
New Balance 2010
Soft, durable cushioning and standout style, though fit and breathability vary by wearer.
The New Balance 2010 is a chunky retro runner for walkers, commuters, and style-conscious wearers who want everyday cushioning without a bland silhouette. Its ABZORB cushioning feels soft and lively straight away, and users generally praise the stable platform, layered suede-and-mesh design, and reflective details. That supports New Balance’s comfort pitch, though experiences vary: some find the ride too soft or less refined than a 990, while others prefer its bounce to the 2002R. The durable outsole strengthens its $145–$170 value, especially on sale, but poor breathability makes it better for cooler weather, and the pointed toe can trouble wider feet. Its overall appeal rests on comfort, fit, climate, and price.

Find Yours
What's your primary reason for buying new sneakers?
Answer to find your best matches.
The Scoreboard
Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.

Join the Circle
Where real meets deal
Know what's worth buying-and when.
Tips, special offers, and rewards for buying and sharing.
Publications
1 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
RunRepeat’s Sheena is highly impressed by the New Balance 2010, awarding it 92/100 overall. The shoe stands out for exceptional comfort, impact protection, energy return, stability, authentic leather and suede, reflective detailing, and an unusually durable outsole that held up remarkably well in testing. Despite its chunky retro appearance, it feels relatively light and remains comfortable for all-day urban walking. The main drawbacks are significant: breathability is exceptionally poor—the lab’s smoke test gave it just 1/5—and the pointed toe box may feel restrictive for people with wide feet. That makes it a poor summer choice, even though it offers decent vertical toe space and a secure, stable platform. Overall, the review presents the 2010 as a stylish, well-built bargain for cooler-weather wear, especially for shoppers who prioritize cushioning, durability, and reflective safety features.
By Sheena
YouTube
8 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Sean Go is positive on the WTAPS x New Balance Abzorb 2010, especially its comfort, fit, and wearable fall colorway. He found the chunky ABZORB platform softer and more immediately comfortable than the 1906R or 2002R, though less likely to remain the most comfortable over long-term wear than models like the 992 or 993. The shoe fit true to size, accommodated his slightly wide foot, and felt stable, but the synthetic leather and nubuck disappointed for a collaboration. He also felt the neon midsole accents clashed somewhat with WTAPS’ military aesthetic, though overall he considered it a solid, versatile step forward.
Hes Kicks is very enthusiastic about the New Balance 2010, especially its comfort, fit, and distinctive layered design. He finds the 9.5 true to size and more comfortable through the midfoot than the 2002R, while praising the suede detailing, reflective accents, Kith branding, and ABZORB cushioning. His main reservations are that some overlays feel too synthetic for a $150 collaboration and that this colorway mutes the shoe’s otherwise impressive paneling. Still, he considers the model stylish, comfortable, and an exciting example of New Balance creating modern sneakers with retro appeal.
Cow Free Kicks is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 2010, especially its striking Grey Days styling and stable, energetic ride. He praises the chrome overlays, retro-inspired honeycomb mesh, generous padding, roomy fit, and surprisingly effective ABZORB bounce, though the shoe feels firmer and heavier than softer modern runners. His smoke test suggests good, if not exceptional, breathability, while the £150 price seems reasonable rather than outstanding. Despite those caveats, he considers the 2010 an excellent lifestyle sneaker and awards it five stars.
Josh Dominic likes the New Balance 2010’s classic New Balance styling, distinctive diamond-knit mesh, chunky shape, and especially its vintage khaki colorway. He appreciates the modern ABZORB midsole and visible heel pods, but his enthusiasm is tempered by the shoe’s snug midfoot fit and relatively firm cushioning. Compared with the 990 V3, 2002R, and even Nike’s Zoom Vomero 5, he finds it less comfortable and less suitable for wider feet. Ultimately, it’s a strong-looking lifestyle sneaker, but he would rather spend more on a 900-series model for a meaningful comfort upgrade.
