You know that feeling when a sneaker looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie but somehow works with a pair of beat-up jeans? That’s the 9060. Specifically, the new balance all black 9060—or "Triple Black" as the collectors usually call it—has become this weirdly dominant force in street style. It shouldn’t work. It’s chunky. It’s got these aggressive "pods" on the sole that look like they might grip the surface of Mars. Yet, if you walk through lower Manhattan or London right now, you’ll see them everywhere.
It's a chunky shoe for people who are tired of the "Dad shoe" trope but still want the comfort of a cloud. Honestly, the all-black version is the one that actually makes the silhouette wearable for the average person. When you have a design this busy, a loud colorway can make you look like you’re wearing two oversized Transformers on your feet. The black-on-black treatment mutes the chaos. It turns a loud design into a subtle flex.
The Weird Design Language of the 9060
New Balance didn’t just pull this out of thin air. They took bits and pieces from the 990 series and mixed them with the 860. It’s a Frankenstein monster of Y2K aesthetics and modern performance tech. The new balance all black 9060 uses a mix of mesh and suede—usually pigskin, though they occasionally swap materials for different runs—to create a texture that doesn’t just disappear into a dark blob.
The most polarizing part? That midsole. It’s split. It’s exaggerated. It’s chunky. But here is the thing: the ABZORB and SBS cushioning aren’t just marketing fluff. If you’ve ever stood on a concrete floor for eight hours, you know the difference between "aesthetic" shoes and "functional" shoes. This one is both. The heel features a translucent CR device, which is basically a fancy way of saying there’s a plastic stabilizer that keeps your foot from wobbling around. It’s beefy. It’s stable. It’s a tank.
James Whitner of A Ma Maniére fame once mentioned that the best sneakers are the ones that reflect the culture's current mood. Right now, the mood is "maximalist but functional." We want things that look high-effort but feel effortless. The 9060 nails that. It’s a chunky silhouette that somehow doesn't feel heavy when you’re actually moving.
Why the All-Black Colorway Solves the 9060's Biggest Problem
Let’s be real for a second. The 9060 is a lot of shoe. In the "Sea Salt" or "Cherry Blossom" colorways, the sheer number of overlays and lines can be overwhelming. It’s hard to style if you aren't a 20-year-old influencer with a wardrobe full of baggy cargo pants.
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The new balance all black 9060 changes the math.
By drenching the entire thing in black, the shadows do the work. The design becomes about texture rather than color. You get the contrast between the rough suede and the tight mesh. You get the way light hits the synthetic leather accents. It’s sophisticated. It’s basically the tuxedo of chunky sneakers. You can wear it with black trousers for a "stealth wealth" look, or throw them on with shorts without looking like your feet are the only thing people see.
A lot of people worry about black sneakers looking like "work shoes" or something a waiter would wear. We’ve all been there. But the 9060 avoids this because of the sculpting. The midsole is too aggressive to ever be mistaken for a boring orthopedic shoe. It’s got attitude.
Comfort Metrics: Is It Actually Good for Your Feet?
New Balance has a reputation to uphold. They aren't just a lifestyle brand; they started as an arch support company in 1906. That DNA is still there. In the 9060, they use a dual-density midsole. This isn't just one big slab of foam. It’s a combination of EVA and ABZORB.
- ABZORB: This is a blend of isoprene rubber and proprietary foam. It’s designed to absorb the energy of your step rather than bouncing it back into your joints.
- SBS: This is an elastomer that stays soft and bouncy even in cold weather. It’s usually tucked into the heel.
- The Outsole: It’s a diamond pattern inspired by the classic 860 design. It provides a decent amount of grip, though don't go hiking in these. They're for the sidewalk, not the trail.
If you have wide feet, you’re in luck. The 9060 is naturally spacious. Unlike the 990v6, which can feel a bit narrow in the midfoot for some, the 9060 platform is wide. It’s stable. You won't feel like you're going to roll your ankle despite the height.
