You’ve seen the pictures, you’ve heard the buzz, but is the New Balance 9060 really as good as everyone says it is? As a sneaker enthusiast and someone who spends a lot of time evaluating footwear, I’ve put the New Balance 9060 through its paces to give you an honest, in-depth look. This isn’t just about its striking looks; it’s about how it performs in everyday life, its comfort, its fit, and whether it truly justifies the hype.
In this comprehensive New Balance 9060 review, I’m going to provide you with all the practical insights you need. From its cushioning technology to its precise sizing, and from its real-world stability to its durability, I’ll cover every aspect. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge to confidently decide if the New Balance 9060 is the right addition to your collection. So, let’s dive into the details!
First Impressions & Core Specifications of New Balance 9060
When I first unboxed the New Balance 9060, I was immediately struck by its substantial yet well-balanced feel. While it’s certainly a visually bold shoe, its comfort was apparent from the moment I slipped it on. This unisex model, priced at $149.99, carries a distinct presence.
Specifications
Let’s break down the specs:
- Weight: Expect it to feel solid but balanced. It typically weighs around 15.1 oz (427g) for a men’s size 9.
- Stack Height: It’s got a generous platform, with approximately 37.3 mm at the heel and 26.0 mm at the forefoot, giving you a noticeable boost.
- Drop: The heel-to-toe drop is about 11.3 mm.
- Materials: The upper is crafted from a premium blend of genuine suede, highly breathable mesh, and strategic synthetic fabrics.
- Design Details: You’ll spot unique elements like the expanded “sway bars” from the 990, running throughout the upper for a cool sense of visible motion. The bold, sculpted midsole features wavy lines and scaled-up proportions, highlighting its ABZORB and SBS cushioning platforms.
Key Features of New Balance 9060
The comfort of the New Balance 9060 is, without a doubt, one of its strongest selling points. It genuinely lives up to the reputation.
Upper Construction:
The upper of the New Balance 9060 is a masterclass in mixed materials. It typically features a combination of breathable mesh for ventilation, premium suede overlays for durability and a luxurious feel, and sometimes synthetic leather accents for added structure. The strategic placement of these materials ensures both comfort and support. The iconic “N” logo on the side is often reflective, a subtle yet effective detail for visibility.
Midsole Technology:
This is where the 9060 truly shines in terms of comfort. The midsole incorporates New Balance’s renowned ABZORB and SBS cushioning technologies.
- ABZORB cushioning: This proprietary foam is engineered for superior impact absorption, protecting your feet and joints from the shock of daily wear. It’s designed to provide a soft, forgiving ride.
- SBS cushioning: This specialized gel insert, typically located in the heel area, enhances shock absorption even further, giving you that extra plushness where you need it most. The midsole itself is visually striking, with its exaggerated proportions and sculpted, pod-like appearance that sets it apart.
Outsole Design & Traction:
The outsole of the New Balance 9060 is crafted from durable rubber, ensuring longevity and reliable grip. It features a distinct diamond outsole pattern, which not only adds to its unique aesthetic but also provides traction across various surfaces.
You’ll often notice exposed sections of the ABZORB foam in a diamond shape within these pods, a design cue reportedly inspired by the New Balance 860 V2. While offering good grip on dry surfaces, it’s worth noting that some users find its traction on very wet or slippery surfaces to be moderate.
Heel Counter & Stability:
A prominent feature of the 9060 is its translucent CR device, also known as a TPU heel counter. This exaggerated component at the heel isn’t just for looks; it provides robust heel support and stability, helping to lock your foot in place and mitigate lateral movement. This, combined with the wide base of the midsole, contributes significantly to the shoe’s overall planted feel.
New Balance 9060 Review: Sizing, Fit, and Stability
When it comes to sizing, my experience is that the New Balance 9060 generally fits true to size (TTS). I found my usual New Balance size to be perfect. The toe box offers adequate space and isn’t overly restrictive.
Importantly, despite its somewhat narrow appearance in the forefoot (around 65.5mm at the big toe in some measurements), the New Balance 9060 is surprisingly wide-foot friendly, often accommodating broader feet comfortably. If you typically find shoes restrictive or prefer a bit more room, considering going up half a size could be an option, but for most, TTS works well. A practical feature is the removable insole, which allows you to insert custom orthotics if you need additional arch support.
The stability of the New Balance 9060 is truly impressive, especially given its generous stack height. This is largely thanks to its exceptionally broad midsole, measuring approximately 121 mm wide at the forefoot and 103.1 mm wide at the heel. This wide base creates a remarkably stable platform that helps offset the plushness of the cushioning, keeping you feeling grounded and secure.
Furthermore, the shoe exhibits good torsional rigidity, meaning it resists excessive twisting, and its moderately stiff heel counteracts effectively cradles your foot. This combination of features ensures that your foot remains well-planted and supported during every step, providing a confident and secure stride.
