In a Month Full of Snake-Themed Sneakers, This New Balance 9060 Is One of the Best

New Balance has already dropped a five-sneaker collection for the “Year of the Snake,” but a forthcoming sneaker with no formal ties to the holiday screams, “Chinese New Year” more than any other.

The New Balance 9060 will soon get a new colorway that sees its grey suede overlays take on a snakeskin texture. The scales are depicted with different sizes depending on the panel, giving the upper a sort-of patchwork look. Grey mesh and black nubuck further the monochromatic treatment, as does the sole unit incoprorating additional shades of off-white.

New Balance debuted the 9060, which incorporates elements of the 990 series and 860v2, in 2019, and it’s since enjoyed a run as one of the brand’s top-selling models. Behind the design is the team of James Lee and Yue Wu, the latter of whom is also responsible for another hit in the 2002R “Refined Future,” aka “Protection Pack,” series.

The official “Year of the Snake” collection from New Balance is made up of the 1000, 740, 1906R and Wrpd Runner, the latter of which features in two colorways. All five sneakers make use of black, grey and/or white — but none carry design references as overt to this year’s Chinese Zodiac as snakeskin, despite the official marketing tie.

Elsewhere in the sneaker space, Jordan Brand is delivering an Air Jordan 11 Low and Air Jordan 1 Low with grey snakeskin detailing. An Air Jordan 5 also takes a less deliberate approach through a few iridescent panels, while Nike just released the Kobe 5 Protro “Year of Mamba” in “Eggplant” Thursday before another edition in red drops exclusively in China.

A release date hasn’t yet been set for the suede snakeskin New Balance 9060, but it’s likely to drop in the new future through New Balance’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $150.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.