2025 is a big year for the athletic footwear industry. Today’s fitness enthusiasts want more than just a cool looking sneaker; they need something that supports their workouts, adapts to daily wear and still looks good outside the gym. With the rise of hybrid lifestyles and multi-functional fitness routines, sneakers are expected to deliver both performance and style.
Enter the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt. With its sleek design and performance features this sneaker has caught the attention of gym-goers, cross-trainers and casual runners alike. But does it live up to the hype?
In this in-depth review we find out if the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt is truly the best sneaker for fitness enthusiasts in 2025.
First Impression of the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt
Ever wondered why it’s called “Sea Salt”? The name refers to the sneaker’s colourway—soft off-whites, sandy beige tones and subtle greys. These muted, natural hues resemble the grainy texture and mineral tones of real sea salt crystals. It’s not just a name—it’s a design concept that means calm, minimalism and clean aesthetics.
The 9060 Sea Salt delivers an eye-catching blend of vintage New Balance with a modern, chunky silhouette. The minimalist “Sea Salt” colourway—a soft mix of off-white, cream and beige tones—adds a premium feel while still being workout practical.
Unboxing and the materials stand out: layered suede overlays, breathable mesh upper and thick sculpted midsole mean durability and comfort. The sneaker looks good on a gym floor as much as it does on a coffee run.
Fit, Comfort & Support: What Athletes Really Need
Comfort and support are where the 9060 Sea Salt starts to justify its price tag. Fitness enthusiasts often struggle with common footwear issues like:
- Insufficient arch support
- Heel slippage
- Pressure points during HIIT or lifting
Luckily the 9060 addresses these pain points with:
- ABZORB and SBS cushioning: Dual-density foam underfoot that absorbs impact during jumps and sprints.
- Padded heel and tongue: Prevents rubbing and slippage, especially useful during weightlifting.
- Stable midfoot support: Offers control during lateral movement like lunges or agility drills.
Multiple testers, including amateur athletes and gym instructors, reported being able to wear them for 4–5 hours straight with no fatigue or blistering.
Performance Review: Gym, HIIT, and Outdoor Runs
The New Balance 9060 Sea Salt isn’t just a looker—it performs. Here’s how it fared across different fitness environments:
Gym Workouts:
- Weight Training: Wide sole and supportive midsole for excellent ground contact and stability, great for squats and deadlifts.
- HIIT: Shock absorption and flexibility. Some users noted slight bulkiness during box jumps but loved overall grip.
Running:
- Treadmill: Smooth heel-to-toe transition; great for short bursts or warm-up runs.
- Outdoor Runs: Performs best in urban settings and short distances (2–5K), thanks to plush yet responsive cushioning.
Compared to traditional gym shoes like the Nike Metcon 9 or Reebok Nano, the 9060 is more comfortable for extended periods.
Durability & Build Quality: Can It Handle Daily Wear?
Durability is another win for the 9060 Sea Salt. After 30 days of daily use, most users reported minimal wear:
- Suede retained texture and color
- Mesh resisted stretching and tears
- Outsole grip held up against indoor and asphalt surfaces
Moisture-wicking liners kept interiors dry even during sweaty sessions. Stitching and glue seams remained intact, a known weak point in lower-end models.
Reddit users reported averaging 300–400 miles before seeing significant sole degradation—good longevity for a hybrid sneaker.
Style & Versatility: Streetwear Meets Performance
Let’s face it: style matters.
The 9060 Sea Salt shines in its ability to double as a fashion-forward streetwear piece. Its neutral colorway pairs effortlessly with joggers, shorts, or jeans. This versatility is ideal for:
- Fitness professionals who transition from training to errands
- Students or young professionals who value fashion with function
Gen Z and millennial wearers particularly love how the 9060 doesn’t scream “gym-only”—it blends in with modern sneaker trends while standing out for its utility.
Sizing, Availability & Price Point in 2025
The 9060 Sea Salt generally fits true to size, though those with wider feet may benefit from a half-size up. It’s available through:
- NewBalance.com
- Foot Locker USA
- Finish Line and Amazon
Price: $149–$169 depending on retailer. While on the higher end, it’s competitive with premium fitness shoes and offers more aesthetic appeal.
How It Compares: New Balance 9060 Sea Salt vs. Other 2025 Fitness Sneakers
| Feature | NB 9060 Sea Salt | Nike Metcon 9 | Adidas Ultraboost 23 |
| Cushioning | High | Moderate | Very High |
| Weight | Mid-light | Light | Mid-heavy |
| Stability | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Aesthetic | Streetwear-ready | Gym-specific | Running-focused |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$$ |
The NB 9060 excels in hybrid lifestyle + training, whereas Metcons are more gym-focused, and Ultraboosts shine in long-distance running.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt?
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort for all-day wear
- Versatile design for gym and casual outings
- Great support for moderate fitness routines
Cons:
- Slightly bulky for plyometric training
- Premium price may deter budget shoppers
Ideal For:
- Gym lovers who mix strength training and cardio
- Lifestyle users who want a dual-purpose sneaker
Not Ideal For:
- Marathon runners or trail athletes needing specialized traction
Verdict: The NB 9060 Sea Salt earns its place as one of the most balanced and stylish fitness sneakers of 2025.
