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The 9060 is worth it for James Lee and Yue Wu's 2022 99X-plus-860 retrofuturist design story.
The 9060 launched in 2022 as an original retrofuturist design rather than a straight retro, with New Balance's in-house team reworking cues from the 990 series and 2000s runners like the 860v2 into a wavier, more sculpted form. Joe Freshgoods, the Chicago designer behind several sought-after New Balance projects, helped introduce the silhouette through an early collaboration before the general inline release. It quickly became the brand's flagship chunky lifestyle shoe of the wide-pant era.
Roomy at true to size, since the toe box is naturally wide. The top-voted sizing advice is clear: stay true to size even with wide feet rather than sizing up. Narrow-footed buyers should go half down to avoid heel slippage. No dedicated wide option exists, but the standard D width accommodates wide feet well thanks to the roomy silhouette.
One of the best in the lineup. A teacher confirmed they are the best standing-around sneaker they have worn for hours on their feet. The ABZORB and SBS midsole is softer than the 990v6, and most users report comfort from day one with minimal break-in. The limitation: a nurse who tested them for 12-hour shifts said the cushioning could use work for that use case and later switched to the 990v6 for work.
The 9060 is softer underfoot and has a naturally wider fit, while the 2002R is lighter, sleeker and runs smaller, so half a size up is recommended on it. Most community threads favor the 9060 for comfort, with one user calling it the most comfortable New Balance they own across several models. The 2002R is the better choice if you want a less chunky profile.
Three main ones. First, wet traction is poor, with multiple users reporting slips on wet tile. Second, the protruding heel can interfere with driving, especially in larger sizes and manual cars. Third, QC is inconsistent, so some pairs see outsole separation within weeks while others last years. Inspect a pair before you buy.
Only with wider-leg pants. The chunky midsole looks awkward with skinny jeans, so you need baggy jeans, cargos or wide-leg trousers. Neutral general-release colorways like Sea Salt and Rain Cloud are the most versatile. At around 100 to 115 dollars for general-release pairs, the value is excellent if the chunky aesthetic works for your wardrobe.
Claims in the guide text link directly to these Reddit threads and article sources.
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New Balance 2002R
Lighter, sleeker, easier to style — less chunky comfort alternative.
New Balance 990v6
The versatile premium option if you want heritage credibility and all-day comfort.
ASICS Gel-NYC
Similar retro-hybrid comfort with a less polarizing silhouette.