New Balance 9060 Review: Durability, Traction, and Breathability
From a practical standpoint, the New Balance 9060 is built with longevity in mind. The combination of premium suede, mesh, and synthetic materials in the upper contributes to its overall robustness.
My observations, supported by lab tests, indicate solid durability. For instance, the outsole rubber, which has a hardness of around 85.1 HC, performs well in wear tests, showing minimal material loss (about 0.76 mm in a 20-second Dremel test). This suggests the outsole will hold up well to regular use. The durability of the toe box mesh and heel padding also scores decently, suggesting they’ll withstand typical wear and tear.
When it comes to traction, the New Balance 9060 performs well on dry surfaces, thanks to its durable rubber outsole with its unique diamond pattern. However, it’s important to be realistic: this is a lifestyle sneaker, and its grip can be moderate on very wet or slippery surfaces. This is a minor point in an otherwise stellar shoe, but something to be aware of if you’re frequently in rainy conditions.
In terms of breathability, the New Balance 9060 offers a moderate level of ventilation (scoring around 3 out of 5). The mesh sections allow for some airflow, making it a viable option for most of the year. While it might feel a bit warm on the hottest summer days, especially in darker colorways like the Black with Castlerock and Rain Cloud, it’s generally a comfortable choice across multiple seasons.
New Balance 9060 Review: Pros and Cons
Based on my experience and detailed analysis, here’s a quick rundown of the New Balance 9060‘s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Exceptional ABZORB and SBS cushioning delivers truly all-day comfort.
- Unique, eye-catching retro-futuristic design makes a distinct fashion statement.
- Excellent stability due to its broad midsole and robust construction.
- Crafted with high-quality, durable materials for longevity.
- Generally fits true to size, and is notably wide-foot friendly.
- Incredibly versatile for styling with modern, relaxed-fit apparel.
- Available in a wide array of appealing colorways, including the popular Sea Salt with Concrete and Silver Metallic, and the upcoming Slate Grey with Calcium.
Cons:
- The $149.99 price point might be considered a higher investment for some.
- It’s a heavier shoe compared to some minimalist sneakers, which might not suit everyone.
- Traction on very wet or slippery surfaces can be moderate.
- Its chunky design might not appeal to every personal aesthetic.
FAQs
Is the New Balance 9060 comfortable for all-day wear?
Absolutely. The New Balance 9060 is highly praised for its exceptional comfort, largely due to its ABZORB and SBS cushioning technologies. It’s designed to provide ample support and plushness, making it very comfortable for long periods on your feet.
Does the New Balance 9060 run true to size, or should I size up/down?
The New Balance 9060 generally fits true to size (TTS) for most people. However, if you have wider feet or prefer a slightly roomier fit, some users suggest going up by half a size.
How durable is the New Balance 9060?
The New Balance 9060 is built with high-quality materials like genuine suede and durable rubber outsoles, contributing to good longevity. Lab tests show decent outsole wear resistance and overall robust construction, suggesting it will hold up well with regular use.
Can I wear the New Balance 9060 for light workouts or gym sessions?
While the New Balance 9060 offers excellent stability and cushioning, making it suitable for light activities, walking, or general gym wear, it’s not specifically designed as a high-performance athletic shoe. For intense workouts or dedicated running, there are other New Balance models that would be more appropriate.
Is the New Balance 9060 worth the price?
Many users, myself included, agree that the New Balance 9060 is worth its $149.99 price tag. Its unique design, superior comfort from ABZORB and SBS cushioning, high-quality materials, and overall versatility provide significant value, making it a solid investment for sneaker enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.
Conclusion: Is the New Balance 9060 the Right Shoe for You?
After thoroughly reviewing the New Balance 9060, I can confidently say that it lives up to its immense hype. It perfectly encapsulates a blend of refined style and innovative design. Its unisex appeal speaks volumes about its widespread acceptance and quality.
For $149.99, you’re getting a sneaker that excels in comfort, thanks to its exaggerated ABZORB and SBS cushioning platforms, and stands out with its distinct Y2K-inspired aesthetic.
If you’re someone who prioritizes all-day comfort, appreciates a bold and unique design, and seeks a shoe that offers excellent stability for urban adventures or casual wear, then the New Balance 9060 is an exceptional choice. While it might not be the lightest or the grippiest on wet surfaces, its overall performance, quality materials, and undeniable style make it a fantastic investment.
Ready to experience the comfort and style of the New Balance 9060 yourself? If you have more questions about sizing, need help finding the best deals, or want to source a specific colorway (like the upcoming Slate Grey with Calcium), I’m here to assist you!
Feel free to add me on WhatsApp for personalized advice and expert sourcing assistance. Let’s make sure you find the perfect pair that fits your needs and style!
What’s your favorite feature of the New Balance 9060 based on this review? Share your thoughts or any questions in the comments below!
