How much do New Balance 9060 boost height?

≈3.7 cm (1.5 inches) — The New Balance 9060’s chunky platform sole gives a noticeable height boost along with plush, stable cushioning for all-day comfort.

Why People Ask This Question

The New Balance 9060’s bold, oversized midsole naturally sparks curiosity about the height it adds. The 9060 is a lifestyle sneaker with a very chunky sole, part of New Balance’s retro-inspired 99X series reimagined for the Y2K aesthetic. Sneaker fans often wonder exactly how much taller such a thick-soled shoe can make them. This model appeals to people who love the “dad shoe” look and also those who wouldn’t mind a little extra stature. With the 9060’s popularity rising (and often selling out), many are simply curious if its visibly high platform is just for style or if it meaningfully boosts your height when worn. In short, the question comes up because the NB 9060 looks like it could add a significant lift – and in a world of fashion sneakers and height-conscious buyers, that’s information everyone wants to know.

Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement

Official specs: New Balance doesn’t explicitly publish the 9060’s stack height (sole thickness). The brand instead highlights the shoe’s tech: a dual-density midsole with ABZORB and SBS cushioning for impact absorption. In other words, NB promises a chunky, cushioned ride, but they don’t state exact numbers for how tall the sole is. (For context, many performance running shoes list stack height and drop, but lifestyle models like the 9060 typically do not.) However, the 9060 is clearly built on an exaggerated platform sole inspired by the NB 990 lineage – so one expects it to be tall.

Real-world measurements: Independent lab data and our own measurements fill in the blanks. The 9060’s heel stack is about 37.2 mm thick, with roughly 26 mm at the forefoot, yielding an ~11 mm heel-to-toe drop. In plain terms, the sole is much thicker than a regular sneaker’s (average casual sneakers are ~30 mm at the heel). That means on paper the 9060 should add around 3.7 cm of height. Notably, some sneakerheads on forums eyeballed the 9060 and guessed it might add nearly 2 inches (≈5 cm), but precise measurements show the boost is a bit more modest than that. The key takeaway: the NB 9060 does have a massive stack underfoot, but the actual height it adds for the wearer is about 1.5 inches – as we’ll detail below.

How We Measured

To find out exactly how much height the 9060 adds, we took a hands-on approach. Using a precision digital caliper, we measured the sole thickness at the center of the heel on a UK size 9 (EU 43) pair. We chose the heel’s midpoint because it’s usually the tallest part of the shoe’s outsole/insole stack and thus determines the overall height gain. Our calipers are accurate to ±0.2 mm, so we could gauge the thickness very reliably. We also double-checked at the forefoot and noted the difference (which corresponds to the shoe’s drop). Importantly, shoe size has minimal effect on the height increase – larger or smaller sizes might differ by only a couple of millimetres at most. So a person with, say, a size UK 7 or 11 can expect virtually the same added height as our UK 9 sample, within ±2 mm. We also ensure the shoe is brand new (uncompressed) and not worn while measuring, to capture the full outsole + midsole stack height. In summary, our method is akin to measuring the 9060’s platform in a lab setting, which lets us answer the height question with confidence.

Exact Height Increase

The New Balance 9060 will make you approximately 3.7 cm taller, which is about 1.5 inches of added height. This figure comes from our direct measurement of the shoe’s sole. The heel stack was ~37 mm, and when you stand in the shoe, effectively that’s the lift you get (minus a tiny bit of compression). In practice, you can expect roughly a 3.5–3.7 cm boost to your standing height when wearing the 9060. This aligns closely with the lab-calculated stack height of 37.3 mm for the heel. The reason we quote one overall number (3.7 cm) is that your entire body is elevated by the thick midsole/outsole under your heel. While the forefoot is a bit lower, your ankles and posture adjust to the 11 mm drop, so the net effect is that you stand ~3.7 cm taller than barefoot.

It’s worth noting this is slightly lower than what a casual glance might suggest. The shoe’s chunky design includes some visual bulk and outsole flare that doesn’t translate to additional height for the wearer (for example, the sides of the midsole are large and protruding, but your foot sits within that). So, the published stack height (if NB were to list it) and the actual height boost are essentially the same here, around 3.7 cm. In other words, the 9060’s big sole isn’t just for show – you genuinely get on the order of one and a half inches of extra height, which is a significant lift among sneakers.

