New Balance 9060 History and Background
New Balance’s growth in the last year, to the tune of a 23% increase in sales, can largely be attributed to the success of silhouettes like the New Balance 9060. Drawing inspiration from the concept of retrofuturism, the design process, led by James Lee and Yue Wu, started in late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, and was executed remotely, a first for both designers and this period of isolation led to a unique creative process that heavily relied on the duo's exchange of ideas and feedback. Their design draws elements from the 990 series and the 860v2 model. In an interview with Sneaker Freaker, Lee stated, “We wanted to identify a few elements that tied the 9060 to its heritage and kept coming back to the concept of motion.”
Yue Wu wanted to ensure that the 9060 was not just another iteration of the 990 series. Instead, he studied each model and identified what made them iconic. With this pinpointed across various sneakers, Wu exaggerated these details, as seen with the N logo reflecting on the lateral side and getting a dash-line embroidery on the medial side. He also ensured that the upper he was designing, would have callbacks to previous NB models. These homages are evident with the toebox overlays, reminiscent of classic 990 series sneakers, and the 9060 branding window atop the tongue, a reworked version of the jeweled ABZORB pod found on the 991.
James Lee created an all-new setup from the ground up for its sole unit. The pod-like design combines ABZORB cushioning and a motion-controlling CR device in the heel, giving one a level of comfort and stability. The latter technology is made thicker than usual for the silhouette. A dual-density foam midsole with a more traditional look is paired with a pod-like design that comes in a different shade than the rest of the foam, giving the tooling a chunky look.
The silhouette finally debuted in 2022 with the release of Joe Freshgoods’ collaborative effort on the sneaker, one in Penny Cookie Pink and the other in Baby Shower Blue. Following this, the rollout of inline colorways began with renditions that align with New Balance’s heritage models, including Black Castlerock Grey, Sea Salt, and Rain Cloud Castlerock.
More collaborations hit the silhouette in 2022, including a two-pack from fashion designer and Yeezy alum Mowalola and Bodega’s take with its Age of Discovery colorway. These releases were shortly followed up by a January 2023 release from LA-based streetwear brand Bricks & Woods, which to this day is seen as one of the best colorways on the sneaker. This new year saw more link-ups on the sneaker, including DTLR’s Glow and Fire Sign colorways and The Whitaker Group’s two-pack featuring Daydream Blue and Silver Moss Green colorways. Finally, 2024 has seen two collaborations, one with Randomevent and a DTLR-exclusive Cyan Burst inspired by springtime.
Looking forward, the sneaker will continue to be a mainstay in New Balance’s arsenal, with more and more colorways planned throughout 2024.
What are the Best New Balance 9060 Colorways?
Even though the 9060 has only been around for two years, there are dozens and dozens of options to choose from when it comes to colorways. One immediately thinks of Joe Freshgoods’ take on the sneaker in Penny Cookie Pink and Baby Shower Blue, though there are more than just collaborations.
Those who prefer clean, understated renditions could go for the Rain Cloud Castlerock colorway, an homage to classic New Balance sneakers, or more earthy hues like the Sea Salt, Ivory, Green Grey, and Rose Pink. Other popular colorways include the Clay Ash and Moonbeam Vintage Rose, two pairs that have just hit shelves, and more utilitarian iterations like the Toggle Lace Grey Lilac and Toggle Lace Brown Green.
What Material is the New Balance 9060 Made Of?
The New Balance 9060 is constructed from various materials, all of which depend on the colorway. Typically, the model utilizes synthetic and natural materials, including mesh for breathability, suede or leather for structure, and rubber for the soles. Some colorways have seen a redesign of materials and tooling, like the aforementioned toggle lace colorways, which add a new lacing setup.
How do New Balance 9060s Fit?
Like many New Balance sneakers, the New Balance 9060 generally fits true to size. Those with wider feet may want to go up a half size, though it is a semi-wide sneaker. However, it’s recommended to try the sneaker in-store before purchasing; this way, you can 100% determine your size. Luckily, the sneaker is not limited and can be found in many sneaker stores.
How Much Does the New Balance 9060 Cost?
The retail price for the New Balance 9060 tends to be around $150, but this can vary depending on the model and collaboration. For instance, limited editions or collaborations, like the Joe Freshgoods project, retailed for $180.
Where Can I Buy The New Balance 9060?
The New Balance 9060 can be purchased online and in-store from New Balance and various retailers. This list includes big box retailers like Hibbett, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Champs, Finish Line, JD Sports, and more.
To stay updated on release information for the latest New Balance 9060, you can download the Sole Retriever mobile app. Here, you can track upcoming releases, raffles, and get direct links to purchase the New Balance 9060 and more.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
