The New Balance 9060 has become one of the brand's biggest recent successes, blending the heritage of the iconic 99X series with a bold Y2K aesthetic that's impossible to ignore. Its futuristic design, featuring exaggerated proportions and a distinctly chunky silhouette, captures everything people love about early 2000s running shoes while delivering modern comfort technology. From its wavy midsole lines to its oversized N logos, the 9060 makes a statement.
But here's the challenge: that massive sole and generously wide forefoot can make choosing the right size intimidating when ordering online. You're looking at a shoe that appears absolutely huge in photos, which naturally raises questions about whether you should adjust your usual size.
For the vast majority of people, the New Balance 9060 fits true to size (TTS). We recommend choosing your usual size. Its roomy, comfortable fit works beautifully for a wide range of foot types, and that spacious feeling is actually part of what makes it so comfortable for all-day wear.
Fitting Analysis: How Does the 9060 Feel On Foot ?
The New Balance 9060's construction is deliberately generous. The toe box offers exceptional space, giving your toes room to spread naturally without feeling cramped. This isn't a design flaw—it's an intentional choice that contributes significantly to the shoe's comfort profile. The internal volume accommodates most foot shapes without any break-in period.
Material-wise, the 9060 combines breathable mesh with premium suede overlays, creating a structure that's both supportive and flexible. The mesh panels allow natural foot movement and ventilation, while the suede reinforcements maintain shape and provide lateral stability. This combination means the shoe molds to your foot over time without ever feeling restrictive.
Despite its oversized appearance, the heel counter and midfoot lockdown are surprisingly secure. New Balance engineered the fit so your foot doesn't slide around inside despite the roomy toe box. The heel cup wraps snugly around your ankle, and the lacing system allows precise adjustment through the midfoot. You get that luxurious space up front without sacrificing control where it matters.
The ABZORB cushioning system in the midsole compresses slightly with wear, but this doesn't affect sizing—it just enhances the plush feel. The shoe maintains its shape exceptionally well, so the fit you experience on day one remains consistent months later.
Our Sizing Recommendations by Foot Type
For Normal Feet
True to size is absolutely the right choice. Don't second-guess yourself or try to compensate for the chunky appearance. If you normally wear a US 10 in most sneakers, get a US 10 in the 9060. That extra space in the toe box is part of the design language and contributes directly to the comfort that makes this shoe so popular. You're meant to have a bit of room up front—it's what allows for natural toe splay during walking and prevents that cramped feeling after hours of wear.
The 9060 follows New Balance's standard D-width sizing for men and B-width for women, which means it aligns perfectly with what you'd expect from the brand's sizing system.
For Wide Feet
This is where the 9060 truly shines. If you typically struggle with narrow toe boxes or find yourself sizing up on other sneakers just to get width, the 9060 is a revelation. Take your normal true-to-size and enjoy optimal comfort without any tightness or lateral pressure.
Unlike models like the New Balance 550 or 327 that can feel restrictive for wide feet, the 9060's generous proportions work beautifully. You won't experience that uncomfortable squeeze across the ball of your foot that forces many wide-footed people to compromise on length just to get adequate width. The spacious forefoot accommodates wider feet naturally while the heel and midfoot still provide secure lockdown.
For those with genuinely wide feet who normally need 2E or 4E width options, the standard D-width 9060 often works perfectly without needing to special order wide sizes.
For Narrow Feet
Here's where a small nuance exists. Sticking with your usual size remains the best option, but you should expect a roomier feel than you might be accustomed to. The generous toe box means you'll notice extra space, particularly in the forefoot.
For a more secure fit, you could consider going half a size down, but this carries risk—the shoe might end up too short in length, causing your toes to hit the front during downhill walking or extended wear. The safer approach is to take your normal size and utilize the lacing system strategically. Tighten the laces through the midfoot eyelets to pull the shoe snugger around your foot, and consider using a runner's loop (heel lock lacing technique) to prevent heel slippage.
Thicker socks can also help fill the extra volume without compromising length. Many narrow-footed wearers find that after a few wears, once they've dialed in their preferred lacing tightness, the fit feels perfect.
Comfort: Is the New Balance 9060 Good for Everyday Wear ?
Absolutely yes—the 9060 is one of the most comfortable sneakers currently on the market for daily use. Its thick midsole houses New Balance's proven ABZORB and SBS (Stability via a Beveled edge Shape) technologies, which together deliver exceptional cushioning that's both soft and stable.
ABZORB is New Balance's proprietary cushioning compound that absorbs impact through a combination of compression and rebound. Unlike overly soft foam that bottoms out or feels unstable, ABZORB provides a supportive, cushioned ride that protects your joints during all-day wear. You get that plush, cloud-like sensation without sacrificing ground feel or responsiveness.
SBS technology refers to the sculpted, beveled midsole shape that provides stability during lateral movements. This is crucial for a chunky shoe—without proper stability features, thick midsoles can feel wobbly or unstable. The 9060's midsole geometry keeps your foot centered and supported, preventing ankle roll even on uneven surfaces.
