New Balance 9060

Retrofuturistic mix of the 990 and 860, designed over video calls during the pandemic - New Balance 9060

Few sneakers have come about in such an unusual way as the New Balance 9060 – a model created by two designers who never met in person throughout the entire process. Yet, it has become one of the most distinctive silhouettes of the Y2K revival in recent years. The shoe combines the robust heritage of the 90s 990 series with the fast, technical look of early 2000s running models. The result is a distinctly futuristic shape that is now among the most recognizable retro sneakers on the market.

History: a design process without a single in-person meeting

The model was developed in collaboration between designer James Lee and New Balance's internal designer Yue Wu (creator of the 2002R "Refined Future" pack). Work on the 9060 began at the end of 2019, just before the pandemic, and the entire process took place remotely – a unique situation where the pair of designers built the shoe purely through remote exchange of ideas and feedback. The 9060 first hit the market in 2022 in the "Mindful Grey" colorway, followed by a collaboration with Joe Freshgoods.

In terms of design, the shoe draws from two key models – the strong, robust heritage of the 990 and the fast, technical look of 2000s running shoes like the 860v2. It was a conscious continuation of the "retrofuturism" concept that New Balance has gradually explored over the previous decades: the 327 referenced the 70s, the 57/40 the 80s and 90s, and the 9060 naturally connected to the 2000s era.

Technology: ABZORB and SBS midsole

What makes the 9060 so comfortable for all-day wear is the dual-layer midsole construction:

• ABZORB foam: New Balance's flagship cushioning foam providing overall impact absorption during walking and all-day wear.
• ABZORB SBS: Gel insert, typically in the heel area, that adds stability and absorbs impact force upon landing.

The result is a distinctly soft, "cloud-like" feel with a high ability to absorb impact forces – reviewers often recommend the shoe to those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

Who the model is for

The 9060 is a fashion silhouette for you if you're looking for a striking, futuristically styled shoe for all-day wear with maximum comfort – ideal for fans of Y2K aesthetics and chunky silhouettes who appreciate the combination of bold design with real comfort.