The New Balance 9060 worn by François Arnaud is the sneaker every stylish man wants.
The New Balance 9060 is the talk of 2026, and not just in sneaker circles. Spotted on the feet of an actor considered one of Hollywood’s best-dressed men, this sneaker is generating a real buzz. But to understand why it deserves your attention, we need to go back to its origins.
A silhouette born of collaboration in 2022
The 9060 first appeared in 2022, launched as part of a collaboration with Joe Freshgoods. At first, fans of the Boston-based brand weren’t totally convinced. For years, the label’s appeal lay in its understated sneakers.
The 9060, on the other hand, was the opposite. It had a futuristic, slightly aggressive look, with a hint of the year 2000. Little by little, though, sneakerheads caught on. And once they understood it, they really understood it.
On paper, it’s inspired by the brand’s 99X series – those shoes your father probably wore to mow the lawn in the early 2000s. But then, it distorts everything. The midsole is oversized and seems almost undulating. The proportions are slightly off. The heel looks like it’s been inflated with a bicycle pump.
“You put them on, and your cut suddenly improves.”
Cushioning that changes everything
Underfoot, the 9060 features Abzorb and SBS cushioning. This means they’re also ridiculously comfortable to wear. In this way, the sneaker combines what few other models can: a singular look and everyday comfort.
What’s more, the colors available cover a wide spectrum. The ‘Thunder Brown’, ‘Linen’ and ‘Slate Grey’ versions are priced at €190 on the official website. The ‘Earth Shadow’ version, worn by François Arnaud during a walk in New York, was available for €165 on Farfetch, before being sold out on the brand’s website.
François Arnaud and effortless style
François Arnaud, star of Heated Rivalry, was recently spotted on the streets of New York wearing the 9060 “Earth Shadow”. His look? Simple double denim. No complex styling tricks, no forced trends.
This is precisely what makes the demonstration so convincing. It doesn’t try to follow trends. The basket does the work for it, and that’s the strength of this model.
Now this kind of stylistic ease is available to everyone. The 9060 goes with baggy pants, short shorts, sweaters, heavy coats and small jackets. In short, with absolutely everything you wear.
- The 9060 is inspired by the Boston-based brand’s 99X series, but with deliberately distorted proportions.
- The oversized midsole and Abzorb + SBS cushioning ensure instant comfort.
- The model was launched in 2022 via a collaboration with Joe Freshgoods.
- Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie and Naomi Campbell all wore the 9060.
- Several colors remain available at €190, including ‘Thunder Brown’, ‘Linen’ and ‘Slate Grey’.
Celebrity endorsements
In addition to François Arnaud, the 9060 has also been worn by Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie and Naomi Campbell. The sneaker has thus crossed the boundaries of streetwear to establish itself in mainstream fashion. And it’s no coincidence.
As a result, this model is now the benchmark for all those who want a versatile, recognizable sneaker. The validation of these very different profiles proves its ability to adapt to all styles.
Why the 9060 is the sneaker to have in 2026
The 9060 occupies a rare place in today’s sneaker landscape. It is at once bizarre and accessible, futuristic and everyday. What’s more, it requires no special effort to work with any outfit.
The colors still available – ‘Thunder Brown’, ‘Linen’ and ‘Slate Grey’ – remain an ideal entry point into the 9060 wave. Each of these models is offered directly by the brand, with no need to search resale platforms.
On the other hand, if you’re targeting the ‘Earth Shadow’ version worn by François Arnaud, you’ll need to keep an eye on the restocks. Demand is high, and stock rarely keeps pace. In a way, this also confirms the status of this New Balance: when a pair goes so fast, it really deserves to be on your feet.