FAQs
Q1: Is the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt good for running?
It’s suitable for short to mid-distance runs, but not ideal for long-distance or trail running.
Q2: Are they suitable for wide feet?
Most users find them roomy, but wide-footers may want to size up by half.
Q3: How does the NB 9060 compare to the 550 or 327 models?
The 9060 offers more cushioning and fitness-focused features than the 550 or 327, which lean more toward fashion.
Q4: Do they require a break-in period?
Minimal break-in time; most users feel comfortable within the first few wears.
Q5: Where can I buy New Balance 9060 Sea Salt in the USA?
You can find them at NewBalance.com, Foot Locker, Finish Line, or Amazon.
Q6: Do New Balance 9060 Run Big?
The 9060 generally runs true to size. However, some wearers with narrow feet mention a slightly roomier fit. If you have particularly wide or narrow feet, it may be helpful to try on both your standard size and a half size up. For high-performance athletes doing high-intensity workouts, a snug fit is often preferable for added control.
Q7: How to Clean New Balance 9060 Sneakers Safely?
To clean the 9060 Sea Salt:
- Remove laces and insoles
- Use a soft-bristle brush or cloth with mild soap and cold water to clean the mesh and suede areas
- Dab gently and avoid soaking
Air dry in a shaded, ventilated area
Avoid machine washing, as it can damage the suede and affect the midsole’s structure.
The Hype Factor: Why Everyone’s Talking About the 9060 Sea Salt
The buzz around the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s one of the most talked-about releases among both sneakerheads and fitness communities in 2025. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit have exploded with posts featuring the sneaker’s unique look and versatile use cases.
- TikTok views on #NB9060 surpassed 12 million in the first quarter of 2025
- Featured in Men’s Health, GQ, and Runner’s World as one of the top “gym-to-street” sneakers
- Frequented in “Top 10 Sneakers of the Year” roundups by influencers and review blogs
Why the hype? Simple: the 9060 Sea Salt bridges the gap between fashion-forward design and practical performance. The Sea Salt colorway in particular has been favored by minimalist sneaker fans who want clean tones that work with multiple outfits.
Celebrity trainers and fitness influencers have added to the hype by showcasing them in workout videos and sneaker hauls, driving even more interest across the U.S. activewear market.
Where to Buy New Balance 9060 Sea Salt in the USA
If you’re ready to lace up a pair of New Balance 9060 Sea Salt sneakers, here are the most reliable retailers in the U.S.:
- NewBalance.com – Official site, best for full size range and brand promotions
- Foot Locker USA – Widely stocked in physical stores and online
- Finish Line – Popular choice with frequent sales
- Amazon – Offers customer reviews and quick shipping but watch for third-party sellers
- StockX or GOAT – For rare sizes or discontinued colorways (verify authenticity)
Always check size availability and return policies, especially if you’re trying them out for the first time.
Sustainability & Materials: Is the 9060 Sea Salt Eco-Friendly?
For readers of The Environmental Blog, sustainability is just as important as performance. While the New Balance 9060 Sea Salt is primarily marketed for comfort and style, it’s worth examining the ecological impact of its materials and production.
New Balance has taken steps in recent years to reduce its environmental footprint, with the Green Leaf Standard applied to some of its footwear lines. However, the 9060 model—including the Sea Salt colorway—does not fully meet these criteria.
Material Analysis:
- Uppers: Suede and synthetic mesh—neither are recycled in this model
- Midsole and Outsole: Standard foam and rubber, not from bio-based sources
- Packaging: Ships in recyclable cardboard, but plastic wrapping is still used by some retailers
While not a flagship sustainability product, New Balance has publicly committed to reaching 100% environmentally preferred leather and 50% recycled polyester usage by 2025 across its supply chain.
Room for improvement:
- Greater use of recycled and bio-based materials
- Expansion of Green Leaf Standard to the 9060 line
- Transparent disclosure of carbon footprint per model
If environmental impact is your top concern, consider pairing this sneaker with eco-friendly lifestyle choices—like washing with cold water, air drying, and donating used shoes through New Balance’s recycling initiatives.
Bonus: Expert & User Feedback
Fitness influencers like @fitwithmike and @strongsneakerhead have highlighted the 9060 Sea Salt in their top picks for 2025, praising its “style-to-support ratio.”
One Reddit user said: “It’s the first sneaker I’ve worn that doesn’t make me change shoes between workouts and lunch runs.”
Key Takeaway
Best For: Gym workouts, short runs, lifestyle wear
Not Ideal For: Marathoners, ultra-light sneaker fans
Comfort Rating: 9.2/10
Durability: 8.7/10
Style Factor: 10/10
Conclusion
The New Balance 9060 Sea Salt isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a fitness and fashion statement. Perfect for athletes who prioritize versatility, comfort, and design, this model rises above traditional training shoes. If you’re looking for a 2025 sneaker that transitions seamlessly from gym to everyday life, this might just be your best bet.
