5 Reasons Why The JD Exclusive New Balance 9060 Is The Hottest Sneaker Of 2025
As of December 2025, the New Balance 9060 continues its reign as the undisputed king of the "chunky sneaker" trend, but it's the exclusive colorways landing at JD Sports that are generating the most buzz among sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike. This silhouette, a perfect blend of nostalgic '90s running shoe DNA and futuristic Y2K aesthetics, has cemented its status as a foundational piece for any modern wardrobe. The JD Sports partnership ensures that some of the most sought-after and versatile editions are available, making them essential pickups for the current season.
The JD New Balance 9060 collection is not just about a retailer carrying a popular shoe; it represents a curated selection of color palettes—such as the highly desirable Sandstone/Sea Salt and Moonrock/Moonbeam—that perfectly capture the current "quiet luxury" and neutral-tone trends. With fresh releases hitting shelves as recently as July 2024, the continuous flow of exclusive drops keeps the 9060 relevant, high in demand, and a constant topic of conversation in the global sneaker community. This is everything you need to know before you secure your pair.
The DNA: Design, Technology, and the JD Exclusive Colorways
The success of the New Balance 9060, particularly the JD-exclusive models, is rooted in a deliberate and unique design philosophy that merges past icons with a warped, futuristic vision.
A Masterclass in Retro-Futurism
The New Balance 9060 was first released in 2022 and quickly became a phenomenon. Designed by the talented team of James Lee and Yue Wu, the sneaker is a fusion of the legendary 99X series with the maximalist, visible tech aesthetic of the Y2K era retrofuturism. It’s a shoe that feels both familiar and entirely new.
- 99X Series Inspiration: The overall shape and premium materials—suede and mesh on the upper—pay homage to classics like the 990, 991, and 992.
- Warped Detailing: The exaggerated, wavy lines and chunky profile are where the shoe steps into its own. This "warped sensibility" is most evident in the midsole.
- Iconic Features: Key elements include the translucent CR device (a heel counter for stability) and the tongue logo, which is a direct nod to the 991 lace jewel.
Unrivaled Dual-Density Cushioning Technology
Comfort is paramount in the 9060, and New Balance packed it with their best proprietary technology. Unlike many lifestyle sneakers, the 9060 is built on a foundation of performance-grade cushioning, making it one of the most comfortable casual shoes on the market.
- Dual-Density Midsole: The core of the comfort is the midsole, which features a combination of two advanced cushioning platforms: ABZORB and SBS cushioning.
- ABZORB: This is New Balance’s signature foam that provides superior shock absorption and compression resistance, primarily placed in the forefoot and heel.
- SBS: A denser, more responsive form of ABZORB, the SBS pods are strategically placed in the heel to offer exceptional stability and a noticeable bounce-back.
- Outsole: The sole features an exaggerated diamond outsole pattern, inspired by the classic 860 model, ensuring excellent grip and durability.
The Must-Have JD Sports Exclusive Colorways
The JD Sports partnership is critical because it offers specific, highly versatile colorways that are not available anywhere else. These are the editions currently driving the demand:
- Moonrock/Moonbeam (U9060EEB): This is arguably the most popular JD exclusive, featuring a subtle, sophisticated blend of linen, grey, and dark arctic grey. It’s a perfect neutral that pairs with virtually any outfit.
- Sandstone/Sea Salt: A softer, warmer take on the neutral trend, combining light beige and off-white tones that are ideal for a clean, minimalist look.
- JD Exclusive Grey: A continuation of New Balance’s legendary grey-toned heritage, this exclusive features unique material or subtle color shifts not found in general releases.
- Blue/Grey (U9060JBG): A slightly bolder option that introduces a cool blue accent while maintaining a predominantly neutral base.
JD New Balance 9060: Sizing, Comfort, and Price Breakdown
Before committing to a purchase, understanding the fit and value proposition of the 9060 is essential. The shoe's unique construction affects both how it feels and how you should size it.
Is the New Balance 9060 True to Size?
For most buyers, the New Balance 9060 fits true to size (TTS). However, there are a few nuances to consider due to its design:
- Chunky Profile: It is a "big and tall shoe," meaning it has significant height and volume, which can make it feel roomy around the midfoot.
