New Balance 9060 Complete Guide

Every so often, a sneaker comes along that just hits different. It doesn’t just follow a trend; it creates a whole new lane. The New Balance 9060 is exactly that. Since it first dropped in 2022, this shoe has managed to become a massive deal, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s one of those rare designs that feels both totally new and strangely familiar all at once.

If you’re thinking about grabbing a pair, or just curious what all the hype is about, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who’s had their hands (and feet) on dozens of New Balance models over the years, I’m here to walk you through everything—the good, the confusing, and the comfy.

So, What’s the Big Deal with the 9060?

Let's get one thing straight: the 9060 isn't just another retro release. New Balance officially calls it a "new expression of the refined style and innovation-led design of the classic 99X series." Think of it less like a direct sequel and more like a remix. The whole vibe is "retrofuturism." They took the classic, dad-shoe DNA from their iconic 99X line and mashed it up with the loud, chunky, and tech-heavy aesthetic of the Y2K era. Remember those early 2000s runners that looked like they were from the future? Yeah, that.

This wasn't some happy accident. New Balance was very deliberate here. They saw huge success modernizing their '70s and '80s styles with the 327 and 57/40, so tackling the 2000s was the logical next step. They kicked things off with a collaboration with Joe Freshgoods, a Chicago-based designer known for incredible storytelling. That move instantly gave the 9060 cultural cred right out of the gate.

So, you’ve got a shoe that honors the brand's history, pushes design into a weird and wonderful new place, and is ridiculously comfortable. That’s the magic formula right there.

Let's Talk Design and Tech

The look of the 9060 is where things get really interesting. It’s a shoe of two halves, literally. The design team, which included Yue Wu and James Lee, split their duties: Wu handled the upper, and Lee focused on that wild sole unit. Their goal was to create a sense of "motion" throughout the shoe.

That Y2K Look and Feel

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You can see a clear conversation happening between different eras of New Balance history.

• Shoutout to the 990s: See those wavy overlays on the side? Those are called "sway bars," a classic feature from the 990 series. On the 9060, they’re stretched and exaggerated to look like they’re moving. Even the chunky plastic piece on the heel (the CR device) is a beefed-up version of the one that provides stability on the 990s.
• A Nod to the 860v2: To get that aggressive, early 2000s running feel, the designers looked to the 860v2. If you flip the 9060 over, you’ll see a diamond pattern on the outsole—that’s a scaled-up version of the 860’s sole. It’s a cool, authentic touch.
• An Easter Egg for the Fans: The logo on the tongue is a direct reference to the jeweled pod on the New Balance 991. It’s a subtle nod that true NB heads will definitely appreciate.

The most unmissable feature, though, is that crazy midsole. It’s sculpted with wavy lines and big, chunky pods that scream Y2K. It’s not just for looks; those pods house the cushioning tech, turning the shoe's comfort into a bold visual statement.

Imagine a detailed shot of the 9060's midsole. The image would focus on the wavy, sculpted lines of the foam, highlighting the different textures. You'd see the clear "windows" showing the gel-like SBS pods inside, contrasted against the softer ABZORB foam. The lighting would catch the exaggerated curves and the futuristic, almost alien-like architecture of the sole unit.

Like Walking on Clouds, But For Real: ABZORB and SBS Tech

Okay, let's get into what really matters: comfort. The 9060 is a lifestyle sneaker, but it’s packed with tech you’d find in a serious running shoe. This is why you see so many people who are on their feet all day, like nurses and stylists, swearing by them.

The secret is a dual-density midsole that uses two of New Balance’s best technologies: ABZORB and SBS.

• ABZORB: This is New Balance’s classic cushioning foam, first introduced way back in 1993. Its job is to absorb impact. Instead of the force shooting up your leg, ABZORB disperses it sideways. It’s soft, but not so squishy that you feel unstable.
• SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene): This isn’t really a foam; it’s more of a super durable, gel-like material. Its key feature is "no compression set," which is a technical way of saying it doesn’t pack down and lose its bounce over time. In the 9060, SBS is placed in high-impact areas like the heel and forefoot for targeted, long-lasting shock absorption.