On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes

Stepping into the NB 9060 doesn’t feel like wearing high heels or a platform shoe in an unstable way – in fact, it’s surprisingly planted and stable for something that adds so much height. New Balance achieved this by designing a very wide base. The outsole and midsole flare out significantly, especially at the heel. Our measurements found the 9060’s heel base is over 103 mm wide, versus about 84 mm for an average sneaker. That broad footprint means excellent stability – you’re elevated, but you won’t easily wobble on your heels. The shoe also has a secure heel counter and “sway bar” support elements borrowed from the 990 series, which further help keep your gait steady. So even though you’re taller, you can walk normally without feeling top-heavy.

In terms of ride, the 9060 is all about soft, cushioned comfort rather than springy energy return. The thick ABZORB midsole soaks up impact on each step (lab tests gave it a high shock absorption score), which spares your joints and makes walking or standing for long periods a pleasure. However, you won’t get a trampoline-like bounce – the energy return of this foam is slightly below average. That translates to a smooth, easy stride with a plush underfoot feel, but a somewhat muted “pop” off the ground. Many wearers actually prefer this, describing the sensation as “walking on clouds” rather than feeling any pep or snap in the step. The 11.3 mm drop (heel higher than forefoot) is pretty standard, so it doesn’t markedly alter your posture – if anything, it promotes a gentle forward roll as you walk, similar to classic running shoes.

One thing you might notice is the weight. The 9060 is heavier than typical runners or casual sneakers (about 427 g per shoe in men’s UK 9). That heft, combined with the thick cushioning, gives a very solid, grounded feel – great for stability, though it might encourage a slightly slower, relaxed pace. During normal walking, the weight isn’t troublesome, but if you try to sprint or do quick agility movements, the shoe can feel a bit clunky. Overall, for everyday strides, the added height doesn’t come with any awkward gait changes. You simply feel higher off the ground, well-cushioned, and firmly supported. Many users comment that the 9060 is one of the most comfortable sneakers they’ve worn for long standing sessions or casual walks, precisely because of this balance of height and support.

Comparison Chart

Here’s how the New Balance 9060’s height boost stacks up against some other popular chunky sneakers:

Notes: The NB 990v6 is another recent “dad shoe” with an even thicker sole (it introduced a FuelCell midsole, hitting about 39 mm at the heel). Classic Nike Air Force 1s have always been known to add around an inch and a half of height, comparable to the 9060. The Nike Air Max models above use large Air units: the Air Max 90 and newer 270 both elevate the heel roughly 36 mm off the ground. And the Fila Disruptor 2, a famously chunky 90s-style sneaker, tops the chart here with about 4 cm of height gain – slightly more than the 9060 – as measured by independent tests. All these shoes fall into the “height boosting sneaker” category, and the NB 9060 holds its own among the tallest of them.

Styling & Sizing Tips

Styling the New Balance 9060 is half the fun – this shoe makes a bold statement, so you’ll want to balance your outfit accordingly. Most wearers find the 9060 pairs best with casual streetwear and looser-fitting pants. Think baggy or relaxed-fit jeans, cargo pants, or sweats that can drape over the chunky soles (the shoe was practically made to be worn with baggy pants). The Y2K and “dad shoe” vibe means you can lean into that aesthetic: try them with oversized joggers or wide-leg trousers. One user noted their 9060s are “the most comfortable shoes I own” and that “They pair great with sweatpants.” For a sporty look, you can also rock them with shorts or track pants – the big midsole and wavy design will stand out and add an edgy touch to a simple shorts-and-tee outfit. Generally, you might avoid very slim or tapered pants with these; if you do wear skinny jeans, consider cuffing or cropping them above the ankle to let the 9060’s silhouette shine without the pant leg bunching on the bulky shoe. In terms of color coordination, the 9060 often comes in neutral or earthy tones, which are easy to match. They tend to work well as the statement piece of an outfit, so even a basic monochrome outfit will be lifted (literally and style-wise) by the presence of these kicks.

For sizing, the 9060 fits true to size (TTS) for the vast majority of people. Our measurements and NB’s own data confirm that it runs very much standard in length. That means if you normally wear, say, a UK 9 in other New Balance or Nike sneakers, you should also get a UK 9 in the 9060. There’s no need to size up or down. The width is also standard (NB offers the 9060 in one regular width, and it fits “average” feet well). The toebox has decent volume and the mesh/suede upper gives a bit of flexibility, so most people – even those with slightly wide feet – find the shoe comfortable in their normal size. Of course, if you have extremely wide feet, you might wish these came in 2E/4E widths, but the platform design inherently has a broad base, so you might be surprised by the roominess. In short: stick with your typical sneaker size. And wear some cushy socks for an even nicer feel, since the shoe’s interior is well-padded (the tongue is very plush) – it laces down nicely without pressure points. Once you have the right size, you can expect a snug but not tight fit, true to New Balance form.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases

