. When you strip away all the color, you're forced to appreciate the 9060's wild architecture. Your eye catches the wavy, exaggerated lines of the midsole and the mix of textures between the mesh and suede. It's the 9060 in its purest form.
It might not be the most hyped-up choice, but New Balance keeps restocking it for a reason: people are buying it. It’s the foundational, everyday option that makes the silhouette accessible to everyone. It’s the anti-hype staple, and for that, it deserves a spot.
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9. Mushroom: The Earth-Tone Masterpiece
New Balance has always been the king of sophisticated, earthy tones, and the 'Mushroom' colorway is proof. This shoe is just a beautiful blend of soft beige, taupe, and light brown that feels both trendy and timeless. Some versions even have a subtle baby blue mesh underneath, which gives a cool little contrast to the warm suede.
This is the kind of general release that feels special. It's constantly recommended in sneaker communities for its versatile, elevated look. It's the perfect choice if you love the 9060's bold shape but want to express it in a more subtle, refined way.
8. Turtledove: The Clean, Creamy Alternative
In a world full of plain white sneakers, the 'Turtledove' is a breath of fresh air. It’s a gorgeous mix of off-white, cream, and beige tones that feels warm and inviting. It’s far more complex and textured than a simple white shoe, with premium suede panels layered over a cream-colored mesh base.
It’s praised everywhere for being an "essential 9060 style" because it just goes with everything. One owner even mentioned that the material seems easier to keep clean than some of the grey versions—a huge practical plus! It softens the 9060's aggressive design, making it look incredibly refined.
7. Rain Cloud: The Classic NB Grey, Reimagined
You can’t have a New Balance list without a classic grey, can you? The 'Rain Cloud' is arguably the most "New Balance" 9060 of them all. It takes the brand's most iconic color—the one they are famously proud of—and applies it to their most futuristic silhouette. The result is a perfect blend of the brand's past and future.
By dressing this wild, Y2K-inspired shape in that trusted, familiar grey, New Balance made the shoe feel instantly approachable. It’s the perfect gateway for longtime fans and newcomers alike. No wonder it has sold in staggering numbers; it’s the definition of a versatile, can't-miss sneaker.
6. Sea Salt: The Game-Changing General Release
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The 'Sea Salt' holds a special place in the 9060's history. It was one of the very first general-release colorways to drop after the blockbuster Joe Freshgoods collaboration, and it immediately proved the 9060 could be a star on its own. Its super-clean palette of white, grey, and silver metallic just works.
This shoe set the standard for all non-collaborative 9060s that followed. It captured the massive wave of interest from the initial launch and offered a wearable, sophisticated option for everyone who missed out. Its importance in the 9060's story is undeniable, cementing its status as a modern classic.
5. Joe Freshgoods "Inside Voices - Penny Cookie Pink"
Now we're getting into the heavy hitters. The "Penny Cookie Pink," part of the pack that launched the 9060, is pure storytelling. Chicago’s Joe Freshgoods didn’t just make a pink shoe; he created a feeling. The soft, muted pinks and tans are meant to evoke the warmth and intimacy of home.
When you buy a Joe Freshgoods shoe, you’re not just buying suede and rubber; you’re buying into a narrative. The "Inside Voices" concept connected with people on a deep, emotional level. This shoe is a piece of wearable art, and it was instrumental in showing the world the 9060's potential for deep, conceptual design right from the start.
4. Joe Freshgoods "Inside Voices - Baby Shower Blue"
The other half of the launch pack, 'Baby Shower Blue,' is just as amazing, if not a little more audacious. The color combination is stunning—a yellow mesh upper with soft aqua suede overlays and little pops of pastel pink. It's an unexpected mix that just blends together perfectly.
Releasing two distinct colorways at once was a genius move. It immediately sparked the "Pink or Blue?" debate, doubling the pack's cultural footprint. While both are masterpieces, the 'Baby Shower Blue' often gets the nod from enthusiasts for its slightly more daring and unique color composition. It’s a certified grail.
3. Bricks & Wood "Nothing Changed but the Address"
Sometimes, the most personal stories have the most universal appeal. This collaboration with the LA-based brand Bricks & Wood is a perfect example. The design is a masterclass in subtlety, with a clean cream and off-white suede upper. But the details are what make it sing: unique fuzzy laces and vibrant green accents on the midsole.
That green isn't random. It represents the lawn of founder Kacey Lynch's grandmother's house. The shoe is a tribute to home, family, and roots. That deep authenticity is something you can’t fake, and it’s why this shoe resonates so strongly with so many people. It’s a beautiful shoe with a beautiful story.
2. Bodega "Age of Discovery": The Connoisseur's Choice
If you ask dedicated sneakerheads to name the best 9060, a huge number of them will say the Bodega 'Age of Discovery'. This shoe is just on another level. Inspired by Renaissance art and ancient maps, the design is a breathtaking mix of light blue mesh, brown hairy suede, and smooth grey leather, with regal pops of purple-pink.
But Bodega didn’t just design a shoe; they curated an entire experience. The custom box, the marketing, the storytelling—every single element was flawless. It’s the definitive connoisseur’s 9060, a testament to what happens when ambitious design and perfect execution come together.
1. The "Grey Day" Concept: The Coronation of a Classic
For the top spot, I’m picking something a little different. It’s not a single shoe, but a concept: the "Grey Day" 9060. Every year, New Balance celebrates its signature color with a special collection. Including the 9060 in this sacred tradition is the brand's way of officially anointing it as a modern icon.
These aren't just your standard 'Rain Cloud' grey. "Grey Day" editions use more premium materials, like extra hairy suedes, and feature unique detailing. By placing its most audacious new silhouette at the center of its most important tradition, New Balance is making a powerful statement. It's the ultimate fusion of the brand's celebrated past and its ambitious future. It's more than a colorway; it's a coronation.
Conclusion
The rapid rise of the New Balance 9060 from a fresh market entry to a modern classic is no accident. It is the direct result of a brilliant, multi-pronged strategy executed with near-perfect precision. The foundation of this success lies in a revolutionary silhouette that is both nostalgic and futuristic, a design that appeals to different generations and aesthetic tastes.
This powerful design has been fueled by a highly effective dual-engine strategy. On one hand, a series of culturally significant, story-rich collaborations with respected names in fashion have generated immense hype and established the 9060's credibility from its very first release. On the other hand, this excitement has been supported by a steady stream of well-made, versatile general releases. This ensures the model remains accessible and relevant to a wide audience, integrating it into daily wear rather than letting it become just an unobtainable object of hype.
The New Balance 9060 is no longer just a new shoe; it has become an essential and permanent pillar of the brand's lineup. With a consistent schedule of new collaborations and creative general releases on the horizon, its relevance is not only secure but poised to grow. It has firmly earned its place in the pantheon of iconic sneaker designs—a modern classic that will be celebrated for years to come.
