Plenty of sneakers get called chunky, but the New Balance 9060 does it with a shaped, layered sole that looks deliberate rather than clumsy. That matters when I style it, because the shoe carries real visual weight at the bottom of an outfit, and everything above it has to be proportioned around that. Below are 25 full outfits built on that idea, from leggings and a hoodie to a slip dress with a denim jacket. For each one I've noted what I check first and where the look usually goes wrong, so you can borrow the formula instead of copying the picture.
Check Your Trouser Hems Against That Thick Midsole
The 9060's midsole is thick, sculpted and flares out at the heel, so it changes how every hem sits. Before I build an outfit around it, I put the shoes on and stand in front of a full-length mirror in the exact trousers I'm planning to wear. Most of the problems people blame on the sneaker are really hem problems.
- Leggings and joggers should end at the ankle bone or be cuffed there. Fabric bunching on the tongue makes the shoe look wider than it is.
- Straight-leg jeans look best with a raw or cropped hem just above the ankle. A full-length pair with a break needs taking up.
- Wide-leg trousers can touch the top of the shoe and fall over the laces. The platform keeps the fabric off wet pavement, which is one reason this shoe suits wide legs.
- With skirts and dresses, a little sock or ankle above the collar keeps the foot from looking heavy.
If you're petite, the sole gives you some height but also a lot of visual weight. Matching the shoe's color to your trousers or tights, instead of choosing a high-contrast colorway, keeps the leg line long.
1. New Balance 9060 with black leggings and oversized hoodie
Black leggings with an oversized hoodie is the easiest pairing here, and the 9060 fixes its usual problem. Slim leggings under a big hoodie can make the feet look tiny and the whole figure top-heavy; a thick sole puts weight back at the bottom. I go for high-waisted leggings in a matte, opaque knit, because thin or shiny ones show every seam in daylight. Heather gray, cream or black for the hoodie, then a baseball cap, a quilted crossbody and small silver hoops. It's my default for airports and coffee runs.
2. New Balance 9060 with biker shorts and cropped tank top
Biker shorts and a cropped tank are the hot-weather version of the same idea. I check the leg opening of the shorts first: a band that digs in at mid-thigh is what makes this look sloppy, not the sneaker. High-rise black or charcoal is the safest, and a ribbed cropped tank in a brighter shade keeps it from reading as gym wear. The 9060 adds a little height and lengthens the leg line. Keep an open oversized shirt or a light zip-up handy for wind, and finish with sunglasses, a mini backpack and a claw clip.
3. New Balance 9060 with gray joggers and zip-up hoodie
Gray joggers with a matching zip-up hoodie give you a tonal base that lets the shoe do the talking. I'd pick slim-cut joggers with a tapered, cuffed ankle, because a loose hem collapses over the heel and hides the most interesting part of the sneaker. Wear the hoodie open over a plain white cotton tee. Soft fleece against the mesh and suede upper gives you texture without adding a single color. Push the cuffs up a touch, add a cap and a belt bag, and you have loungewear you can actually leave the house in.
4. New Balance 9060 with straight-leg jeans and white t-shirt
A white tee with straight-leg jeans is the test I give any new sneaker, and the 9060 passes it. The hem decides this outfit. A raw hem that stops just above the ankle shows the whole sole, while a full-length jean pooling on the tongue makes even a good shoe look bulky. Tuck a crisp white cotton tee into medium-wash denim and add a black leather belt so the waist has a clear line. Black sunglasses and a structured shoulder bag are all it needs for a gallery afternoon or a casual lunch.
5. New Balance 9060 with mom jeans and crop top
Mom jeans with a fitted crop top combo lean straight into the Y2K mood the 9060 borrows from. Light-wash denim with room through the hip and a tapered leg gives you the vintage shape. I like the crop top to meet the waistband with only a sliver of skin showing; a deeper gap splits the body in two and shortens the legs. A quieter colorway such as sea salt or cream lets the denim lead. Add a boxy denim jacket in a slightly different wash, oval sunglasses and a small leather shoulder bag.
6. New Balance 9060 with wide-leg trousers and blazer
Wide-leg trousers and a blazer are where most people hesitate with sneakers, and where this one surprises me most. The thick platform gives a wide hem something to rest on, so the trousers don't swallow your feet the way they do over a flat trainer. Choose high-waisted trousers in cream or light gray and have them hemmed to just touch the top of the shoe. A white ribbed tank underneath, an oversized oatmeal blazer on top, a structured tote and fine layered necklaces. It suits a creative office far better than a conservative one.
7. New Balance 9060 with cargo pants and fitted tank
Cargo pants already have a lot going on at the thigh, so I keep everything else quiet. Cotton twill in olive, khaki or black with a straight or tapered leg is easier than a balloon cut, which tends to look sloppy above a chunky shoe. Tuck in a ribbed white tank so the waist stays visible. The heavy sole suits the utility feel of the pockets, and a cap, crossbody bag and plain watch are enough. I reach for this on long walking days around a city or a weekend market.
