Brown is a tricky color for a sneaker. Too light and it looks washed out; too red and it starts veering into the seventies. This 9060 in “Rich Oak” sits exactly in between, at least to my eye, which is why I kept looking at it longer than I expected to.
What stands out to me
The first thing is the texture. The brown upper is made from rough, long-pile suède with a visible grain, giving the surface an almost woolly appearance up close. It adds a depth that smooth leather simply wouldn’t have. In the light, the color shifts from dark coffee brown to something a little warmer.
Over that are panels in a light crème-taupe: the N on the side, a curved panel on the forefoot, and a section around the heel. That lighter shade takes away some of the visual weight. Without those panels, this would be a very dark shoe.
The sole is the complete opposite: a thick, layered off-white midsole with the wavy shapes associated with this model, sitting above a brown outsole. That combination of a dark upper and a light sole is what keeps the shoe visually balanced.
Would I wear it myself?
Yes, especially in fall. Brown and crème work with the colors you’re already likely to be wearing then: denim, olive, camel, off-white, and dark green. Where I’d be less inclined to wear it is with bright or cool tones: vivid blue or gray with a cool undertone clashes with the warm brown.
The sole is substantial, so this isn’t a shoe that disappears beneath slim trousers. It works best with a straight or slightly wider leg, allowing the shoe to be what it is without throwing off the proportions.
Practical considerations
Rough suède is more sensitive to water than smooth leather, and the nap will flatten in the areas where the shoe creases. That isn’t a flaw; it’s part of the material. It does mean, however, that this pair will look different in a year than it does now. If that’s not what you want, you’re better off looking for a smooth version.
The crème-colored sole is the other point to keep in mind. It will gradually yellow, especially with such a light color scheme. Other versions of this model can be found on the 9060 page, with the wider selection on the New Balance brand page.
One more detail caught my eye: the laces are crème rather than brown. It may seem minor, but it’s exactly what connects the upper part of the shoe to the sole. If they were brown, you’d have a dark block on a light base. As it is, the lighter shade flows from top to bottom, making the whole shoe look less top-heavy.
Final thoughts
What I like about this shoe is that it isn’t trying to prove anything. No attention-grabbing logo, no contrast color—just a well-chosen brown with enough texture to keep things interesting.
It’s available from seven retailers, priced between 133 and 205 euros. That’s a relatively narrow range, which means you won’t have to search for long. Compare them side by side and go for the cheapest option in your size.