New Balance is having a moment that just won’t quit. It’s honestly impressive. A few years ago, you’d see the 990 series on "dad" influencers or tech CEOs, but now the 9060 has completely hijacked the street-style conversation. Specifically, the women's black cat New Balance 9060 has carved out this weird, cool niche. It’s dark. It’s aggressive. It looks like something Batman would wear if he gave up the boots for a weekend in Brooklyn.
People keep calling it the "Black Cat."
Why? Because it mimics that triple-black, monochromatic intensity we’ve seen on legendary Jordan silhouettes. But this isn't a basketball shoe. It’s a chunky, wavy, Y2K-inspired fever dream that somehow works with literally everything in your closet. If you’re tired of cleaning white midsoles every three days, this might be the most practical fashion flex you can make right now.
Why the 9060 Silhouette Changed Everything
The 9060 isn't just a random new number New Balance pulled out of a hat. It’s a remix. Designers James Lee and Yue Wu took elements from the classic 99X series and fused them with the visible tech aesthetics of the early 2000s. You can see the DNA of the 993 in the upper, but that sole? That’s where things get weird. In a good way.
The "Black Cat" colorway takes all that complexity—the suede overlays, the mesh underlays, the translucent CR device at the heel—and douses it in ink. It’s "Phantom," "Magnet," and "Black" all fighting for space. Because the textures differ, the shoe doesn't look like a flat blob of coal. The way light hits the pigskin suede versus the open-cell mesh creates depth. It's subtle. It's sophisticated.
It's also huge. The midsole is exaggerated. We call it "maximalist" in the industry, but let’s be real: it’s a platform sneaker for people who hate platforms. You get the height and the chunk without looking like you're wearing spice girl boots.
Comfort That Actually Lives Up to the Hype
Let’s talk about ABZORB. And SBS.
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Most "fashion" sneakers feel like walking on a slab of plywood. New Balance doesn't play that. The women's black cat New Balance 9060 uses a dual-density midsole that features ABZORB cushioning. This is a proprietary blend of isoprene rubber and other materials designed to absorb shock. When your heel hits the pavement, the foam compresses and displaces the energy. It feels squishy but stable.
Then there’s the SBS insert in the heel. It’s a non-cellular elastomer. Basically, it doesn’t bottom out over time. If you’re on your feet for an eight-hour shift or wandering through a museum all day, your arches won't be screaming at you by 4 PM.
Honestly, the comfort is the main reason these stay in the rotation. You buy them for the "Black Cat" look, but you keep them because they’re softer than your slippers. The interior lining is usually a plush synthetic that prevents heel slip, which is a common complaint with heavier, chunkier shoes.
The Material Reality
- The Upper: It's a mix of pigskin suede and high-gauge mesh. The suede is high-quality, but it requires a brush. Don't let it get soaked in a rainstorm without a protector spray.
- The Tongue: It’s thick. It has that diamond-shaped lace jewel inspired by the original 991.
- The Outsole: It features a zonal traction pattern. It looks like pods. It’s inspired by the 860v2, giving it a slightly futuristic, organic footprint.
How to Style the Women's Black Cat New Balance 9060 Without Looking Like a Goth Dad
The beauty of a triple-black sneaker is the versatility. But with the 9060, the silhouette is so loud that you have to be intentional.
Go for "Quiet Luxury" but make it edgy. Think oversized grey wool trousers and a tucked-in black bodysuit. The bulkiness of the shoe balances out wide-leg pants perfectly. If the pants are too skinny, you’ll look like you have Mickey Mouse feet. Avoid that.
Try a monochromatic look. All black everything. Different textures. A leather trench coat with black denim and the women's black cat New Balance 9060. It creates a silhouette that looks high-end fashion rather than "I’m going to the gym." Because let's be honest, nobody is actually running a 5K in these. They are lifestyle shoes, through and through.
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Misconceptions About Sizing and Fit
Size down? Size up? It’s a mess online.
Here is the truth: The 9060 generally runs true to size (TTS). However, the toe box is surprisingly roomy. If you have narrow feet, you might feel a bit of "roominess" in the front. If you like a snug, locked-in feel, some people go down a half-size, but for most women, staying with your standard New Balance size is the safest bet.
Keep in mind that the heel is wide. The flared midsole provides a massive base, so you won't roll your ankle, but it does make the shoe feel "wider" than a standard 574 or 990.
Real Talk on the "Black Cat" Name
You won't find "Black Cat" on the official New Balance box. Usually, the colorway code is something like U9060BBS or similar, depending on the specific seasonal drop. The community gave it the "Black Cat" moniker because of the all-black suede and mesh combo. If you're searching for these at retail shops like Foot Locker, GOAT, or StockX, try searching for "Triple Black" or "Phantom" if the nickname isn't pulling up results.
The Sustainability Factor
New Balance has been pushing their "Green Leaf" standard. While not every 9060 meets this, many newer iterations incorporate recycled content in the polyester mesh and overlays. The leather is often sourced from tanneries that are gold-certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG). It's not a vegan shoe—that pigskin suede is very real—but there is an effort toward better sourcing.
The durability is the real sustainability win here. These aren't fast-fashion beaters. The construction is solid. The stitching is reinforced. You’ll get years out of these if you treat the suede right.
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Maintenance is Everything
Since this is a triple-black shoe, people think it stays clean forever. Wrong.
Dust is your enemy. On a black suede shoe, dust shows up as a greyish film that makes the sneakers look old and tired. Get a crepe brush. Use it once a week. It lifts the nap of the suede and knocks the dirt off. If you spill something, don't use water. Use a dedicated suede eraser.
And for the midsole? A damp microfiber cloth. The 9060 has a lot of nooks and crannies in that sculpted sole where mud likes to hide. Just a quick wipe keeps the "Black Cat" looking sleek rather than dusty.
Final Verdict on the Investment
Is it worth the $150-$160 price tag?
Yes. If you want one pair of shoes that handles the airport, a casual dinner, and a long walk through the city, this is it. The women's black cat New Balance 9060 solves the "what do I wear with this" dilemma because black goes with everything, and the comfort is undisputed.
It's a statement piece that doesn't scream for attention. It’s confident. It’s heavy. It’s exactly what modern street style is supposed to be.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Move
- Verify your size: Go to a local boutique and try on any 9060 colorway. The fit is consistent across the model, so you'll know your exact size before hunting for the "Black Cat" online.
- Check the SKU: Look for colorway codes like U9060BBS or U9060NRJ to ensure you’re getting the authentic triple-black or phantom versions.
- Prep the Suede: Buy a high-quality water-and-stain repellent (like Jason Markk or Reshoevn8r) before your first wear. Apply two light coats and let them dry for 24 hours.
- Style for Proportion: Pair these with "heavy" fabrics. Think denim, heavy fleece, or wool. Lightweight leggings can sometimes make the 9060 look disproportionately large.
- Monitor Restocks: These specific tonal colorways sell out fast. Follow accounts like SoleRetriever or Hypebeast Drops to catch the next wave of inventory at retail prices.