New Balance Turns Popular 9060 Sneaker Into Mule Sandal

The Boston-based brand is giving its chunky, retro-inspired 9060 model a summer-ready makeover.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Balance is transforming its popular 9060 lifestyle sneaker into a mule sandal for summer 2026. The new 9060 Mule features the same Abzorb and Abzorb SBS midsole cushioning as the original, but with a backless design and adjustable strap at the heel. The upper also uses more breathable and lightweight materials like ventilated mesh to keep the shoe airy for warm weather.

Why it matters

The 9060 has become one of New Balance's most successful new lifestyle models since its debut in 2022, so the brand is capitalizing on its popularity by adapting the silhouette for summer. This shows New Balance's ability to take a popular design and evolve it to meet seasonal demands, keeping the 9060 relevant year-round.

The details

The 9060 Mule features the same chunky, retrofuture-inspired aesthetic as the original sneaker, but with a few key changes. The backless design introduces an adjustable strap at the heel to keep the foot secure, while the standard flat shoelaces have been replaced with a quick-lace toggle setup. The upper also uses more breathable and lightweight materials like ventilated mesh with synthetic overlays to improve airflow and comfort for warmer weather.

  • The New Balance 9060 debuted in 2022 through a collaboration with designer Joe Freshgoods.
  • The 9060 Mule is expected to release this summer 2026.

The players

New Balance

A Boston-based sportswear company known for its retro-inspired lifestyle sneakers and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

James Lee

A New Balance designer who helped create the original 9060 sneaker.

Yue Wu

A New Balance designer who also contributed to the development of the 9060 sneaker.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Readers can expect the New Balance 9060 Mule to be released this summer 2026 for a retail price of $150.

The takeaway

By adapting its popular 9060 sneaker into a mule sandal for summer, New Balance is demonstrating its ability to evolve successful designs to meet changing seasonal demands and keep the model relevant year-round. This versatility helps the 9060 maintain its status as one of the brand's most popular new lifestyle shoes.