Over the last decade, New Balance has vindictively taken control of the pen and started rewriting its own narrative. What was once known as a producer of “boring” shoes, they’ve hot-rodded their catalogue to blaze their own trail, sometimes even leaving skid marks of the Swoosh and the Three Stripes.

The century-old, Boston shoemaker has plenty to dig into from their cookie jar like the 2002R and 550, and yet they’re forward-thinking enough to be at the vanguard of modern sneaker trends. From revivals to new silhouettes, they’ve found a ‘new balance’ to pervade a market that once readily dismissed them.

Earlier this year, New Balance and Joe Freshgoods stepped into terra incognita together to introduce an all-new model in the form of the titular 9060. As the brainchild of the former, its pedigree can be traced back to the iconic 990, albeit this time reincarnated with a retrofuturistic design DNA.

By now many would be acquainted with the silhouette by way of the “Inside Voices” collaboration, and the recent “Mindful Grey” colorway. Soon enough, we’ll be introduced to the austere and stealthy “Black/Castlerock”.

The dark makeup consists of the same multi-material construction as its predecessors. A mesh base and tonal suede overlays forms the upper, taking inspiration from performance-running shoes of the past. The same principle is reapplied on the midsole, chiseled from the aggressive aesthetic of the 860v2.

With bold red flair, the New Balance branding on the tips of the tongue stands out from the surrounding area. This design decision is carried over to the diamond-shaped traction feature underneath the foot.

The 9060 “Black/Castlerock” is set for a 3rd September release on New Balance’s and Asphaltgold’s online store. They’re expected to go for US$150.

In other upcoming NB collabs, check out the 1906R as part of the rumoured “Cordura Pack”.