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Styling the New Balance All Black 9060 Without Looking Like a Goof
Most people mess up the 9060 by wearing pants that are too skinny. If you wear skinny jeans with these, you will look like Mickey Mouse. There, I said it. The proportions are just wrong.
Because the new balance all black 9060 is so wide, it needs a wider leg opening to balance it out. Think relaxed-fit chinos, baggy denim, or heavyweight sweatpants. The goal is to have the hem of the pants sit slightly over the top of the shoe. This masks some of the bulk and makes the whole outfit look intentional.
For the top half, keep it simple. A boxy tee or an oversized hoodie works best. The "Triple Black" look is perfect for monochrome outfits. Black hoodie, black carhartt pants, black 9060s. It’s a uniform. It’s easy. It’s also incredibly practical because black sneakers don't show dirt nearly as much as the lighter versions. You can spill a bit of coffee on these and nobody is going to know.
The Resale and Availability Reality
Here is the good news: New Balance has been better than Nike lately at keeping these in stock. While some hyped collaborations (like the Joe Freshgoods "Penny Cookie Pink") went for crazy prices on StockX and GOAT, the standard new balance all black 9060 is usually obtainable at retail.
Usually, they sit around the $150 to $160 USD mark. That’s not cheap, but for a shoe with this much tech and suede, it’s fair. Compared to a Balenciaga Triple S—which this shoe clearly takes some "inspiration" from—it’s a bargain. You’re getting 90% of the high-fashion look for about 15% of the price.
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However, don't wait too long when a restock happens. The all-black colorway is the first to go every single time. It's the "back to school" shoe, the "winter beater," and the "gym-to-street" shoe all in one.
Longevity: How Well Do They Actually Hold Up?
Suede is a pain. There's no way around it. Even on an all-black shoe, pigskin suede can get "ashy" over time. If you wear these in the rain constantly, the black will eventually start to look a little grey or faded.
To keep the new balance all black 9060 looking crisp, you need a brass brush. Just a quick brush every few wears keeps the nap of the suede from laying flat and looking dead. And honestly, get a water repellent spray. It won't make them waterproof—they have mesh, after all—but it will stop stains from setting in.
The midsole is surprisingly resilient. Usually, big white midsoles show "stress lines" or creases after a few months. On the all-black version, those creases are virtually invisible. This is a shoe that looks good even after six months of heavy use. It ages better than almost any other 9060 colorway because it hides the inevitable wear and tear of urban life.
Is It Worth the Hype?
The sneaker world is fickle. One day everyone is wearing Sambas, the next it’s 1906Rs. The 9060 feels like it has more staying power because it’s genuinely comfortable. It’s not a "pain is beauty" situation.
If you want a shoe that feels like a modern couch for your feet and looks like a piece of structural architecture, then yes, it's worth it. The new balance all black 9060 is the most versatile version of a very non-versatile shoe. It’s the safe bet on a risky silhouette.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Move
- Check your sizing: Most people find the 9060 runs true to size (TTS). If you have very narrow feet, you might even consider going down half a size, but for 90% of people, stick with your normal New Balance size.
- Evaluate your closet: Do you own pants with a leg opening wider than 8 inches? If not, you might want to pick up some relaxed-cut trousers before these arrive, otherwise, the proportions will feel off.
- Monitor the retailers: Check sites like New Balance, Finish Line, and JD Sports. If the "Triple Black" is sold out, look for the "Black with Castlerock" version—it’s nearly identical but has some very dark grey hits that are just as easy to style.
- Protect the suede: Buy a basic suede care kit. A black suede dye pen is also a "pro move" for when the toes eventually start to fade after a year of use.
The 9060 isn't going anywhere. It’s transitioned from a "trendy" drop to a staple in the New Balance lineup. Getting it in black is just the most logical way to participate in the trend without regretting it when you look at your photos two years from now.