8. New Balance 9060 with mini skirt and graphic tee
A mini skirt with chunky sneakers works because of the contrast, and the risk is in the proportions. Denim, faux leather and cotton twill all hold up; very flimsy fabric looks thin next to a sole this solid. Tuck a slightly oversized vintage graphic tee in at the front only. Crew socks showing above the collar connect the shoe to the bare leg, which is why this looks styled instead of accidental. A canvas tote and a few bead necklaces, and it's ready for a concert or a day on campus.
9. New Balance 9060 with slip dress and denim jacket
This is the pairing I suggest to anyone nervous about sneakers with dresses. The slip should skim, not cling; satin that pulls across the hips shows every line in daylight. A midi in neutral satin or a small floral print is the easiest place to start. Over it, a slightly oversized denim jacket, lighter in warm months and darker in fall. Next to the bulky sneaker, the delicate fabric reads as a planned contrast rather than a mistake. Small hoops and a shoulder bag carry it from a museum visit to an early dinner.
10. New Balance 9060 with pleated tennis skirt and polo shirt
A pleated tennis skirt and polo push the sporty theme as far as it goes, so the 9060's fashion shape is what stops it looking like a uniform. White or navy pleats with a slim polo in a shade that picks up the shoe's accents. I usually tuck fully, because the pleats take their shape from the waistband and an untucked polo hides it. Crew socks pulled just above the ankle add the nostalgic touch. A quilted crossbody and a headband or neat ponytail finish it.
11. New Balance 9060 with leather leggings and oversized knit sweater
Leather leggings under a chunky cable-knit is a cold-weather look where the sneaker earns its keep. Without a substantial shoe, sleek legs and a big sweater look unbalanced; the 9060's bulk evens it out and stops the leather feeling dressy. I choose a matte, high-waisted pair and a cream or camel knit. Real leather leggings relax at the knee with wear, so a snug fit on day one is right. A wool beanie, a leather crossbody and oversized sunglasses for a pumpkin patch or a crisp market morning.
12. New Balance 9060 with flared leggings and sports bra
Flared leggings with a sports bra make a retro gym-to-street look, and the hem is the whole trick. The flare should just graze the top of the sneaker; when it drags on the pavement it frays at the back and buries the sole. A high-waisted cut in black or a deep jewel tone is the most forgiving. A matching sports bra or cropped active top keeps it cohesive, and a windbreaker tied at the waist breaks up the long line. Add a high ponytail and a mini backpack, and wear it to yoga classes or on a slow weekend.
13. New Balance 9060 with parachute pants and cropped sweatshirt
Parachute pants have volume, and the shoe has to hold its own against it. Light nylon in beige, olive or gray swishes as you walk, which is half the appeal. I always crop the sweatshirt to the waistband so the full leg doesn't seem to start at your ribs. The platform gives the gathered hem somewhere to land, so the pants don't swamp your feet. A beanie, a slim crossbody and stud earrings are plenty. It's a good travel outfit, as long as you don't mind nylon's rustle.
14. New Balance 9060 with crease-front trousers and knit top
Crease-front trousers look sharp with this sneaker as long as the fabric is right. I choose a soft, drapey weave in black, charcoal or camel; stiff suiting wool fights the chunky shoe and looks like you forgot your loafers. The crease should be pressed and run straight down toward the toe. Tuck in a fine-gauge crewneck or a ribbed long-sleeve, add a leather belt and a structured satchel, and keep jewelry to a watch and small hoops. I'd wear it to a business-casual office, not a formal one.
15. New Balance 9060 with denim shorts and button-down shirt
Denim shorts and an open button-down are all about air, and the sneaker supplies enough weight that the look doesn't float away. Pick a mid-length light-wash short; very short cutoffs next to a big sole can look unbalanced. Wear a crisp white or striped shirt open over a plain tank and roll the sleeves twice. Aviators, a woven tote and a few bracelets. Pale suede picks up sand and dust fast, so for a beach town I'd choose a pair that is mostly mesh.
16. New Balance 9060 with track pants and cropped hoodie
Track pants left the track a long time ago. I like nylon track pants with side stripes or color-blocked panels for a retro feel, and the stripe is useful: it draws a vertical line straight down to the shoe. A cropped hoodie keeps bulk away from your hips, and zipping it partway shows a white tank underneath. The paneled upper of the 9060 echoes paneled pants well. Sling a fanny pack across your body and add a cap for travel days and errands.
17. New Balance 9060 with utility pants and quarter-zip pullover
Utility pants with a quarter-zip are a cleaner take on outdoor gear. Cotton or tech-fabric pants in a straight or slightly tapered cut, then a heathered gray or navy knit with a zip collar. That collar gives the top half a little polish, which is why the chunky sole reads as a counterpoint instead of more of the same. Roll the cuffs once so the shoe shows, and add a slim backpack and an analog watch. Knits pill where a backpack strap rubs, so a tighter, smoother knit lasts longer if you carry one daily.
18. New Balance 9060 with satin midi skirt and cotton tee
A satin midi with a cotton tee is the dressiest-feeling look here, and the sneaker is what keeps it casual. A bias-cut skirt in champagne, olive or black moves with every step and shows the shoe as it swings. Tuck a relaxed white or gray crewneck in loosely, since a tight tee makes the satin look like underwear. I'd skip this on a windy day, because bias-cut satin clings and lifts. A pendant necklace, a shoulder bag and a denim jacket tied at the waist for later.
