The New Balance 9060 Sea Salt has become a streetwear staple thanks to its off-white tones and chunky retro silhouette. We checked test data and independent reviews to see whether the comfort matches the hype.

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Price range: €160–€190 ·
Weight: 396 g (men’s US 9) ·
Upper material: Mesh and suede ·
Cushioning: ABZORB heel, SBS toe ·
Colorway: Sea Salt / Moonbeam / Turtledove ·
Release year: 2022

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • More collab colourways likely to keep interest high (YouTube – Sneaker Review)
  • Resale market may cool as general supply increases (RunRepeat (sneaker test lab))

Eight specs define the 9060 Sea Salt – here’s how the numbers stack up against the claims.

Specification Value
Brand New Balance
Model 9060
Colorway Sea Salt / Moonbeam / Turtledove
Price (retail) €160–€190
Weight 396 g (men’s US 9)
Upper material Mesh and suede
Cushioning ABZORB heel, SBS toe
Retail availability New Balance, Footlocker, Office, Zalando
Fit True to size, slightly wide
Release year 2022

What’s Special About the 9060 Sea Salt?

Key design elements from the 99X series

The 9060 borrows the chunky, layered shape of the iconic 990 series but tweaks the proportions for a more exaggerated, fashion‑forward look. According to RunRepeat’s test lab, the wavy panel lines and oversized “N” logo give it an unmistakable silhouette. One reviewer on YouTube (They Did It AGAIN!) called it “a lifestyle shoe, not a performance runner” – meaning the design prioritises style over speed.

Why this matters

Buyers who expect a running shoe’s responsiveness will be disappointed. The 9060 is built for pavements, not tracks.

Unique colorway composition

The Sea Salt colourway pairs a light grayish‑off‑white base with Moonbeam (pale beige) and Turtledove (pale gray) accents. Decaf Journal’s long‑form review described it as “one of the easiest neutrals to style.” The combination makes the shoe versatile for both casual and semi‑smart outfits. Unlike darker 9060 editions (e.g., Black or Concrete), the Sea Salt version shows dirt more easily, a trade‑off noted by YouTube – Sea Salt/Concrete Review.

The implication: if you want a low‑maintenance neutral, the Concrete release may be more practical. But Sea Salt offers a warmer, softer tone that stands out against typical grey sneakers.

Why Are New Balance 9060 So Expensive?

Premium materials and construction

The use of soft suede and breathable mesh – combined with ABZORB heel units and SBS toe pads – adds production cost. RunRepeat’s laboratory assessment gave the shoe a high score for material quality. Still, one reviewer on YouTube (New Balance 9060 Sea Salt review) noted that the insole “may bottom out sooner than preferred” – suggesting the premium feel doesn’t extend to every component.

Brand heritage and demand

New Balance’s 99X series has a decades‑old reputation for quality, and the 9060 rides that wave. Limited‑edition colourways and collaborations (e.g., with Joe Freshgoods) push resale prices far above retail, as YouTube – Sneaker Review pointed out. The Sea Salt colourway isn’t a limited release, but its popularity keeps retail prices steady at €160–€190.

The catch

A reviewer on YouTube said the shoe wasn’t worth over $160 to them. At European prices, that threshold is roughly €170 – right in the middle of the retail range.

Comparison with other premium sneakers

Compared to the Men to Women Shoe Size Conversion article’s sizing context, the 9060 runs true to size with a slightly wider toe box – a detail RunRepeat confirms. That means buyers can confidently order their usual size, which isn’t always true for competing chunky sneakers like the ASICS Gel‑Kayano 14 or Nike Vomero 5.

The pattern: the 9060’s price is driven by brand cachet and premium materials, but the comfort tech is older (ABZORB debuted in the 1990s). You’re paying more for heritage than innovation.

What Color Is Sea Salt in New Balance?

Sea Salt as a neutral off‑white tone

New Balance describes Sea Salt as a “light grayish off‑white”. In practice, it’s closer to a warm ivory, sitting between pure white and light grey. Decaf Journal’s review called it “a shade that works with any wardrobe.”

Combination with Moonbeam and Turtledove

Moonbeam adds a pale beige accent on the heel panel and tongue, while Turtledove appears as a light grey on the lace stay and outsole. This three‑tone palette creates depth without clashing. According to RunRepeat, the colourway is one of the bestselling 9060 editions globally.

How it compares to other light colorways

Versus the “White” or “Cream” 9060 drops, Sea Salt is slightly warmer and less sterile. The “Concrete” version is cooler and darker. Buyers wanting a neutral that doesn’t yellow quickly might prefer Sea Salt over pure white, as the off‑white base hides discolouration better.

Why this matters: if you’re torn between Sea Salt and another pale colourway, the choice comes down to warmth – Sea Salt leans beige, Concrete leans grey.

Is the New Balance 9060 Good for Walking?

Cushioning technology

The 9060 uses an ABZORB heel insert and SBS (Strategic Bulk Sole) toe cushioning. RunRepeat’s score sheet rates the cushioning as “very good” for a lifestyle shoe. However, multiple independent testers on YouTube (Sea Salt/Concrete Review) said the insole can “bottom out” after extended use, meaning the foam compresses and loses bounce faster than some competitors.

Weight and support

At 396 g for a men’s US 9, the 9060 is moderately heavy. For context, a typical walking shoe weighs 300–350 g. Decaf Journal found it “feels flexible immediately with minimal break‑in,” which helps offset the weight. The wide base and firm heel counter provide stable support, a point confirmed by RunRepeat.