The combination means you can walk for hours without foot fatigue. Whether you're exploring a new city, standing all day at work, or just running errands, the 9060 handles it effortlessly. The generous toe box prevents pressure points, the cushioning absorbs pavement impact, and the supportive structure maintains proper foot alignment.
Verdict: This is a top-tier choice for daily comfort. If you prioritize how your feet feel at the end of the day, the 9060 delivers consistently.
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Sizing Comparison: NB 9060 vs Other Popular Models
Understanding how the 9060 fits compared to sneakers you already own is the fastest way to nail your size. Here's how it stacks up against popular alternatives.
New Balance 9060 vs New Balance 2002R / 1906R
Take the same size. These models share similar construction philosophies and fit characteristics. The 9060 will feel slightly more spacious in the forefoot—you'll notice a bit more room in the toe box compared to the 2002R's snugger fit. But the overall sizing is consistent. If you wear a US 9.5 in your 2002R and it fits well, go with US 9.5 in the 9060 with confidence.
The 1906R is even closer in fit to the 9060, with nearly identical internal volume. Same size across both models works perfectly.
New Balance 9060 vs New Balance 550
The 550 is considerably narrower, which trips people up. Many buyers size up half a size on the 550 just to get adequate width, even though it makes the shoe slightly too long. The 9060 is much more true to size. If you wear a US 10 in the 550, you likely need either a US 9.5 or US 10 in the 9060 depending on your actual foot size—not based on your 550 size, but on your normal sizing in other brands.
The simplest approach: base your 9060 size on your usual New Balance size or your Nike/adidas size, not on what you wear in the narrow-fitting 550.
New Balance 9060 vs Nike Dunk / Air Force 1
Take your normal Nike size. If you typically wear a US 10 in Nike Dunks, get a US 10 in the 9060. Some people size down half a size on Air Force 1s because they run large—don't do this with the 9060. Go with your actual, true-to-size measurement, not your adjusted AF1 size.
The 9060's fit is more predictable and consistent than the Air Force 1, which notoriously runs big and wide. Trust the true-to-size guidance here.
New Balance 9060 vs Yeezy 700 V1
This comparison matters because both shoes occupy the chunky, Y2K-inspired aesthetic space. Many people size up half a size on the Yeezy 700 V1 because it runs narrow and short. For the 9060, take your normal size—which means half a size down from your Yeezy 700 size.
If you wear a US 10.5 in Yeezy 700 V1, you're likely a true US 10 in most brands, which means you should get a US 10 in the New Balance 9060. The 9060's more generous fit eliminates the need for sizing adjustments that the restrictive Yeezy silhouette requires.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Does the New Balance 9060 make your feet look big?
Visually, yes—its silhouette is deliberately imposing and chunky. That's the entire aesthetic appeal of Y2K-inspired runners. The exaggerated proportions, wavy midsole lines, and oversized panels create a bold footwear statement. But in terms of actual fit, it doesn't run larger than marked. A US 10 is a US 10. The visual impact is part of the design language, not a sizing issue. If you're drawn to the 9060's look, embrace the chunky aesthetic—it's intentional and on-trend.
Should I go half a size down on the 9060?
Not recommended for 95% of people. The only scenario where this makes sense is if you have genuinely narrow feet AND you prefer an extremely snug, locked-down fit. Even then, the risk is significant—going half a size down might make the shoe too short in length, causing your toes to hit the front or creating discomfort during extended wear.
The 9060's spacious toe box is a feature, not a bug. That room improves comfort dramatically for all-day wear. Instead of sizing down, use the lacing system to adjust fit. A properly laced true-to-size 9060 will feel secure without sacrificing the comfort that extra space provides.
Is the New Balance 9060 good for running?
While the 9060 draws design inspiration from New Balance's performance running heritage (specifically the 860 and 990 series), it's marketed as a lifestyle sneaker, not a performance running shoe. The ABZORB cushioning and supportive structure could handle light jogging or treadmill walking, but the shoe's weight, materials, and geometry aren't optimized for serious running.
For casual fitness or gym workouts, it works fine. For actual running training, look at New Balance's Fresh Foam or FuelCell series, which feature modern running-specific technologies and lighter construction.
Final Verdict and Where to Buy
The New Balance 9060 sizing is straightforward: take your usual size (true to size). This is a roomy, comfortable model that works beautifully for normal to wide feet. The generous toe box, premium cushioning, and secure heel fit combine to create one of the best everyday sneakers currently available.
Don't overthink the sizing. If you're a US 9, get a US 9. If you're a US 10.5, get a US 10.5. The 9060's consistent, predictable fit means you can order with confidence, even online.
Find all the New Balance 9060 colorways available and the major retailers where to buy them on our page dedicated to NB 9060 sneaker releases
The 9060 continues to release in fresh colorways monthly, from subtle neutral tones to bold collaborative projects. Sign up for restock & drops notifications on X to catch popular releases that sell out quickly.