Lab tests back this up. The midsole foam is incredibly soft, measuring at 19.4 HA on a durometer (for context, many firm sneakers are up in the 40s). It also has a massive amount of cushioning underfoot, with a heel height of 37.2 mm. Despite its chunky look, it's surprisingly light for its size.

The Never-Ending List of Colorways

New Balance played the release game perfectly with the 9060. They started with super-hyped collaborations to build buzz, then followed up with a steady stream of general releases (GRs) that you can actually find. This means the 9060 exists as both a collector's item and an everyday sneaker at the same time.

Core Colorways

These are the foundational, easy-to-wear colors that have made the 9060 a mainstream hit. Think versatile greys, blacks, and sea salts.

Limited Edition Releases

These are the heavy hitters—collaborations with boutiques like Bodega and designers like Mowalola, plus special retailer exclusives that are much harder to get.

The Big Question: How Does the New Balance 9060 Fit?

Okay, let’s get into the most debated topic surrounding this shoe: sizing. Officially, New Balance says the 9060 fits True to Size (TTS). But if you spend five minutes on Reddit, you'll see a whole lot of people saying you should size down. So what’s the real story?

Here’s the thing: it all comes down to your foot shape and what you're used to.

1. It’s a Roomy Shoe: The 9060 is designed to be wide and spacious, especially in the toe box. If you're used to a narrow, snug sneaker, your normal size might feel a little loose.
2. Foot Width is Key: This is the most important factor.
   • Wide Feet: If you have wide feet, stick with your true size. The 9060 will likely feel perfect, giving you the room you need without having to size up.
   • Narrow to Normal Feet: This is where the debate comes from. If you have narrower feet, you might find your true size has a bit too much length and volume. Going a half-size down will give you a more secure, locked-in feel.

How does it compare to other New Balance models?

• vs. New Balance 2002R: The fit is pretty similar in length. If you have a size in the 2002R that you love, you can probably take the same size in the 9060, just expect a roomier toe box.
• vs. New Balance 550: The 550 is a much narrower shoe. The 9060 will feel way more spacious in the same size. If you have narrow feet and the 550 fits you perfectly, definitely consider going a half-size down for the 9060.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

When in doubt, the absolute best way to know for sure is to try them on in a store.

Where Can You Buy the 9060?

Finding a pair of 9060s is pretty easy, but where you should look depends on what you're after.

For the Latest Releases at Retail Price:

Your best bet is the primary retail channels. Adult sizes usually run about $150.

• New Balance Official Websites: This is the first place to look for the widest selection of current colors.
• Major Retailers: Big chains are your friend here. In the US, check out Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Hibbett Sports. In Europe, look at places like JD Sports and AFEW-Store.

For Sold-Out Pairs or a Potential Deal:

If you’re hunting for a rare collaboration or an older colorway, you’ll need to hit the secondary market.

• Resale Platforms: Sites like StockX, GOAT, and eBay are the go-to spots. You can find almost any pair here, but be prepared to pay a premium for the hyped ones.
• New Balance Reconsidered: This is New Balance's official resale site where they sell returned or slightly imperfect shoes at a nice discount. It's a fantastic place to find a deal if you're not picky about a tiny scuff.

You can see a clear split in value. A general release like the 'Rain Cloud' can often be found for less than its original retail price. But a collaboration like the Joe Freshgoods 'Baby Shower Blue' will cost you a pretty penny, with resale prices often soaring over $300.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are New Balance 9060s good for walking or standing all day? Absolutely. The combination of ABZORB and SBS cushioning makes them incredibly comfortable for long periods. They are a favorite among people who work on their feet.

What makes the 9060 different from other New Balance models like the 574 or 990v6? The 9060 is much chunkier and more cushioned than the classic 574, which has a firmer feel. Compared to the 990v6, which is a top-tier running shoe, the 9060 has a softer midsole and a more fashion-focused, dramatic design.

How do you style the New Balance 9060? The key is to balance out the shoe's chunky silhouette. They look best with wider-fitting pants like baggy jeans, cargo pants, or loose joggers. Skinny jeans are tough to pull off with these. For warmer weather, they pair well with loose shorts and an oversized tee.

Further Reading

1. For detailed performance analysis, read our in-depth New Balance 9060 review.
2. New Balance 9060 vs New Balance Fuelcell 990 v6