User feedback on comfort

One reviewer on YouTube said they could wear the 9060 for eight to ten hours, including work that required standing. Another, on YouTube (Sneaker Review), noted it was comfortable but “not among the very top New Balance models for comfort.” The consensus: excellent for casual walking and daily errands, but not ideal for long hikes or high‑impact activity.

The trade‑off: the chunky sole gives you style and moderate cushioning, but the foam tech is two generations behind New Balance’s Fresh Foam line. If walking comfort is your absolute priority, consider the 1080 or Fresh Foam More.

Are New Balance 9060 Still Trendy?

Popularity since launch

Released in 2022, the 9060 quickly became a streetwear fixture. RunRepeat’s 2023 review noted it remained “highly sought‑after” more than a year later. In 2025, the Sea Salt colourway is still stocked by major retailers including Footlocker and Zalando, though some sizes now sell out faster.

Celebrity endorsements

While no official celebrity contract is stated, the 9060 has been spotted on figures like Jack Harlow and on social‑media influencers. YouTube (They Did It AGAIN!) described the silhouette as “the shoe that defined 2022 streetwear.” Ongoing collabs (e.g., with Bodega, Joe Freshgoods) keep the model in rotation.

Colorway releases and collaboration impact

New Balance continues to drop new 9060 colourways each season. RunRepeat counted over 20 variations by mid‑2024. Limited editions often double in resale value, which fuels demand for retail pairs. The Sea Salt colourway, though not limited, benefits from this halo effect.

What this means: the 9060 is still trending in 2025, but the hype is maturing. Buyers can expect stable availability at retail, with resale prices for rare colourways likely to remain high.

Upsides

  • Versatile off‑white colourway that pairs with almost anything
  • Good shock absorption for daily walking and standing
  • True‑to‑size fit with a slightly wider toe box
  • Minimal break‑in time – comfortable from first wear (Decaf Journal)
  • Strong build quality with soft suede and breathable mesh (RunRepeat)

Downsides

  • Heavier than many walking‑specific shoes (396 g)
  • Insole may bottom out faster than competitors (YouTube)
  • Suede upper shows dirt easily and requires careful cleaning
  • Not a performance running shoe – lacks high‑rebound foam
  • Price point (€160–€190) is high for a lifestyle sneaker (RunRepeat)

What We Know and What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Price range: €160–€190 at retail (RunRepeat)
  • Weight: 396 g (men’s US 9) (RunRepeat)
  • Upper: mesh and suede (RunRepeat)
  • Cushioning: ABZORB heel + SBS toe (RunRepeat)
  • Colourway: Sea Salt / Moonbeam / Turtledove (Decaf Journal)
  • Released in 2022 (YouTube)

What remains unclear

  • Long‑term suede durability (Decaf Journal)
  • Exact resale price swings (YouTube)
  • Whether the Sea Salt colourway will be discontinued soon (RunRepeat)

What Reviewers Are Saying

“The 9060 is a new expression of refined style and innovation‑led design of the classic 99X series.”

— New Balance design team, via RunRepeat (sneaker test lab)

“I can wear these for eight to ten hours, including working on my feet.”

— Independent reviewer on YouTube (New Balance 9060 Sea Salt review)

“The insole may bottom out sooner than preferred, but the shoe is still comfortable to walk around in.”

— Review on YouTube (Sea Salt/Concrete)

“It’s true to size with a slightly wider feel – softer than the 992 and 550.”

— Review on YouTube (Mindful Grey Review)

For buyers in Ireland and the UK, the decision comes down to trade‑offs. If you want a head‑turning neutral sneaker that you can wear for a full day of walking, the 9060 Sea Salt delivers – but with the caveat that the suede needs care and the insole won’t outlast a dedicated walking shoe. For collectors and trend‑followers, the colourway’s versatility and ongoing availability make it a safe pick. For anyone seeking pure walking comfort over style, the better choice is a Fresh Foam or a running shoe with modern foam.

Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, reddit.com, instagram.com, hypebeast.com

For those interested in regional availability, Ireland pricing and reviews offer a detailed look at costs and feedback specific to the Irish market.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight of the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt?

The shoe weighs 396 g in a men’s US 9, according to RunRepeat’s test data.

Does the 9060 Sea Salt come in half sizes?

Yes, New Balance offers the 9060 in half sizes from US 6.5 to 13, as confirmed by RunRepeat.

Are New Balance 9060 Sea Salt unisex?

New Balance markets the 9060 as a unisex model, but many retailers list separate men’s and women’s sizes. The women’s version often uses a slightly narrower last. RunRepeat notes that the men’s sizing runs true to size with a wide toe box.

How do I clean the Sea Salt suede upper?

Use a suede eraser and a soft brush for dry cleaning. For deeper stains, apply a suede cleaner foam. Avoid machine washing – Decaf Journal warns that excess moisture can warp the mesh and suede overlay.

Is the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt a limited edition?

No, it is a general‑release colourway. However, some sizes may sell out between restocks. RunRepeat reports that the colourway remains in production as of mid‑2025.

What other colorways are available in the 9060?

Over 20 colourways have been released, including Concrete, Black, Grey, Raincloud, and limited collab editions. RunRepeat maintains an updated list.

Are New Balance 9060 Sea Salt worth the money?

If you value a versatile, on‑trend silhouette and are willing to accept moderate walking comfort and a higher price, yes. For pure walking performance, consider a Fresh Foam model. The decision hinges on whether style or cushioning matters more to you.

For those in the Irish market, the choice is clear: if your daily commute involves café stops and city pavements, the 9060 Sea Salt will look great and feel fine. But if you’re logging 10,000+ steps a day on hard surfaces, the insole trade‑off may push you towards a dedicated walking shoe – or you can swap the insole for a custom orthotic.