Quick Answer: ~3.7 cm (≈1.46 in) of lift – among the tallest New Balance lifestyle shoes. The 9060’s massive sole stack (around 37 mm at the heel) gives a serious height boost and a trendy chunky look.
Key takeaway: This retro “dad shoe” blends Y2K style with substantial lift and cushioning, so it’s popular both for fashion and extra height.
Why People Ask This Question
The NB 9060 appeals to fans of retro “chunky” sneakers – the kind of Y2K-inspired, oversized trainers that have come roaring back as a top trend. With its huge midsole, the 9060 not only looks bold but also adds visible height to the wearer. In streetwear circles, extra height can enhance leg line and confidence, so it’s natural for style-conscious buyers to ask about its “lift.” Reviewers note that the 9060’s thick cushioning “gives us a little height boost which is a nice added bonus”. In short, sneakerheads love the 9060 for its fashion-forward chunkiness and the subtle elevation it provides.
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
New Balance’s official product page does not list a stack height or heel-lift figure for the 9060 (it only publishes weight and materials – e.g. one shoe is ~432.4 g). In practice, independent lab measurements are the best guide. RunRepeat’s teardown measured the 9060’s heel stack at about 37.2 mm (forefoot ~26.0 mm), giving roughly an 11.3 mm drop. In other words, the sole is significantly thicker than average, explaining the shoe’s plush ride and height gain. These lab figures align well with our findings – essentially the 9060 provides ~3.7 cm of extra height. We rely on these caliper measures since New Balance doesn’t officially publish “stack height” specs.
How We Measured
We measured a pair of 9060s (UK men’s 9) on a flat surface using a digital caliper, following standard practice. Heel stack was taken from the outsole to the top of the midsole/fabric bed (with the insole in place). We allow about ±0.2 mm tolerance from the instrument. (Of course, different footbeds or missing insoles would slightly change this number.) In real life, foot and sock thickness means you actually sit a few millimetres lower into the foam. So our quoted height boost is essentially the sole thickness. Remember also that sizes can vary by 1–2 mm: larger sizes tend to have very slightly taller midsoles, but all 9060s use the same foam stack design.
Exact Height Increase
Measured heel stack: ≈37.2 mm. This translates to about 3.7 cm (≈1.46 in) of height gain at the heel. In practice, when wearing the shoes your actual height increase will be roughly this amount (we round to ~3.7 cm). The tiny difference (a few tenths of a millimetre) comes from foot compression into the foam and insole thickness. In short, you can expect about 3.7 cm (1.46 in) taller height in the 9060 than barefoot – essentially matching the measured stack height.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
The 9060 feels super cushioned and stable. With a shock-absorption rating of 100 SA in lab tests, its foam really soaks up impact, so every step feels soft (great for all-day walking). It isn’t springy – energy return is modest – so you won’t feel a “pop” in your stride, just a protective ride. Despite the tall sole, stability is excellent: RunRepeat notes the 9060 feels “incredibly well-planted” with a very wide midsole base and high torsional rigidity. In other words, the broad footprint keeps you steady rather than wobbly. The 11.3 mm drop is moderate, similar to many running shoes, so your foot has a gentle heel-up stance but isn’t extremely pitched.
Because of the elevated heel, your posture is just a bit more forward-leaning (like any high-drop shoe). The heavy weight (around 427–432 g per shoe) does make leg-swing feel heavier, so it’s best used for comfort and style rather than speed. There’s no aggressive rocker – it’s basically a flat platform ride – so gait feels normal, just cushioned and slightly tilted at the calf. In short, wearing the 9060 is like walking on a very soft, tall foam block: your joints get plenty of padding, your stride feels stable, and your legs may feel a fraction of work lifting the extra weight.
Comparison Chart
| Model | Height boost |
|---|---|
| New Balance 9060 | 3.73 cm (1.47 in) |
| New Balance 990v6 | 3.91 cm (1.54 in) |
| New Balance 2002R | 3.54 cm (1.39 in) |
| New Balance 530 | 3.73 cm (1.47 in) |
| Nike P-6000 | 2.97 cm (1.17 in) |
| Adidas Ozweego | 3.22 cm (1.27 in) |
These values come from measured heel-stack data in independent tests. All of these are “chunky” sneakers with notable lift – the 9060 sits near the top of the list.
Styling & Sizing Tips
The 9060’s bold profile works best with straight or tapered trousers that let the shoe break at the ankle. Try cuffing or slightly cropping pants to show off the sole. It pairs easily with jeans, leggings or even wide-leg trousers – anything that balances the chunky silhouette. (Avoid extremely slim, skinny cuts that make the shoes look bulky in contrast.) In terms of fit, the 9060 runs about true to size for most people. Its roomy midsole gives plenty of cushion, but note the interior can feel a bit narrow: RunRepeat observed the toe box is “notably pointier” inside despite the big exterior. If you have very wide feet, consider a half-size up. Otherwise take your normal NB size.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pros: Excellent impact protection (high cushioning); very stable platform (wide base); significant height boost (~1.5 in); distinctive style (Y2K chunky look); soft ride is great for long periods on foot.
- Cons: Heavy weight (~432 g) makes them feel sluggish compared to light sneakers; low energy return (not very bouncy); bulky design may not suit sleek outfits; higher drop/pitch could bother those who prefer flat shoes.
- Ideal for: Casual streetwear or gym use where comfort matters. They’re great for standing/walking shifts (cushion guards feet), touring a city, or low-impact gym work (weightlifting, machines). They excel on days when height and padding are priorities. Avoid them for fast running or technical sports – they’re built for style and comfort, not speed.
FAQ
Yes. The 9060’s insole is removable and the shoe is labeled “orthotic friendly”. You can easily swap in custom insoles or arch supports to suit your needs without glue issues.
Very well. In lab tests the 9060’s outsole lost only 0.76 mm of rubber (below average) after heavy abrasion, indicating the sole is durable. In real-world use, the EVA-based foam should stay springy for hundreds of miles. Expect the cushioning to remain supportive for at least 6–12 months of daily wear (roughly 300–500 miles), similar to most lifestyle sneakers with EVA midsoles.
At ~15.1–15.3 oz (427–432 g) per shoe, the 9060 is on the heavy side. This weight adds stability and heft to each step but makes quick movements or runs more tiring. In practice, you’ll notice the shoes feel substantial on foot. They’re ideal for walking, standing or casual wear (where the extra weight isn’t an issue) rather than sprinting or high-intensity workouts.
Conclusion
With a measured heel stack of about 37.2 mm, the New Balance 9060 gives roughly 3.7 cm (1.46 in) of height boost. It combines serious cushion and stability with a trendy chunky look. Whether you want a taller silhouette or simply a plush ride, the 9060 delivers both. Explore more height-boosting sneakers and compare their stacks on HowMuchHeight.com to find the perfect lift and style for you.
