
New Balance 9060
Plush, stable, statement-making comfort for daily wear, with a heavy build to consider.
The New Balance 9060 is a plush, futuristic dad sneaker for people who want less foot fatigue during commutes, travel, long walks, or work shifts without sacrificing streetwear appeal. Its dual-density ABZORB and SBS cushioning and broad platform support the brand’s comfort-first promise, and expert testing plus real-world wear largely back that up. The layered suede, nubuck, and mesh upper feels premium, though it shows dirt quickly and can run warm. Fit is less universal than “true to size” suggests, with some finding it roomy and others feeling toe-box pressure. At about $149, it earns consideration for frequent casual wear, especially on sale, but not for running. Heavy, clunky bulk remains the key compromise shaping its overall recommendation.

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Publications
1 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
RunRepeat’s Sheena is unequivocally enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060. The review presents it as a stylish, futuristic, exceptionally well-made sneaker that combines plush, protective cushioning with an unusually stable platform and dependable grip on both dry and wet pavement. Lab testing supports that praise: its broad base, durable outsole, premium materials, and 100 SA shock-absorption score make it especially appealing for comfortable all-day streetwear. The trade-offs are real but limited: its 15.1-ounce weight feels hefty, energy return is subdued, breathability is only average, the toe box may pinch wide feet, and the shoes can squeak. Even so, the overall impression is that the 9060 is a polished, versatile standout whose comfort, craftsmanship, and distinctive looks easily outweigh its minor inconveniences.
By Sheena
YouTube
10 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
MR FOAMER SIMPSON is strongly positive about the New Balance 9060 after nearly a year of wear. He calls it exceptionally comfortable, cozy straight out of the box, and still comfortable without breaking down, though he finds it runs about half a size large. His main criticism is visual durability: the light suede, mesh, quilted lining, and extended heel become noticeably dirty and battered, making the shoe look worse with heavy use. Craftsmanship remains solid, with no loose stitching or glue issues. He rates it 7.2/10 overall, recommending it for stylish everyday comfort—not sports or running.
Rose Anvil is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060, calling it arguably the most comfortable chunky sneaker they’ve tested. Cutting it apart, they found quality pig suede and mesh, dual-density foam using ABZORB and SBS cushioning, a substantial CR device for heel structure, and thoughtfully differentiated outsole rubber for stability. The reviewer initially suspects some midsole layers may be cosmetic, but testing shows purposeful construction throughout. The main drawbacks—price and chunky weight—are outweighed by its unusual balance of exaggerated Y2K styling, running-shoe proportions, comfort, and functional support.
Chris Rawls is highly positive on the New Balance 9060, calling it potentially his most comfortable shoe despite its bulky design. He appreciates the cohesive, distinctive styling, thick ABZORB cushioning, soft lining, strong support, and versatile rugged look. The shoe feels narrow despite its size, lacks wide sizing, and needs several weeks to break in, but becomes comfortable for hours of walking afterward. Rawls cautions that the mixed mesh, suede, nubuck, and leather construction will be difficult to clean, while the $150 price feels high. Still, he would buy another pair eventually and prefers this version over the all-leather alternative.
BillyVisuals is enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060, calling it a stylish, affordable choice for all-day comfort. He praises its Y2K-inspired design, standout colorways, breathable mesh-and-suede upper, roomy foot-shaped toe box, and dual-density ABZORB SBS cushioning, which he finds more comfortable than the 990v5 for walking and occasional standing. However, it is less effective for prolonged stationary standing, and the upper lacks the padding of the 990v5. He also recommends sizing down half a size, making the 9060 a strong fashion-and-comfort sneaker with a few fit and use-case caveats.
Seth Fowler is highly positive about the New Balance 9060, calling it “awesome” and an easy all-day recommendation. He appreciates its distinctive mashup of classic New Balance styling and futuristic midsole design, along with the padded upper and soft ABZORB cushioning. He also considers it true to size and versatile for everyday wear, especially for buyers seeking a dad-shoe feel without an overly traditional look. The main compromises are its relatively heavy, less breathable build and $150 price, but Fowler sees those as reasonable trade-offs for its comfort, cushioning, and standout style.
Sean Go is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060, calling it comfortable, well-built, and especially wearable in the Sea Salt/Mindful Gray colorway. He praises the soft suede, solid craftsmanship, roomy true-to-size fit, and cushioning that balances softness with structure better than the 992 or 550. The chunky silhouette feels clunky but stable rather than overly soft or unstable, making it appealing for everyday wear. Minor loose threads were the only quality issue, and Sean’s strongest endorsement is that this general-release colorway may get more rotation than the hyped Joe Freshgoods versions.
Josh Dominic is highly positive about the New Balance 9060, calling its retro-futurist design, top-down profile, and triple-black detailing especially striking. He appreciates the soft leather, wide-foot-friendly fit, true-to-size sizing, and comfortable ABZORB cushioning, though he considers the 990v6 softer and more comfortable. His main reservation is the oversized elongated heel, which can look clunky in larger sizes and may wear down while driving. Overall, he views the 9060 as a stylish, comfortable everyday sneaker whose popularity is well deserved, especially when paired with relaxed, wider-leg clothing.
