Best New Balance Sneakers to Buy Right Now

Introduction

If you’ve been paying attention to sneaker culture lately, you already know New Balance sneakers are having a real moment. What used to be the shoe your dad wore for mowing the lawn has turned into one of the most requested silhouettes on the internet. And honestly, it makes sense once you try a pair on.

The comfort is real, the retro styling actually looks good with modern outfits, and there’s a color for pretty much every mood you’re in. Below, I’m walking through some standout picks worth grabbing this year, based on what’s currently trending and available through Ilocca’s New Balance collection.

Why the 9060 Is the Model Everyone’s Talking About

Before getting into specific colorways, it helps to understand why the New Balance 9060 keeps showing up everywhere. This particular model sits in a weird, wonderful spot between a running shoe and a lifestyle sneaker. It’s got that chunky, dad-shoe silhouette that’s been trending for years now, but the execution feels more refined than earlier retro runners.

The mesh paneling, the layered overlays, the exaggerated sole unit — it all works together instead of looking like a costume. If you’re new to the brand and wondering where to start, this is genuinely the model most people recommend first.

Sea Salt Cherry Blossom: Soft, Spring-Ready, and Easy to Style

This colorway leans into a lighter, almost pastel palette that photographs beautifully but also wears well in person. It’s the kind of sneaker that pairs with cropped denim, a plain white tee, or even a flowy dress if you’re going for that unexpected sporty-meets-feminine look.

What stands out here isn’t just the color story — it’s how the shoe manages to feel fresh without trying too hard. If your current rotation is heavy on black and white, this one adds a bit of personality without going overboard.

Team Forest Green and Beach Glass Pink: Two Very Different Vibes

Here’s where things get interesting. The Team Forest Green option brings a deeper, moodier tone that works well through fall and winter, while the Beach Glass Pink version goes the opposite direction with something brighter and more playful.

Having both in a wardrobe basically covers two seasons at once. I’d say the green leans more unisex and versatile, whereas the pink is for someone who wants their shoes to do a little talking. Neither one is subtle exactly, but that’s kind of the appeal with this silhouette anyway.

Blue Haze and Crystal Pink: The Futuristic Colorways

If you want something that looks a bit more like it came from a sci-fi wardrobe department, these two colorways deliver. Both feature that “new color rose” treatment that gives the shoe a slightly iridescent, futuristic quality depending on the lighting.

These aren’t going to blend into the background, which is exactly why people gravitate toward them. They photograph well for social content too, if that matters to you, since the color shift reads differently depending on the angle.

White Black: The One That Goes With Literally Everything

Sometimes you just need the reliable pair. The White Black colorway strips away the flashier elements and gives you a clean, modern take on the 9060 shape. It’s the version I’d recommend if you already own a couple of statement pairs and need something that works with jeans, joggers, tailored trousers — basically anything.

There’s a reason neutral colorways like this tend to sell out fastest even when the flashier ones get more attention online.

Mushroom Aluminium and Mushroom Brown: Earth Tones Done Right

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring, and these two prove it. The Mushroom Aluminium option goes soft and pastel, almost muted in a way that feels a little Scandinavian in its restraint.

Mushroom Brown, on the other hand, brings warmth — think autumn leaves, coffee, that kind of earthy palette. Both work exceptionally well if your closet leans more toward neutrals and you’re trying to avoid anything too loud. They’re also, in my opinion, some of the easiest colorways to wear year-round without ever feeling dated.

Arctic Grey and Shadow Grey: For the Minimalists

Grey doesn’t get enough credit as a sneaker color, but these two options make a strong case for it. Arctic Grey has a lighter, more futuristic finish, while Shadow Grey goes darker and moodier — almost stealth-like.

What’s interesting about the 9060 line is that even within a single color family, the brand manages to make each version feel distinct rather than repetitive. If you’re someone who wants your sneakers to complement an outfit rather than compete with it, either of these greys will do the job well.

Leopard Print: For When You Want to Make a Statement

Not every sneaker needs to play it safe, and the Leopard Print colorway is proof of that. This one’s clearly designed for someone who wants their shoes to be the focal point of an outfit rather than a supporting piece.

It works surprisingly well with all-black fits, letting the print do the heavy lifting without clashing with anything else. It’s not for everyone, admittedly, but if you’ve been eyeing a bold statement piece, this is one of the more wearable animal-print options out there.

How to Actually Choose the Right Pair

With this many colorways floating around, picking just one (or two) can feel overwhelming. A good rule of thumb: start with a neutral if this is your first pair, since it’ll get the most wear. If you already own a couple of pairs, that’s when it makes sense to branch into the bolder options like the leopard print or the pastel tones.

It’s also worth checking sizing carefully — retro running silhouettes like the 9060 line tend to run slightly different from standard running shoe fits, so double-checking a size chart before buying saves you a return down the line.

Caring for Your Sneakers So They Last

Once you’ve picked your pair, a little maintenance goes a long way. Mesh panels can trap dirt easily, so a soft brush and mild soap solution works better than tossing them in a washing machine.

Keeping them stuffed with paper when not in use helps maintain shape, especially with the chunkier sole units these retro runners are known for. Rotating between two pairs, if you can swing it, also extends the life of each shoe significantly since it gives the cushioning time to decompress between wears.

FAQs

Are New Balance sneakers good for everyday wear?

Yes, especially models like the 9060, which balance cushioning with a casual look that works for daily errands, travel, or just lounging around town.

Do these run true to size?

Not always. Many retro running silhouettes run slightly large or have a wider toe box, so checking a size guide before ordering is a smart move.

Which colorway is best for beginners?

Neutral options like White Black or Mushroom Brown tend to be the easiest entry point since they pair with almost anything already in your closet.

Where can I browse current New Balance colorways?

You can check out the current lineup, including several of the colorways mentioned above, over at Ilocca.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, choosing the right pair comes down to how you actually plan to wear them. Neutrals for versatility, bold prints for statement-making, pastels for something in between — there’s really a colorway for every kind of sneaker person here.

What makes the 9060 line specifically worth the investment is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style, which is rarer than it should be in this price range. Whichever pair catches your eye, you’re getting a shoe that’s built to be worn constantly, not just admired in a box.