New Balance 9060
Pros
- Comfortable and cushioned for all-day wear
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Quite heavy-duty
- Dope aesthetics
- Looks better in person
- Premium-grade materials
- Stable platform
- Great grip on dry and wet
Cons
- Limited color options
- Squeaks
- A tad warm
Key Features
- Innovative design inspired by the Y2K aesthetic
- Expanded sway bars from the classic 990 for enhanced support
- Iconic cushioning platforms featuring ABZORB and SBS technologies
- Rubber sole for improved traction and durability
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Leather
- Inner material: Textile
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The New Balance 9060 is designed for individuals seeking a comfortable and cushioned sneaker. Its robust materials contribute to an impressive cushioning system, making it a notable option among chunky sneakers.
Measurements taken with a digital caliper indicated that the cushioning system of the NB 9060 features a thickness of 37.3 mm at the heel and 26.0 mm at the forefoot. These dimensions significantly exceed average midsole thicknesses, which typically measure 31.3 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively.
In laboratory tests, the torsional rigidity of the New Balance 9060 was assessed through manual twisting and bending. The results showed a strong resistance, justifying its rating of 4 out of 5.
Despite the sturdy base's resistance to twisting, the shoe does not sacrifice comfort underfoot. It offers a notably soft experience, as evidenced by our HA durometer rating of 19.4, which contrasts sharply with the average of 30.9.
A potential drawback is the limited availability of colorways for this model. A broader selection would allow users to explore various styles while wearing the NB 9060.
Nike Air Max 270
Pros
- All-day comfort
- Fun and springy ride
- Incredibly lightweight
- Flexible structure
- Practical booty-like construction
- Perfect for active people
- Cool Nike Air technology
- Trendy futuristic vibe
Cons
- Upper lacks durability
- Not for people with wide feet
- Can be slippery on wet
Key Features
- Rubber Sole: Provides durability and traction for active play.
- Mesh and Rubber Upper: Offers breathability and a lightweight feel.
- Lace-Up Closure: Ensures a secure fit for all-day wear.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh, Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Air Max 270 is a notable choice for those seeking a lightweight, stylish sneaker designed primarily for lifestyle use. With its towering stack height and distinctive exposed air bubble, this shoe represents a significant advancement in the Air Max lineup as the first model to be entirely dedicated to lifestyle wear.
Featuring a heel height of 36.4 mm, the AM270 establishes its presence in the chunky footwear category. It offers 21.6% stronger shock absorption than average, ensuring comfort during extended city adventures without feeling bottom-heavy.
Weighing in at 23.5% less than the average sneaker, the AM270's flexibility contributes to a weightless experience. Our bend test reveals it is 27.5% more malleable than standard options, allowing it to easily adapt to natural foot movements.
Constructed from breathable mesh, the AM270 effectively keeps feet cool and comfortable throughout the day. The inner lining is soft, and the well-ventilated design ensures a sweat-free environment, achieving a breathability score of 5/5 in our lab tests.
A potential drawback is that the upper material lacks wear resistance, as demonstrated by our Dremel test. If durability is a key concern for you, it may be worthwhile to explore other alternatives.
Nike Air Max 90
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Padded yet incredibly breathable
- Soft and plush midsole
- Fairly durable
- Great price for an icon
- Lots of different colorways
- Awesome collabs
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not the most spacious
- Materials are not authentic
- Not for cold weather
- Slippery when wet
Key Features
- '90s inspired design: Retains the iconic silhouette that has made it a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts.
- Premium materials: Crafted from quality leather that provides durability and style.
- Padded low-cut collar: Offers a sleek appearance while ensuring comfort around the ankle.
- Rubber sole: Ensures excellent traction and longevity, making it suitable for daily wear.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: All ankle
- Outer material: Leather
The Nike Air Max 90 is designed for those seeking a combination of comfort and style in a classic chunky sneaker. Its lab-tested features confirm adequate padding, enhancing the overall plush sensation during wear. Available in multiple colorways, this iconic design easily complements various outfits.
Equipped with a chunky Air unit in the heel, the Nike Air Max 90 boasts a stack height of 36.4/22.2 mm, which contributes positively to both height and comfort levels. The cushioning delivers a cloud-like experience, as verified by our durometer, showing a reading that is 43.1% softer than average. This feature adds significant value for users prioritizing cushioning performance.
The upper includes a plush tongue measuring 17.1 mm, which is 7.8 mm thicker than average, enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the upper's breathable design was confirmed through laboratory tests, allowing smoke to flow freely out of the material. This led to a high breathability score of 5/5.
Another benefit of the AM90 is its flexibility. In our bend test, it demonstrated a flexibility rating that is 17.7% more than the average sneaker, making it suitable for extended periods of wear. This characteristic further emphasizes its comfort for daily use.
On the downside, the forefoot width is notably narrower compared to average measurements. We advise individuals with wide or square-shaped feet to consider alternative options for a better fit.