Pablo M. Rales is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060, calling it wearable art with premium execution. He admires its intentional redesign of the 99X heritage, layered materials, distinctive proportions, and exceptionally comfortable dual-density ABZORB/SBS cushioning. He also appreciates that the shoe feels bold without becoming unwearable. The main drawbacks are its wide, protruding midsole, which occasionally caused him to bump into things, and the steep $170 retail price. Still, he considers the value unusually strong for a premium lifestyle sneaker, especially for buyers who connect with its artistic design or can catch it on sale.
Sole X Soul is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060 after wearing it for 30 days. The reviewer praises its bold statement-making design, frequent compliments, strong breathability, and exceptional comfort, calling it the most comfortable sneaker in their collection after a 10,000-step test. They also found sizing a half-size down worked better and appreciated the stable, secure fit once laced. Durability was generally impressive across work, travel, city walking, and daily errands, though the outsole began separating slightly at the heel during the challenge. Despite that flaw and its unconventional appearance, the reviewer strongly recommends it.
Natalie Alysa is genuinely enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060, especially its comfortable, supportive feel and standout chunky silhouette. She praises the Rain Cloud colorway’s layered gray, cream, red, suede, mesh, and metallic details, saying it pairs easily with her wardrobe and balances baggy outfits better than less-exaggerated alternatives. After wearing them extensively, she found the sizing true to her usual 6.5. Her main caveat is that StockX cost more than retail and took two to three weeks to deliver, but her overall recommendation is strongly positive.
Social
2 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Dr. Hira feels warmly positive about the New Balance 9060. She likes its pronounced arch support, thick heel, cushioning, roomy toe box, and removable insole, which makes swapping inserts easy. She frames it as a stylish, comfortable lifestyle sneaker for walking, errands, and extended standing rather than running. Although the price is relatively high, she believes the 9060 can be worthwhile if worn frequently, especially because it works with many outfits.
Maria Sophia is highly enthusiastic about the New Balance 9060s and recommends them for both gym use and everyday wear. She wears hers to the gym daily, valuing their comfort, versatility for walking and lifting, and lack of rubbing or irritation. She also considers them cute and easy to style with almost anything. Her pair is noticeably beat up, though she presents that as a minor aside rather than a serious concern. She is unsure whether her colorway is available in adult sizing, since hers may be a kids’ size.
Store Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE
Amazon reviewers wearing the New Balance 9060 for walking and all-day standing consistently report comfort, stability, and abundant compliments. The chunky build feels supportive and durable, with premium materials, soft interiors, and eye-catching color combinations frequently mentioned. Fit is often true to size, though some find the shoes noticeably oversized or too large-looking. They work well as lifestyle sneakers but are repeatedly described as heavy and clunky, unsuitable for running, and potentially warm or uncomfortable for some wearers. Value depends heavily on the price: many consider the quality worth it, while others find the MSRP difficult to justify. Overall, the 9060 suits buyers seeking a substantial, stylish shoe for casual wear and long periods on their feet.
4.5 Stars / Many verified reviews
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors generally view the New Balance 9060 very favorably, especially for standing and everyday wear. Its cushioned yet stable platform earns frequent praise for long events, work shifts, and casual use, with many calling it exceptionally comfortable and durable for the price. The chunky styling is divisive, and its broad shape can make driving, stairs, and inclines awkward. Fit is inconsistent: some stay true to size, while others size down or need extra width. Wet traction is questionable, and the shoe is too heavy and stiff for running or most gym work.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Plush dual-density cushioningABZORB and SBS soften daily steps.
- •Planted underfoot supportBroad platform steadies walking and standing.
- •Layered premium materialsSuede, nubuck, and mesh feel substantial.
- •Roomy everyday fitMany reviewers find it true to size.
Considerations
- •Sizing needs attentionSome pairs run large or pinch wider feet.
- •Heavy, clunky profileBulk can hinder stairs, driving, and quick movement.
- •Limited athletic versatilityStiff construction suits lifestyle use, not running.
- •Difficult to keep cleanLight suede and mesh show dirt quickly.
New Balance’s reputation for dependable comfort meets Y2K-driven design in this premium lifestyle sneaker. The 9060 is aimed at shoppers who want a statement shoe for walking, commuting, travel, and standing—not a lightweight running trainer. Its dual-density ABZORB and SBS cushioning and broad, stable platform set it apart from slimmer retro runners, while the mesh, suede, and nubuck upper adds a substantial, polished feel. That same construction raises practical questions about fit and toe-box room, plus its roughly 427–432-gram weight and bulky profile. The rubber outsole rounds out the package, though traction and long-term wear deserve a closer look. If comfort-focused commuters, streetwear fans, or anyone on their feet all day sounds like you, explore the details carefully—this is a sneaker with plenty of cushion and, fittingly, plenty of character.

