While the brand’s retro sneaker output remains a key piece of its business, New Balance has found great success in recent years with new lifestyle models such as the low-profile 204L and the futuristic Abzorb 2000. But the Boston-based sportswear company’s biggest achievement when it comes to new designs may be the 9060, a chunky, retrofuture-inspired model that was brought to market in 2022 and has shown impressive staying power. It’s proved popular that New Balance is giving it a brand new form for the warmer weather on the horizon.

New Balance e-commerce images show a new 9060 Mule which brings a strappy sandal feel to the popular sneaker. The shoe’s combination of Abzorb and Abzorb SBS midsole cushioning remains unchanged, as does the overall silhouette of the upper. 

At the heel, the model goes backless, introducing a new adjustable strap to keep the wearer’s foot in place. The model’s standard flat shoelaces have been replaced with a quick-lace toggle setup, and New Balance was even mindful of the materials for this updated model. Each style previewed thus far is built with a ventilated mesh with synthetic fused overlays, changes intended to keep the shoe both breathable and lightweight. Even the shoe’s tongue has been stripped down, resulting in a sleeker overall profile for the typically chunky 9060.

The New Balance 9060 debuted in 2022 through Joe Freshgoods’ two-sneaker “Inside Voices” collaboration. A product of New Balance designers James Lee and Yue Wu, the model has become one of the brand’s most popular everyday lifestyle shoes. Aside from the upcoming mule variation, New Balance has issued the 9060 in several forms including the TPU-adorned 9060 X.

Readers can expect this New Balance 9060 Mule to be released this summer for a retail price of $150.