19. New Balance 9060 with tailored shorts and polo shirt
Tailored shorts and a polo are preppy, and the 9060 gives them a bit of attitude. Shorts with a pressed front in beige, navy or black, plus a pique polo tucked in. Watch the length: knee-length shorts with a chunky shoe can cut the leg in two places, so I'd go just above the knee if you're petite. A braided leather belt and a simple watch. Very low socks keep the focus on the shoe for warm Fridays and casual club lunches.
20. New Balance 9060 with yoga pants and long-sleeve top
Yoga pants and a fitted long-sleeve look like gym clothes until the shoes change. Smooth, matte, high-waisted yoga pants in black or charcoal and a thermal-rib or cotton top keep everything streamlined. The 9060's bulk is what makes it read as an outfit instead of the walk home from class. A quilted vest adds warmth without sleeves bunching under a coat, and a big canvas tote holds the rest. I'd wear it for school drop-off or a grocery run with a low ponytail.
21. New Balance 9060 with varsity jacket and leggings
A varsity jacket brings instant nostalgia, and a plain legging-and-tee base keeps it from turning into a costume. Look for a classic varsity jacket with contrasting sleeves, say a cream body with black sleeves, over a white tank or cropped tee. Black leggings keep the lower half slim so the jacket's boxy shape and the shoe's bulk frame the outfit. If your pair has a color accent, repeating it in the jacket pulls the whole thing together. A cap and high crew socks for game days and campus walks.
22. New Balance 9060 with bomber jacket and straight-leg jeans
A bomber works most of the year because it's light and holds its shape. I'd start with a nylon bomber in black, olive or a color lifted from your sneaker's accents. Under it, a white or gray tee tucked into straight-leg jeans with a raw hem. The ribbed waistband sits at the hip and widens the top half, so the heavy sole is what balances it. Roll the jeans once, add aviators and a leather backpack, and it carries from a spring afternoon to a cool fall evening.
23. New Balance 9060 with trench coat and cropped jeans
A trench over cropped jeans is a classic high-low pairing, and the sneaker shifts it toward the weekend. Wear a mid-length beige or camel trench open over a white tee, with cropped straight-leg jeans ending above the ankle so the shoe is fully visible. Cotton gabardine shrugs off a light shower, but suede panels on a sneaker darken in rain, so on a damp day I'd pick a mesh-heavy colorway. A canvas tote and a silk scarf at the neck or on the bag handle finish it.
24. New Balance 9060 with sweater dress and opaque tights
A sweater dress with opaque tights is a winter standby, and the sneaker gives it a sporty edge. Pick a mid-length knit in charcoal, camel or forest green that skims rather than clings; thin knits grab at tights and show every line. Black opaque tights handle warmth. A knit dress actually pairs better with the 9060 than with a slim trainer, because its weight needs a shoe with some heft. Add a long wool coat and a crossbody, plus a beanie and leather gloves on the coldest days.
25. New Balance 9060 with linen trousers and sleeveless top
Linen trousers and a sleeveless top are the breeziest look on the list. Wide-leg linen in white, natural or sage should hang loosely so air moves through. Tuck in a ribbed tank or linen shell for a clean waist. Linen creases within an hour of sitting, and that's how it's supposed to look, so don't fight it. A sea salt or light beige pair blends into the pale palette. A straw bag, slim sunglasses and a little gold jewelry for a holiday lunch or a hot afternoon walk.
What Rain and Road Salt Do to Suede Overlays
Most 9060 colorways combine suede overlays with a mesh base. The mesh breathes and dries fairly quickly, but the suede darkens when soaked, and winter road salt can leave pale tide marks. The light colorways that suit so many outfits above also show dirt first.
- Spray a new pair with suede protector before the first wear, and repeat it regularly through a rainy season.
- If they get soaked, stuff them with paper and let them dry at room temperature. Direct heat stiffens suede and can weaken the glue.
- Once dry, brush the suede with a soft suede brush to lift the nap back up.
- Wash laces by hand on their own rather than putting the whole shoe through the machine.
Wearing a Platform Sneaker From Morning to Night
The 9060 is cushioned and noticeably heavier than a slim trainer, so it's good for long walking days but can feel clumpy on stairs until you're used to it. Try a pair on later in the day, when feet are slightly swollen, and wear the socks you plan to style them with, since thick crew socks take more room than no-shows. If your heel lifts as you walk, lacing through the top eyelets with a simple heel lock usually settles it.
The Sole Does the Balancing
Every outfit above comes back to one rule I use with the 9060: the shoe is heavy, so give it something to balance. Big tops, wide trousers, knits and jackets all look better with it than with a slim trainer, and slim bottoms want a little volume up top. Check your hem against the sole before you leave the house, choose a mesh-heavy colorway if you live somewhere wet, and start with clothes you already own. Leggings and a hoodie are the easy first try; save the satin skirt for when you trust the shoe.
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