New Balance just doesn't miss lately. Honestly, if you’ve looked at a sidewalk in any major city over the last year, you’ve seen the 9060 silhouette. It’s everywhere. But there’s a specific colorway that’s been quietly dominating the mood boards of people who actually care about versatility: the New Balance 9060 Great Plains. It isn't just another beige shoe. It’s a masterclass in how to make "boring" colors look incredibly expensive.
Sneaker culture is weird right now. We went through this massive phase of neon colors and "dad shoes" that looked like they were designed by a glitchy AI. Now, everyone is pivoting back to earth tones. The Great Plains colorway—officially styled with the color code U9060WNB—hits that sweet spot. It's warm. It’s textured. It looks like something you’d wear while walking through a desert or a high-end art gallery in Tribeca.
People are obsessed.
What is the New Balance 9060 Great Plains exactly?
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. The 9060 is basically a remix. It takes elements from the classic 99x series—think the 990 or the 993—and mashes them up with the aggressive, experimental energy of the early 2000s 860 model. The "Great Plains" designation refers to the specific palette of tan, sand, and off-white that covers the upper.
It's chunky.
If you hate big shoes, stop reading now. But if you like that exaggerated, futuristic-meets-retro vibe, this is the pinnacle. The midsole is a sculptural mess in the best way possible. It uses ABZORB and SBS cushioning, which basically means your feet won't scream at you after eight hours of standing. The "Great Plains" colorway specifically uses a mix of premium pigskin suede and breathable mesh. This isn't that cheap, fuzzy suede you find on budget sneakers; it’s the thick, durable stuff New Balance is famous for.
The color palette breakdown
Most brands do "tan." New Balance does "Great Plains." There is a difference.
The upper features a sandy "Great Plains" tan that leans slightly warm without turning orange. It’s paired with "Mushroom" and "Sea Salt" accents. These aren't just names pulled out of a hat; they describe the depth of the tones. The mesh is a slightly lighter cream, providing a visual break so the shoe doesn't look like a solid block of clay on your foot.
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The "N" logo on the lateral side is reflective—a nice nod to the 990 heritage—while the medial side features a stylized, embroidered "N" that looks more like a piece of abstract art. It's these tiny details that make the New Balance 9060 Great Plains feel like a premium product rather than a mass-market mall shoe.
Why this silhouette won the "Dad Shoe" wars
The 9060 shouldn't work. On paper, it’s too much. It has these weird "pods" on the outsole that look like alien toes. The heel is split. The tongue has a jewel-like badge inspired by the original 991 lace jewel.
Yet, it works.
It works because New Balance understands proportions. The 9060 manages to be oversized without being clunky. When you wear them with baggy trousers, the shoe holds its own. When you wear them with shorts, they don't look like bricks. The Great Plains colorway specifically helps "ground" the wild design. Because the colors are so natural and muted, the aggressive geometry of the sole feels more like an architectural choice and less like a cry for attention.
I’ve seen people compare these to the Yeezy 500, and I get it. Both have that organic, bulbous shape. But the New Balance 9060 Great Plains feels more "grown-up." It’s less about hype and more about consistent quality.
Comfort and sizing: The real talk
Listen, nobody cares how good a shoe looks if it hurts. The good news? The 9060 is widely considered one of the most comfortable shoes in the current New Balance lineup.
The ABZORB technology in the heel and forefoot absorbs impact, while the SBS insert provides a bit more stability so you don't feel like you're walking on a literal marshmallow. It’s a firm but responsive squish.
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Does it fit true to size?
Mostly, yes. If you have a standard-width foot, go with your normal size.
If you have wide feet—congratulations, you’ve found your brand. New Balance is the king of wide feet. The 9060 has a naturally wide base, so even the standard "D" width is quite accommodating. However, some people find the toe box a little shallow. If you like a lot of "wiggle room" for your toes, you might consider going up a half size, but for 90% of people, True to Size (TTS) is the way to go.
One thing to note: the suede on the New Balance 9060 Great Plains will stretch slightly over time. Don't freak out if they feel a tiny bit snug in the first hour. Give them a day. They break in beautifully.
Styling the Great Plains: It’s easier than you think
The beauty of a tan sneaker is that it goes with everything except maybe a tuxedo. (And even then, some people try to pull it off).
For a daily look, go with cropped olive fatigues or navy chinos. The contrast between the tan suede and a darker pant makes the shoe pop without being loud. If you're into the "athleisure" thing, grey marl sweatpants are the move. The "Sea Salt" accents on the 9060 Great Plains pick up the grey tones in the sweats perfectly.
Avoid matching the tan exactly.
If you wear tan pants that are the exact shade of the "Great Plains" suede, you’ll look like you’re wearing a uniform. You want contrast. Go darker or lighter. Off-white denim is a bold choice, but it works incredibly well here because it leans into that tonal, high-fashion aesthetic.
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The durability factor
Suede is a commitment. Let's be real.
The New Balance 9060 Great Plains is a light-colored suede shoe. If you wear these to a music festival or a muddy park, you're going to have a bad time. Unlike leather sneakers that you can just wipe down with a damp cloth, suede requires a brush and a prayer.
If you want these to last, get a suede protector spray before you wear them out. Brand like Jason Markk or Crep Protect work fine. The mesh is also somewhat porous, so it can trap dust. A quick hit with a soft-bristle brush every few weeks will keep them looking "fresh out of the box" instead of "found these in a basement."
Is the hype justified?
In a world of limited releases and "got 'em" apps, the 9060 Great Plains feels refreshing. It’s a shoe that people actually want to wear, not just flip on a secondary market.
There's a reason you see everyone from tech bros in San Francisco to fashion students in London wearing them. They bridge the gap. They are the "lifestyle" sneaker perfected. Are they a bit trendy? Sure. Will they look dated in five years? Maybe. But right now, they are the most cohesive expression of where sneaker design is headed: high-tech comfort wrapped in a vintage aesthetic.
Addressing the price point
Retailing around $150 USD (prices vary by region and retailer), they aren't "cheap." But compared to the $200+ price tag on some of the 990v6 models or the insane resale prices of collaborative pairs, the 9060 is actually decent value. You're getting the same premium materials and better-than-average construction.
You’re paying for the R&D of that midsole. You’re paying for the fact that New Balance doesn't cut corners on their suede. It’s an investment in your feet.
Actionable steps for your next purchase
If you're sold on the New Balance 9060 Great Plains, here is exactly how to handle the pickup:
- Check Local First: These often sit on shelves at retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, or boutique shops like Kith and Feature. Don't pay resale until you've checked the official New Balance site.
- Inspect the Suede: If buying in person, look for consistency in the nap of the suede. Since it's a natural material, sometimes one shoe can be slightly "hairier" than the other.
- Invest in a Suede Kit: Buy a brass-bristle brush and a suede eraser. It will save the life of these shoes when you inevitably scuff them on a curb.
- Size it Right: If you are between sizes (like sometimes a 10, sometimes a 10.5), go with the smaller size unless you have extremely wide feet.
- Lace Swap: The stock cream laces are great, but swapping them for a slightly darker "Mushroom" brown lace can completely change the vibe of the shoe for about $5.
The New Balance 9060 Great Plains isn't trying to be the loudest shoe in the room. It’s just trying to be the best. For most people looking for a daily driver that can handle a ten-mile walk and a dinner date, it's a pretty hard option to beat.