It feels like everyone is familiar with the New Balance formula; vintage aesthetics meet a blend of suede, leather and mesh. While that equation still bears fruit on a regular basis (look no further than the Aime Leon Dore New Balance 1000 or Action Bronson New Balance 1906R), the key to staying relevant is throwing an off-speed pitch right before full saturation. The New Balance 9060 “Silver Metallic” is a perfect example, adding reflective patent leather onto its familiar profile.
Sure, metallic notes aren’t a shock for anyone fluent in tech runner styles, but the material switch-up is plenty notable on its own merits. Matching that change with an eclectic mix of lavender and “Taro Green” on the edged creates a real space age atmosphere, attacking retro-futurism from a 1960s Jetsons sort of angle. In the finer details there’s intrigue as well, with an orbital New Balance logo stamped on the insole, a touch shared by a set of patent leather New Balance 550s unveiled earlier this year. In this application, the exaggerated hardware of the New Balance 9060 brings a ton of extra charm to this wonky colorway, and if the special edition touches here are a sign of something larger, we’re excited to see where this theme can go in the future.
For now, the New Balance 9060 “Silver Metallic” is available now via NewBalance.com, retailing for $150. Hit the link under “Where To Buy” to land directly on the product page.
Sticking in Boston, the Stone Island New Balance 574 Legacy lands on June 14th.