• Pros: Exceptionally cushioned ride (thick ABZORB foam absorbs impact); noticeable height boost (~3.7 cm) without instability; wide, supportive sole that keeps you balanced; premium materials (pigskin suede overlays and solid build); trendy retro-futuristic design that stands out.
• Cons: Quite heavy (about 427 g per shoe) – you feel the weight during long walks; very bulky look might not suit everyone’s taste; not very breathable in hot weather (lots of suede and padding); relatively high price for a non-made-in-USA NB sneaker.
• Ideal use: Casual everyday wear, especially if you’re on your feet a lot or want a comfy shoe for walking and standing. Great for travel days and city exploring (the comfort and support reduce fatigue). The 9060’s stable platform even makes it good for light gym use – some wearers report it’s perfect for weightlifting since the wide base is as sturdy as a lifting shoe. It’s a stylish choice for streetwear outfits, so it’s ideal for those who want their footwear to be a fashion statement. Not intended for running or fast sports, but fantastic as a lifestyle sneaker that adds a bit of height and a lot of comfort.

FAQ

Q: Can I use orthotic insoles with the New Balance 9060?
A: Yes. The 9060 comes with a removable insole that isn’t glued in, so you can easily swap it out for custom orthotics. In fact, the shoe is marked “orthotic friendly” by independent reviewers. The insole is about 3.6 mm thick – slightly thinner than average – which means there’s decent space inside for an insert. With the factory insole removed, most standard orthotics or medical insoles should fit without issue. The shoe’s broad midsole and stable platform also complement orthotics well, keeping your foot supported. So if you need arch support or use custom inserts, the NB 9060 will accommodate them comfortably.

Q: Will the cushioning in the 9060 flatten out or lose height over time?
A: Not quickly. New Balance’s ABZORB cushioning is known for its durability and compression resistance – it’s engineered to withstand repeated impact without rapidly packing down. The foam’s mix of rubber and EVA keeps it from getting squishy or bottoming out too soon. In the 9060, there are also SBS elastomer units that help the midsole retain its structure. In real-world use, people report that the shoe holds up very well: even after months of wear, the midsole feels just as supportive and the shoes “still look fresh” with no major sagging. Of course, any sneaker will eventually soften with heavy use, and you might lose a couple millimetres of height after a year or two as the foam molds to your foot. But you’re not likely to notice any significant height loss or cushioning breakdown for a long time. In short, the 9060’s height boost and shock absorption should remain consistent over many miles of walking.

Q: Is the New Balance 9060 a heavy shoe, and does that matter?
A: It is heavier than most running shoes, yes. A single NB 9060 weighs around 425–430 grams (15 oz) in a men’s US 9 / UK 8.5. That’s roughly 20–30% heavier than a typical lightweight trainer. You can attribute the weight to the thick rubber outsole, the bulky dual-density midsole, and the suede/mesh upper (suede isn’t as light as modern knit). On foot, you will feel that heft a bit – the shoe feels substantial and solid. For everyday casual wear, this isn’t a problem at all; in fact, some wearers like that the weight makes the shoe feel high-quality and stable. When just walking around or standing, the weight is distributed and the comfort of the cushioning kind of outweighs (no pun intended) any concern. However, if you’re used to ultra-light sneakers, you’ll notice the difference if you try to do quick movements. The 9060 isn’t meant for running or swift agility, so in that context the weight is a “penalty.” But for its intended use (stylish daily sneaker), the extra weight is usually a non-issue. If anything, it contributes to that “planted” feel – you feel securely in contact with the ground. To sum up: yes, it’s on the heavier side, but it wears like a comfy chunky sneaker, not a brick. Just don’t expect a featherlight feel.

Conclusion

The New Balance 9060 manages to deliver on its promise: it’s a fashion-forward chunky sneaker that adds about 3.7 cm of height and keeps you comfortable doing so. Despite the towering sole, it remains stable and easy to wear, offering a cushioned ride that many find addictively comfy. In a market full of platform-style sneakers, the 9060 stands out by combining that extra height boost with true all-day support and a unique aesthetic flair.

In summary, if you love the idea of a sneaker that makes you a bit taller, feels like pillows under your feet, and turns heads with retro-modern style, the NB 9060 is a fantastic choice. It has a few minor downsides (weight and bulk), but those are trade-offs many are happy to accept for the benefits it brings. Ready to explore more shoes that can subtly enhance your height? Check out other model breakdowns on HowMuchHeight.com – we cover everything from classic Air Maxes to the latest chunky soles, so you can find the perfect pair to elevate your look (literally!).