Highly Akicktive is ultimately disappointed with the New Balance 2010 and plans to return it. He likes the outdoorsy beef-and-broccoli-inspired colorway, smooth suede-like materials, reflective details, and chunky design, but found noticeable glue marks and mediocre craftsmanship for €170. More importantly, the roomy fit and very soft ABZORB midsole left his narrow feet feeling unsupported and unstable, causing concern about knee discomfort over time. He considers it better suited to wider or chunkier feet, while preferring the firmer, more supportive 2002R.
Sneaktips is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 2010, calling it an underrated standout. He praises its premium suede, distinctive diamond-knit mesh, reflective details, comfortable out-of-the-box fit, and unusually soft, bouncy ABZORB cushioning, comparing it favorably with the 990 V6 and New Balance 1000. His main criticism is aimed at New Balance’s colorway strategy: overly dark or monochromatic releases, heavy laces, and some deconstructed collaborations undermine the model’s sleek, futuristic character. Still, he considers the Bright Gray version stylish, well-built, and an easy recommendation—especially at below-retail pricing.
TRENDINGUK is excited by the New Balance 2010’s triple-black look and feels it looks considerably better on foot than in hand. The reviewer appreciates its layered mesh and nubuck construction, soft sockliner, and overall design, rating it 7/10—or about 8.5/10 without the quality-control problems. This pair has extensive glue marks, uneven or faded material, and looks possibly worn, prompting a return and replacement. They also question the outsole’s traction in icy conditions, though it should be fine on dry days. Overall, the enthusiasm for the shoe remains strong despite disappointing QC.
HIGHTIDEJETT is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 2010, especially its versatile gray-and-cream colorway, reflective blue accents, and chunky 990-like silhouette. He finds the fit true to size and the comfort comparable to the 1906 and 2002, though not as cushioned as the 610, 991v2, or 990v6. While he is indifferent to one unusual mesh section, he considers the shoe stylish with both pants and shorts, regrets nothing about the purchase, and plans to wear it heavily. Overall, it earns a strong recommendation for everyday versatility and appearance.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
TheChosenStore.MY is moderately positive about the New Balance 2010. They describe its dark brown-and-black colorway as attractive and its material-rich upper as well suited to formal outfits or events. Comfort is above average, though they place it behind the 202R and 1906. The tone is approving but measured, with the comparison tempering their enthusiasm.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are generally positive about the New Balance 2010, especially its distinctive looks, cushioning, and roomy fit. Many find it comfortable for all-day wear, long walks, work, and wide feet, often comparing it favorably with the 2002R, 993, and 990v6. The styling and colorways attract substantial enthusiasm, while sale pricing makes it easier to recommend. Still, experiences vary: some find the toe or midfoot narrow, sizing inconsistent, and the cushioning overly soft or uncomfortable at the heel. Breathability is frequently questioned, ripstop versions can feel warm, and traction may be unreliable on wet surfaces. Trying them on first is sensible.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Soft ABZORB cushioningReviewers report lively, impact-softening comfort.
- •Durable outsole constructionManufacturer testing claims remarkably little wear.
- •Standout layered stylingRetro shape, suede, mesh, and reflective accents.
- •Stable walking platformDesigned with a TPU shank for stability.
Considerations
- •Limited airflowLab testing rated breathability just 1/5.
- •Narrower front shapePointed toe may restrict wider feet.
- •Variable underfoot supportSome wearers find softness less supportive.
- •Inconsistent quality controlSome pairs showed glue marks or uneven materials.
New Balance has built its reputation on dependable comfort, and the 2010 brings that heritage into the premium chunky-sneaker market with a more sculpted, fashion-forward attitude. Designed for daily walking, commuting, and casual wear, it pairs ABZORB cushioning with a stable platform that feels softer and livelier than the 2002R for some wearers, though less refined than a 990-series model over extended use. Its diamond-knit mesh and layered suede construction create standout visual appeal, while reflective accents add practical detail. The trade-offs deserve equal attention: lab testing found 1/5 breathability, and the pointed toe may not suit wider feet. A remarkably durable outsole strengthens its value for frequent walkers, but fit and softness affect security differently across foot shapes. Explore how these choices work together—because this is a stylish daily workhorse, provided your feet agree with the blueprint.

