New Balance 9060 Complete Review

New Balance's 9060 represents a bold fusion of Y2K-inspired design and modern comfort technology, garnering significant attention in the lifestyle sneaker market. With an average rating of 4.3/5 from over 450 customer reviews, this model offers exceptional comfort for daily wear but faces notable quality control challenges that warrant careful consideration before purchase.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.3/5 based on 450 customer reviews
Best For: Fashion-conscious casual wearers, healthcare workers, and urban lifestyle enthusiasts
Key Strengths: All-day comfort, stylish Y2K aesthetic, versatile styling options
Notable Limitations: Quality control issues, inconsistent sizing, relatively heavy weight

What Makes the 9060 Stand Out?

You know what? The New Balance 9060 isn't just another sneaker; it's a statement. It masterfully crashes together the legacy of the classic 99X series with a bold, almost aggressive Y2K-era futurism. Let me explain. Designers James Lee and Yue Wu took familiar New Balance DNA and gave it a "warped sensibility." The result is this chunky, can't-miss-it silhouette with exaggerated features, like the expanded sway bars that give it a sense of constant motion, and a chunky, sculpted pod midsole that looks like it's from the future.

Here’s the thing, it’s not just for looks. The dual-density midsole, which combines ABZORB and SBS cushioning, is the real deal for comfort. It’s this blend of a daring, visible-tech aesthetic with legitimate, all-day comfort that makes it a titan in the current lifestyle market. As one wearer put it, the design has a "futuristic flair" and feels "sleek and modern." It’s a shoe that respects its roots while sprinting confidently into new territory.

Real Customer Experiences

When you dig into what people are actually saying, a few clear patterns emerge. Honestly, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, especially around comfort and looks, but it’s not without its critics.

• Positive - Exceptional All-Day Comfort: A huge number of users call out the 9060 as being one of the most comfortable shoes they own, perfect for long days on their feet. The plush ABZORB and SBS cushioning system gets consistent praise for its supportive and responsive feel.
• Positive - Bold, Versatile Style: People love the look. It hits the sweet spot between the "dad shoe" trend and a more futuristic, high-fashion vibe. Its ability to be styled with everything from baggy jeans to tailored trousers is a major selling point.
• Negative - Questionable Wet-Surface Grip: This is a big one. Several users have reported that the shoe can be surprisingly slippery on wet surfaces like tile floors. This is a significant safety consideration for anyone living in a rainy climate.

Here are a couple of direct quotes that capture the general vibe:

"I own 10 pairs of 9060's so what does that tell you. They are super comfortable and I can wear them all day and my feet don't hurt. They look good with sporty clothes or with a casual chic outfit." - Reddit User Review

"The only con for me is the not great grip over wet surfaces. I’ve slipped multiple times wearing these on a wet tile floor which is a little scary." - Reddit User Review

Design and Build Quality

Let's get into the nuts and bolts of this shoe. The 9060 is built like a tank, but a very stylish one.

The upper is a mix-and-match of premium materials. You've got high-quality pigskin suede overlays that give it that luxe, classic New Balance feel, paired with sections of mesh for breathability. Some colorways even play with "hairy suede" for extra texture. Synthetic leather is also used to provide structure and support. The iconic "N" logo and subtle reflective details round out the package.

The midsole is where the magic happens. It's a dual-density setup featuring New Balance's flagship ABZORB foam for general impact absorption and ABZORB SBS—a gel-like insert, usually in the heel—for enhanced stability and shock absorption. Visually, it's defined by those big, sculpted pods and wavy lines that give the shoe its signature chunky look.

Flipping it over, the outsole is made of a durable rubber compound with a distinctive diamond-shaped traction pattern inspired by the classic 860 model. It’s thick and robust, though some of the soft midsole foam is exposed, which can be a weak point for scrapes.

The shoe has a substantial feel, with a weight of around 410-432 grams (14.5-15.3 oz). While the craftsmanship is generally praised, some common durability issues have popped up, including reports of outsole separation, peeling on the toe cap, and visible glue stains, suggesting some quality control can be hit-or-miss compared to the "Made in USA/UK" lines.

Comfort and Fit

Honestly, if you're buying the 9060, you're probably doing it for the comfort, and it delivers. The combination of the plush ABZORB midsole, a well-padded collar, and soft upper materials creates an incredible on-foot experience. The shoe offers great heel lockdown, so you don't feel like you're slipping around despite the massive sole.

In terms of sizing, the general consensus is that the 9060 fits true to size (TTS) for most people. Here's the thing: it has a naturally wider profile. The toe box is generous, making it a fantastic option for people with normal to slightly wide feet, who often don't even need to size up. If you have narrow feet, you might find it a bit roomy; some with narrow feet even suggest going down half a size for a more locked-in feel.

There's very little break-in period required. Most users find them comfortable right out of the box. As one reviewer noted, the shoe provides "great support" and the stability is well-designed, making it a reliable choice for long days.

Style and Versatility

The 9060 is a chameleon, stylistically speaking. It perfectly captures the zeitgeist, blending that retro "dad shoe" vibe with a Y2K futuristic edge. This makes it incredibly versatile. You can see people rocking them with baggy cargo pants and a hoodie for a pure streetwear look, but they look just as good with tailored trousers or even a dress to create a more high-low, fashion-forward outfit. The chunky silhouette is the centerpiece, so it pairs best with pants that have a wider opening, like straight-leg jeans or joggers, which allows the shoe to really stand out. It has a huge demographic appeal, worn by everyone from hypebeasts to fashion-savvy moms. It’s a certified head-turner.

Quality and Durability

Here’s where we need to have a real talk. The 9060 feels premium. The materials, like the pigskin suede, are top-notch, and the general craftsmanship seems solid at first glance. However, it's not a "Made in USA" or "Made in UK" New Balance, and for some, that shows over time. The praise for its quality is often balanced by complaints about long-term durability.

While 78% of reviews praise its quality, there are recurring common issues. The most worrying are reports of the outsole separating from the midsole and the toe cap beginning to peel after only a few months of normal wear. These aren't just minor cosmetic flaws; they're structural problems. As one user pointed out after their pair started to fall apart:

"Definitely a manufacturing issue / weak point of the shoe. I love the 9060s, but they are absolutely less durable than any 99x made in USA model." - Reddit User So, you get a premium look and feel, but you might be trading some of the legendary New Balance longevity for that aggressive style and softer comfort.

Decision Matrix

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor

Further Reading

1. For everything you need to know, check out our complete guide to the New Balance 9060.
2. Wondering how this compares to the classic 990v6? Read our New Balance 9060 vs 990v6 comparison.