I recently tried on the New Balance 9060.
This isn’t a full long-term review, but rather a quick set of impressions after trying them on in-store. I like writing these short notes because they help me remember how different models feel at first contact.
What I prioritize when buying shoes
First, a bit of context on what matters to me when I buy shoes: can I walk 20,000 steps without my feet hurting?
At work, I walk about 20,000 steps a day.
For reference, the average adult male walks around 5,000 steps, so I walk roughly four times as much.
I’m quite particular when it comes to shoes.
When I shop for shoes, I mainly look at:
- Cushioning – Essential for reducing strain on your feet and knees.
- Responsiveness – Helps convert each step into forward motion. A good bounce can make a big difference during long walks.
- Stability – A secure fit, especially around the heel, prevents wasted energy and keeps your gait efficient. Loose or unstable shoes tire you out faster.
Here’s what I felt after comparing them with the following New Balance models
Here are the models I’ve used previously.
• CM996
• M2040 V1
• M998
• WR993
• MR993
• M990 V5
• 2002R
• M990V3
• 991v2
• 990v6
Cushioning
Very good
The 9060 has a thick midsole, which absorbs impact quite well.
At first, the cushioning feels slightly firm rather than soft.
That might sound negative, but because the midsole itself is quite thick, the firmness actually creates a nice balance.
It doesn’t feel overly mushy, and the impact absorption still feels solid.
For everyday walking, the cushioning feels more than adequate.
Responsiveness
Good
The slightly firm cushioning gives the shoe a decent level of bounce.
Each step has a bit of rebound, which makes walking feel smooth.
However, compared with models that I know can comfortably handle 20,000 steps, such as the New Balance 990v6 or the New Balance Warped Runner, the responsiveness feels a little less energetic.
My impression is that this shoe would be comfortable for around 10,000 to 15,000 steps.
But for extremely long walking days—like 20,000 steps—it might start to feel a bit demanding.
Stability
Great
This is probably the most impressive aspect of the 9060.
The fit feels very secure and stable.
Because the upper uses a generous amount of fabric and structure, the shoe creates a strong lockdown feeling around the foot.
That secure fit helps reduce unnecessary movement while walking, which in turn improves stability and efficiency.
As a result, the shoe feels very controlled and comfortable when moving.
Overall impressions
Overall, the New Balance 9060 feels like a strong all-rounder.
It offers:
- solid cushioning
- decent responsiveness
- excellent stability
Considering the price, the performance-to-cost ratio seems quite good.
After trying them on, it’s easy to understand why this model has become so popular.
Thank you for reading until the end.
I also upload New Balance review videos on YouTube.
Sayonara