- Toe Box: Some users report that the toe box can feel slightly tighter compared to other New Balance models, though the overall consensus is to stick with your regular size.
- Recommendation: Order your standard sneaker size. If you have particularly wide feet, you might consider trying a half size up, though this is rarely necessary.
Value and Availability
The JD exclusive models typically retail around the standard 9060 price point of $150 to $160. However, because of their limited nature and high demand, certain colorways can command a premium on the secondary market, with prices sometimes reaching over $300. The best way to secure them at retail price is to monitor JD Sports' website and in-store stock, especially following the major colorway drops that occurred in mid-2024.
How to Style the JD New Balance 9060: Outfit Essentials
The chunky, maximalist aesthetic of the 9060 makes it a statement piece that requires specific styling to achieve a balanced and fashionable look. The key is to contrast the shoe’s volume with relaxed or flowing apparel.
Styling Tips for Men: Embracing the Volume
The 9060 works best with bottoms that complement its size rather than fighting it. The goal is a relaxed, modern silhouette.
- Wide-Leg Trousers: This is the ideal pairing. Wide-leg chinos or relaxed-fit denim allow the pants to drape over the shoe naturally, highlighting its chunky profile without making your feet look disproportionately large.
- Cargo Pants: The utility and volume of cargo pants—especially in neutral tones like olive, black, or grey—match the shoe’s rugged, yet technical aesthetic.
- Oversized Tops: Pair the look with an oversized hoodie, a relaxed flannel, or a boxy t-shirt to maintain a balanced top-to-bottom silhouette.
Styling Tips for Women: The Contrast Effect
For women, the 9060 is incredibly versatile, often used to create a stylish juxtaposition between a feminine piece and a sporty, chunky shoe.
- Midi Skirts and Dresses: A flowing midi skirt or a chic knit dress provides a soft, feminine contrast to the shoe’s aggressive tooling. This contrast is a cornerstone of modern street style.
- Loose Track Pants: For a more casual, athletic look, pair the 9060 with loose-fitting track pants or joggers and a close-fitting sport crop top. This plays directly into the shoe’s running heritage.
- Oversized Knitwear: During cooler months, an oversized knit sweater or a long trench coat balances the shoe's visual weight and creates a cozy, high-fashion winter ensemble.
9060 vs. 2002R: The Ultimate New Balance Showdown
Many shoppers compare the 9060 to the other popular retro-runner, the New Balance 2002R. While both are highly sought after, they offer distinct experiences.
The New Balance 2002R is a sleek, early 2010s performance runner that was revived for the lifestyle market. It offers a more traditional, streamlined look, often considered the better "all-rounder" for those who prefer a less aggressive silhouette. Both shoes feature ABZORB cushioning, but their execution differs.
The New Balance 9060, by contrast, is a more conceptual and experimental design. It is noticeably chunkier and has a significantly taller profile. In terms of pure comfort, many wearers find the 9060 to be superior, describing it as "about three times more comfortable" due to the dramatic use of the dual-density ABZORB and SBS midsole. The 2002R offers a wider toe box, while the 9060 is tighter around the toe.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to aesthetic preference. The 2002R is for those who want a classic, subtle New Balance look, while the 9060—especially the JD exclusive colorways—is for those who want a bold, statement-making shoe that embraces the maximalist, technical aesthetic of the new era.
Detail Author:
- Name : Loma Jakubowski
- Username : hermann.ellis
- Email : erna40@huel.com
- Birthdate : 1981-09-25
- Address : 75747 Sipes Wall Suite 280 Rossiestad, MO 13357
- Phone : (737) 971-2382
- Company : Johns and Sons
- Job : Fish Hatchery Manager
- Bio : Qui autem voluptatibus repellendus nemo aut. Quos rerum aut iusto id. Illo harum debitis qui ut. Tempore expedita quam molestiae vel.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@bradly9025
- username : bradly9025
- bio : Eos explicabo repudiandae reiciendis fugit iste aut.
- followers : 3552
- following : 339
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/bjones
- username : bjones
- bio : Illum debitis repellat architecto quam quos.
- followers : 1982
- following : 2412
