While it might have only entered the New Balance catalogue in spring last year, the ABZORB 2010 has wasted no time in battling its way to being front and centre of attention.
Despite most of the label's recent chatter honing in on that long-awaited 990v7, as well as other exciting stuff like Action Bronson's signature model and the JJJJound 990v3 collab, the newcomer has flat-out refused to be overshadowed.
It isn't difficult to understand the ABZORB 2010's popularity, and why so many high-profile names have been keen to team up with New Balance to produce their own take on the shoe.
Merging the dad-shoe style pioneered by New Balance's early 990 series with noughties runner aesthetics, the shoe, in some ways, is a sort of 'best of' for the brand, handpicking bits and pieces that the masses have loved so much through the decades, and doing so at a mid-range price point.
Fan-favourite palettes & effortless styling
First and foremost, the New Balance ABZORB 2010 is simply a great-looking trainer. Its versatility makes it a shoe for all seasons, and one that can be effortlessly dressed both up and down. Take, for instance, this latest run of lovely autumnal colourways that have just gone live at Schuh. *chef's kiss*.
High-heat Japan exclusives
There have been some particularly impressive things happening to the ABZORB 2010 over in Japan.
Amongst them is 'The Kingfisher', a seriously good collaboration with Tokyo streetwear specialists The Apartment, which sees the shoe wrapped in GORE-TEX and a stunning turquoise-heavy colourway.
New Balance x The Apartment 'Kingfisher'
Elsewhere, there have also been stellar link-ups with atmos, which has given us the devilishly handsome 'Wasabi' palette, alongside a dashing deep blue birthday iteration that celebrates 50 years of BEAMS.
GORE-TEX goodness
As we head into the autumn-winter months, bolstering the core ABZORB 2010 range with a dose of GORE-TEX really was a tap-in for New Balance, but one they've still pulled off with aplomb.
Luxury link-ups
There has certainly been no shortage of big-name partnerships over the last 18 months.
Liam Maher (LM.RT) injected some swish, vintage luxury into the ABZORB 2010, taking cues from Greek mythology, specifically the myth of Daedalus and Icarus, melting suns and NB's AW26 Pockets of Light narrative.
LM.RT's tonal take incorporated translucent amber, metallic copper and nude leather highlights over a base of walnut brown full-grain leather and technical mesh.
Adding to the list, COMME des GARÇONS lent its familiar minimalist elegance to the shoe for a stealthy charcoal number, while The Whitaker Group (A Ma Manire, Social Status, APB) dipped into their box of premium materials and elevated the shoe's textured build with the 'Ostrich'.
LM.RT
Grey Days Certified
Of course, it wouldn't be a proper New Balance baptism without a special Grey Days release. This year, the brand's annual celebration of its trademark colour saw the ABZORB 2010 delve even further into Y2K visuals with a retro metallic grey/silver riff on the style.
Browse and shop New Balance ABZORB 2010 highlights below...
