Premium, Classic and Modern: This Is the New Balance ABZORB 2010
are renowned for their 90s-era running silhouettes that have turned into lifestyle phenomena, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t innovating for the future at the same time. First revealed via a with , the fresh represents the collision of classic heritage and modern style and tech. Packed with the Boston brand’s trademark cushioning and featuring their signature sleek and layered aesthetics, the ABZORB 2010 is ready to carve out its place in the sneakersphere.
New Balance's Senior Creative Design Manager Sam Pearce said on the design, ‘Our intention was always to design something new, tell a different story, and not just add another bring back to the NB lineup. We felt there was an opportunity to follow classic models such as the 2002 and 1906 with something more progressive, retaining the same elevated materials and technical features but adding a modern sensibility.’
The new model is actually a homage to the iconic 900 and 1000 lines, bringing the series into the future while still remaining true to its heritage DNA. ‘The 2010 pulls the core proportions of the 990 lineage but actually takes most of its inspiration from the 1000 running series of the 00s,' says Pearce. 'Taking the complexity and layering of that hypertech running era, but refining it into a more elevated lifestyle aesthetic. The 2010 isn’t trying to be nostalgic, it’s more reflective. It looks back only so it can leap forward – with intent, clarity, and unmistakable NB DNA.’
While the ABZORB 2010 is a lifestyle model, it still has the essential tech specs to make it an all-day beater. With dual-density ABZORB cushioning in the heel, mid-foot Stability Web, and SBS gel pods, there’s no doubt the silhouette feels as good as it looks. Pearce stated that ‘every material choice was made with wearability in mind, from the durable nubuck/mesh upper to the shoes step in comfort.’
The design starts with a layered base, with standard mesh in forest green, topped with single stitches in khaki and then large diamond mesh in green. The effect is a premium look and feel that is bolstered by suede and leather overlays and a luxuriously soft sock liner. The debut colourway sees metallic silver hits on the tongue, toe and N logos add to the running DNA, while black laces and sculpted midsoles bring it altogether. Pearce adds, ‘We wanted the sole to feel more dynamic than other retro models in the market. The fluid lines and larger SBS pods offer a fresh take on our marquee technologies. The upper overlays aren't just sitting on top of the shoe either, they’re in dialogue with the midsole to echo the rhythm of the tooling, grounding the visual flow from top to bottom.’
The New Balance ABZORB 2010 is available on May 7 via the New Balance website and The Galeries store.