The New Balance ABZORB 2000 has been the surprise hit of the summer. Taking New Balance’s long history of mesh runners, remixing the upper, and adding a thick, springy sole covered in ABZORB pods was the refresh NB Heads didn’t know they were missing, with every colorway released since the June debut selling out almost instantly.
Continuing that hot streak in cool blue, the latest colorway of the Y2K, “blobject”-inspired ABZORB 2000 gets ice blue on the mesh and synthetic panels of the upper, interrupted only by white borders and hits of classic New Balance grey. The grey extends to the N logo on the side of the shoe, the tongue stay and logo, and the visible midsole ABZORB SBS pods. The outsole gets a two-tone treatment in grey and black, sitting under the ABZORB units.
The dad shoe trend of bulky runners has slimmed down a little over the past couple of years, with New Balance debuting the 204L as the streamlined version of its classic suede and mesh style, but the popularity of the ABZORB 2000 is once again proving that chunky runners are here to stay. The model also proves that Viz-tech still works, especially when it originates in the Y2K era, as fashion trends have reverted back to the early 2000s for design influences.
The New Balance ABZORB 2000 Ice will release sometime before the end of 2025 through New Balance and select retailers online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $170. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. zach.h@soleretriever.com
