The Rise of New Balance Sneakers

I was in high school, and I was ahead of the trend. My New Balance 574s, ordered with great apprehension from Urban Outfitters and freshly unboxed, were a deep grey suede. The “N” of the brand’s logo, crimson as it was, supplied delicious contrast. Waiting to enter the chemistry lab of my school’s newly-constructed science wing, I swanned a bit. Sneakers had only recently been incorporated into the dress code, and my peers largely remained in their deflated, untied boat shoes, not ready to step into the future, or donned the same Nikes they’d need for the afternoon’s sports practice (I, on the other hand, did theatre after school). I expected praise for, perhaps envy of, my daring. The year is 2015 and yet I am still unprepared for what I receive instead: a gleeful chorus of “What are those?” accompanied by the cruel but requisite air traffic director-esque pointing.

I had not yet come into my convictions, so I put the shoes back in the box after school, rarely ever wore them after that day, and as I prepared to go away to university, I donated them to Goodwill in near-mint condition. The travesty is twofold – not only am I certain that these shoes would have served me for years and would have aged beautifully into the ongoing reign of the New Balance dad shoe supremacy, but they were also supremely comfortable. Cushioned, chunky, with a thoughtful juxtaposition of colours – I regret that I lacked the courage to stick by this shoe that had it all.

Ahead of a recent trip to Austria and Germany, in the midst of a major Ssense sale, I do what I should have done a long time ago. I order a pair of New Balance White 9060s. They are the only trainers I pack. My conservatism is rewarded. I am obsessed with these shoes. They are so comfortable, the Platonic ideal of the walking shoe. In rainy Vienna and rainier Munich, they peek out from beneath wide pleated khakis (I am emulating, not ripping off, The Row) and dry without discolouration. I unexpectedly get a sunburn in Berlin, so hot and bright it suddenly becomes, and the bulk and flash of the shoe showcases the tone of my legs while also making me feel comically small. I am able to walk the length of the Tiergarten East-to-West and West-to-East with nary a blister – mind you, I am still breaking them in at this point. My family – I am traveling with my brother and father – equates travel with walking ourselves into the ground. The shoes don’t merely survive such 30,000 step days – they improve, becoming softer, easier to wear, and never staining with the dust of the Tiergarten.

Introducing the New Balance 9060

Let’s focus on the features of the New Balance 9060. The model is lauded for its nostalgic design with sculptural soles, and a combination of mesh and pigskin materials. The shoes offer a stylish look while providing exceptional comfort and support. They are perfect for long walks or casual outings, combining fashion and function seamlessly.

Variations on the Form

If the 9060 isn’t quite the shoe for you, know that you are not limited to just this model. More color options and styles are available, tailored to different tastes and preferences. For example, consider the New Balance Numeric Brandon Westgate 508, which is a more demure dad shoe, yet still offers the comfort and style associated with the brand.

The New Balance 5740

For those seeking a neutral, wear-with-anything travel shoe, the New Balance 5740 is an excellent option. While I almost bought these instead of my 9060s, they aren’t quite bold enough for my taste.

Enduring Classics

Among the current offerings from New Balance, the U574, which is part of a collaboration with Boston College, evokes nostalgia with its classic design. Similarly, the Made in UK 576 trainers, highlighted by their dark suede, showcase the allure of timeless, well-crafted sneakers.