One thing’s for certain: NB isn’t afraid of a big swing. Most of the models that the brand’s devotees hold dear have been radically transformed in the past few years, whether it was the New Balance 1906R metamorphosing into the New Balance loafer, or the 2002R chopping the top and becoming a mule. The last member of the Boston giant’s current big three, the 9060, has become the 8040, and its reign stretches on with a new “Dark Peridot” colorway.
If this is your first time catching the model, then truly feast your eyes; the New Balance 9060 sole unit sits below an entirely new upper design, tying together a pigskin suede body and nubuck toe with a reach-over Velcro strap closure. It results in an off-kilter, semi-outdoorsy overall profile that commenters and other outlets have connected to the gorpcore Oakley designs of the 1990s and even some modern formulations like the work of Merrell. Though its presence overseas is far greater than in North America, there’s still a lane for the 8040 to carve out a niche the same way the New Balance loafer did, and just maybe this “Dark Peridot” variation will you make you a believer.
We’re projecting this “Dark Peridot” look for S/S ’25, but there’s been a decent delay between past New Balance 8040 looks hitting the newswire and those shoes actually landing on stateside shelves. With that in mind, periodically check in to our Sneaker Release Dates page to find out when these are available via US channels — retail is set at $120.