New Balance 1000
Pros
- Really comfortable for all-day wear
- Soft and protective cushioning
- Great lockdown and surefootness
- Nice stability (wide platform)
- Lightweight on foot but with padded interiors
- Incredibly breathable
- Real suede
- Super stylish
- Trendy retro vibe
- Great traction for city streets
Cons
- Frail mesh components
- Tongue might be too long for some
Key Features
- Inner Material: Made of polyester, offering breathability and comfort.
- Closure Type: Lace-up design ensuring a secure fit.
- Water Resistance Level: Not water resistant; suitable for dry conditions.
Specifications
- Inner Material: Polyester
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant
The New Balance 1000 is designed for individuals seeking a shock-absorbing sneaker suitable for all-day wear. After extensive lab testing and practical use, we found that it features a retro aesthetic combined with lightweight yet padded materials. Its notable attributes include plush cushioning, a flexible structure, and an effortless ride.
This model incorporates height alongside stress-reducing foam, allowing users to remain on their feet longer. The stack height measures an above-average 36.5/25.2 mm, providing substantial cushioning against harsh urban surfaces. The heel exhibits a high 122 SA for shock absorption, delivering a verified 40.2% improvement in impact protection compared to the average sneaker.
The flexible design facilitates smooth transitions and promotes natural movement. Our flex test indicates it requires 10.7% less force than average to achieve a 30-degree bend. Weighing just 13.2 oz (373g), this sneaker enhances the overall riding experience, minimizing fatigue during extended periods of walking.
However, the upper material lacks durability; it was easily compromised during our Dremel test. Consumers requiring additional reinforcement in the upper may want to consider a more protective option. Overall, while the New Balance 1000 excels in cushioning and comfort, its upper construction may not meet the needs of all users.
Adidas Ozweego
Pros
- Unbelievably comfortable
- Long-lasting outsole
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Great for all-day wear
- Very stable and ideal for wide feet
- 90's retro vibe with futuristic details
- Compliment magnet
- Lots of colorways
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Lack of quality materials
- Not the most breathable
Key Features
- Fit is typically one half size small; it's advisable to choose half a size up from your regular size.
- Lace closure with an eyestay collar tube for even pressure distribution across your foot.
- Constructed with a breathable mesh upper combined with durable suede and TPU overlays.
- Textile lining that enhances comfort and fit.
- Robust rubber outsole providing traction and stability.
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Other fibers.
- Origin: Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber for enhanced grip.
- Shaft height: 6-12 inches, providing ample coverage.
The Adidas Ozweego is a noteworthy option for those seeking a stylish yet comfortable chunky sneaker. It effectively balances chunkiness with lightness, along with cushioning and stability, making it suitable for all-day wear.
This sneaker integrates retro aesthetics with modern running technologies that enhance cushioning and shock absorption. The midsole's thickness, measuring 32.2/26.8 mm, contributes to its plush ride, ensuring considerable comfort while walking.
Lab results indicate that the Ozweego’s durometer reading shows it is 14.6% softer than average, providing feeling of cushioning while remaining surprisingly light at 12.7 oz (360g), which is 9.3% below average weight.
Despite its impressive stack height, the Ozweego maintains stability through its wide platform, measured at 121.0 mm in the forefoot and 98.9 mm in the heel, allowing for steady footing and reduced wobbling.
However, a notable drawback is its limited breathability and lack of warmth in cold conditions. It is advisable to avoid extreme temperatures when wearing the Ozweego to ensure comfort.
New Balance 990 v6
Pros
- Unexpectedly lighter than average
- Real suede and quality materials
- Extra thick cushioning for all-day wear
- Mind-blowing arch support and stability
- Exceptionally hard-wearing outsole
- Fantastic breathability
- Well-padded all around
- Six(!) widths available
Cons
- Very delicate toebox mesh
- A bit stiff
Key Features
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward.
- ENCAP midsole cushioning combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim for all-day support.
- Crafted with a suede and mesh upper for breathability and style.
- Lace-up closure ensures a secure and customizable fit.
- Modernized version of the iconic 990 silhouette adds a contemporary touch to a classic design.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Cotton
The New Balance 990 v6 is designed for individuals seeking retro aesthetics combined with exceptional support and luxurious comfort during walks. This sneaker incorporates technologies from earlier models, such as the FuelCell midsole and the ENCAP rim, which provide significant arch support. Among footwear options for flat feet, it stands out as a notable choice.
The FuelCell cushioning offers plush protection, featuring a generous stack height of 39.1/23.8 mm. The foam's quality contributes to gentler landings, as evidenced by its high 102 SA rating in our shock absorption test.
Stability is enhanced by the wide base measuring 113.8/88.0 mm, with the ENCAP rim ensuring secure heel placement. Its balance is remarkable, reflected in a high 5/5 torsional rigidity rating obtained during our manual twist test.
The upper of the sneaker is made from real suede, confirmed through our torch test, and provides ample ventilation for comfort during extended wear, particularly in hot weather. Our lab tests indicated maximum breathability, demonstrated by easy smoke flow, resulting in a 5/5 score.
However, this focus on comfort and stability leads to a drawback: flexibility. Bending the feet requires more effort compared to other sneakers, which may be a concern for some users. If flexibility is a primary need, exploring alternative options may be advisable.