Cushioning and Comfort
The 9060 delivers unusually plush comfort for a chunky lifestyle sneaker. Its dual-density ABZORB and SBS midsole combines impact absorption with a more structured feel, and RunRepeat recorded a strong 100 SA shock-absorption result. Wearers and reviewers regularly find it comfortable for walking, commuting, travel, and long events, often straight from the box. The cushioning is not especially energetic, though, so it feels better suited to steady everyday movement than running or fast-paced training.

Fit and Toe-Box Room
Fit is broadly approachable, but the 9060 deserves more care than a simple true-to-size recommendation. The roomy, foot-shaped toe box works well for some wearers, while other testing found the forefoot restrictive for wider feet. Several reviewers recommend sizing down half a size because the shoe can run large, yet others report a comfortable true-to-size fit. The removable insole allows insert changes, but buyers should check width options and return policies before relying on it for long days.
Platform Stability
The broad platform gives the 9060 a planted, reassuring feel underfoot. A wide forefoot and substantial heel structure help distribute pressure, while the CR device supports the rearfoot and keeps the exaggerated geometry from feeling unstable. This is a meaningful advantage for standing, work shifts, and extended walks, and user feedback generally supports the brand’s comfort-and-support positioning. The trade-off is reduced agility: the bulky shape can feel awkward on stairs, inclines, or while driving.

Weight and Underfoot Bulk
The 9060’s visual impact comes with a noticeable physical presence. At roughly 427 to 432 grams per shoe, it is heavier than many casual trainers, and the extended heel and thick midsole can make each step feel clunky. That bulk contributes to its stable, supportive character and distinctive Y2K styling, so it is not purely a flaw. However, users and experts consistently treat the weight, warmth, and reduced agility as important limitations for running, gym work, stairs, and quick movement.

Build Quality and Durability
The 9060 feels more substantial than a typical fashion sneaker. Its mesh, suede, and nubuck layered upper gives it a premium texture, while cutaway testing found purposeful dual-density foam, quality pig suede, structured heel components, and differentiated rubber compounds. Craftsmanship is generally strong, with users reporting soft interiors and few stitching or glue problems. Still, light materials show dirt quickly, cleaning is difficult, and isolated complaints about loose threads or heel outsole separation mean durability is good rather than flawless.

Traction and Outsole Performance
The rubber outsole performs confidently in ordinary everyday conditions, though expectations should remain lifestyle-oriented. Differentiated outsole rubber and the broad base helped produce dependable grip on dry and wet pavement in lab testing, supporting the shoe’s walking and commuting role. User feedback is somewhat less uniform, with questions about wet traction and an isolated report of heel outsole separation. The measured 3.8 mm outsole is relatively thin, so the 9060 favors balanced comfort and style over rugged trail use or hard athletic wear.

Conclusion
The 9060’s final verdict is clear: it trades athletic agility for a remarkably comfortable, statement-making daily ride. Its ABZORB and SBS cushioning absorbs impact well, while the broad platform keeps walking and standing planted. Experts and long-term wearers also point to premium layered construction, though suede and mesh demand care and occasional quality issues prevent perfection. Fit is the key checkpoint: it may feel roomy to some, narrow to wider feet for others, and can run large. At roughly 427–432 grams, its heavy, clunky profile is noticeable on stairs, behind the wheel, or during quick movement, making it a poor running shoe. The rubber outsole offers solid everyday traction, though wet performance and long-term separation deserve attention. For commuters, travelers, and streetwear-minded comfort seekers, the 9060 earns its premium positioning—especially on sale—while lightweight-performance shoppers should look elsewhere.
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
4/5
Cushioning
5/5
Fit Accuracy
4/5
Breathability
3/5
Weather Resistance
2/5
Value
Price-to-Quality Ratio
4/5
Price Accessibility
3/5
Resale Value
3/5
Design
Style Variety
4/5
Color Options
4/5
Versatility
4/5
Aesthetic Appeal
5/5
Health
Material Safety
TBD
Arch Support
4/5
Odor Control
TBD
Safety
Slip Resistance
4/5
Ankle Support
3/5
Impact Protection
4/5
Sustainability
Sustainable Materials Use
TBD
Recyclability
TBD
Supply Chain Transparency
TBD
Experience Style
Ease of Use
4/5
Lacing System Versatility
4/5
Maintenance Ease
2/5
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
6 Questions
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Answer to find your best matches.
