Outsole Durability
The 2010 appears built to handle substantial daily mileage. Independent testing found remarkably little outsole wear after abrasion testing, supporting the practical value of its durable rubber construction. That is a meaningful strength for commuters and frequent walkers, particularly because the shoe combines durable traction surfaces with a relatively fashion-led design. Wet-weather performance is less certain, however, as some users question grip on slick surfaces and icy ground. It should be dependable for ordinary urban use, but not treated as a dedicated wet-weather shoe.
Cushioning and Energy
The 2010 delivers a notably soft, lively ride for everyday walking. Its ABZORB midsole, supplemented by ABZORB SBS heel and forefoot inserts, is designed to absorb pavement impact while adding a springy feel. Reviewers generally support that promise, describing the shoe as comfortable and bouncy straight out of the box, sometimes softer than the 1906R or 2002R. The trade-off is a ride that can feel firmer or overly soft depending on the wearer, and less refined than premium 990-series models over very long wear.

Upper Materials and Build
The layered upper gives the 2010 its strongest visual identity. Nubuck and suede overlays sit over diamond-knit mesh, with reflective accents and a molded N logo adding texture and technical detail. Authentic leather and suede impressed independent testing, and reviewers generally praise the premium appearance, fit, and versatility with jeans or shorts. Quality control is less consistent: some pairs showed glue marks, uneven materials, or synthetic-feeling overlays, particularly disappointing at collaboration pricing. The construction is attractive and substantial, but inspection at purchase is sensible.

Stability Underfoot
The 2010 feels stable overall, though its softness changes how secure it feels from foot to foot. A translucent TPU Stability Web shank reinforces the midfoot, while the broad, sculpted platform helps steady ordinary walking. Several reviewers describe the shoe as secure and energetic, but a narrow-footed wearer reported feeling under-supported and unstable because the soft ABZORB setup allowed too much movement. It suits walkers who appreciate cushioned support, yet those needing a firmly controlled ride may prefer the 2002R or a 990-series model.

Fit and Toe Shape
Fit is the 2010’s most personal variable. The shoe is often true to size and roomy enough for wider feet, but its pointed toe box and occasionally snug midfoot fit create conflicting experiences. RunRepeat found useful vertical toe space but warned that the front shape can restrict broad feet, while other reviewers found narrow feet insufficiently held or unsupported in the soft platform. Trying it on is wise, especially between sizes or with unusual foot dimensions, and thinner socks may help manage warmth without changing the fit.

Breathability and Airflow
The mesh upper looks airy, but the 2010 is a poor choice for consistently hot conditions. New Balance uses diamond-knit mesh to encourage ventilation, yet RunRepeat’s smoke test rated airflow just 1/5, matching user reports that the shoe runs warm, especially in ripstop versions. That matters for summer walking, since cushioning cannot offset sweaty feet over a full day. In cooler weather, the restricted airflow is less troublesome, and the layered construction still provides a comfortable, substantial feel.

Conclusion
The final read on the New Balance 2010 is a cushioned, style-led daily sneaker with genuine practical strengths. Its ABZORB cushioning delivers soft impact protection and lively energy return, while the stable platform suits walking and commuting better than its fashion-forward shape suggests. The outsole’s abrasion resistance is a standout for frequent wear, and the layered mesh, suede, nubuck, and reflective accents give it more visual depth than a basic retro runner. The catch is climate and fit: poor breathability makes it better for cooler weather, while the pointed toe and variable midfoot hold mean wider or narrow-footed shoppers should try it on first. Users and testers also note that the softness can feel either pleasantly forgiving or insufficiently controlled. It is a strong choice for comfort-focused casual wearers who value distinctive styling and durability, but not a universal fit—making its solid, not flawless, recommendation well deserved.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Durability
4/5
Traction
3/5
Cushioning
5/5
Fit Accuracy
4/5
Breathability
1/5
Weather Resistance
2/5
Value
Price-to-Quality Ratio
4/5
Price Accessibility
3/5
Resale Value
2/5
Design
Style Variety
4/5
Color Options
4/5
Versatility
4/5
Aesthetic Appeal
5/5
Health
Material Safety
3/5
Arch Support
3/5
Odor Control
2/5
Safety
Slip Resistance
3/5
Ankle Support
3/5
Impact Protection
5/5
Sustainability
Sustainable Materials Use
1/5
Recyclability
1/5
Supply Chain Transparency
1/5
Experience Style
Ease of Use
4/5
Lacing System Versatility
3/5
Maintenance Ease
3/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
5 Questions
Find Yours
What's your primary reason for buying new sneakers?
Answer to find your best matches.




















