New Balance Abzorb 1890: Retro-Tech Sneaker with Futuristic Design

The Boston-based brand blends old-school vibes with modern innovation in its latest lifestyle footwear release.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:20pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single New Balance Abzorb 1890 sneaker repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the futuristic lifestyle shoe into a modern pop art piece.New Balance's bold Abzorb 1890 sneaker blends retro style and cutting-edge cushioning technology, capturing the brand's vision for the future of lifestyle footwear.Boston Today

New Balance has unveiled the Abzorb 1890, a bold new sneaker that merges retro design cues with cutting-edge cushioning technology. Inspired by the brand's iconic 890v3 running shoe from the 2000s, the Abzorb 1890 features a synthetic wave cutout pattern, reflective welded 'tear drop' accents, and a midsole cushioning system first seen in the 2010 2002 model. The result is a lifestyle shoe that aims to balance modern appeal with authentic heritage.

Why it matters

The Abzorb 1890 represents New Balance's effort to innovate within the lifestyle footwear space, blending nostalgia for the brand's past with forward-thinking design and technology. As sneaker enthusiasts continue to demand more from their everyday shoes, this release could redefine what's possible in the category.

The details

The Abzorb 1890 takes inspiration from the 2013 890v3 running shoe, incorporating a synthetic wave cutout pattern and new reflective welded 'tear drop' accents. But the real innovation lies in the midsole, which features the cushioning system first seen in the 2010 2002 running shoe - a first since its original release. According to lead footwear designer James Lee, the challenge was 'refining and improving without losing the soul of the original'.

  • The New Balance Abzorb 1890 will drop on March 12, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET.
  • The sneaker was first teased through a two-style collaboration with rapper Action Bronson in 2025.

The players

New Balance

A Boston-based athletic footwear and apparel company known for its focus on quality, craftsmanship, and innovative design.

James Lee

The lead footwear designer at New Balance who oversaw the development of the Abzorb 1890, drawing inspiration from his personal connection to the 890v3 model.

Action Bronson

The American rapper who collaborated with New Balance on a two-style preview of the Abzorb 1890 ahead of its mainstream release.

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What they’re saying

“For projects like this, the challenge is refining and improving without losing the soul of the original. It's about balancing modern appeal with authenticity.”

— James Lee, Lead Footwear Designer, New Balance

What’s next

The New Balance Abzorb 1890 will debut in the Faded Black/Utility Green colorway (style code U189071H) on March 12, 2026 for $180. Additional colorways and hybrid models like the 1890A moccasin are expected to follow.

The takeaway

The New Balance Abzorb 1890 represents the brand's ability to innovate within the lifestyle footwear space, blending nostalgia for its past with forward-thinking design and technology. As consumers continue to demand more from their everyday shoes, this release could redefine what's possible in the category and set a new standard for retro-inspired, tech-forward sneakers.