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The New Balance Abzorb 2000 hit the web earlier this year, causing an instant online reaction from the footwear community. From the streets of São Paolo to being featured at Milan Design Week, the marketing from New Balance has covered a lot of ground. As intrigue around the New Balance 2000 continues to build, we at The Sole Supplier did some digging, hoping to answer all of your questions. If you are anywhere near as excited about the New Balance 2000 as we are, here’s everything you need to know!
New Balance’s choice to promote their new silhouette in Brazil is not an obvious one. Brazil is an enormous country, about 35 times larger than the UK for perspective. Known for its beautiful style of football, samba and Carnival, Brazil’s relationship to New Balance is in the early stages.
In 2022 New Balance became the official kit provider for Sao Paulo FC, a contract that will run until 2027. The footwear brand also signed rising football star Endrick in 2023, a major athlete endorsement which means you can always see him rocking an “N” logo on his boots when playing for Real Madrid. Both of these moves have been an attempt to increase its presence in South America.
Best believe when Sao Paulo native @soaressssssssssssssss first debuted the shoe while on the back of his moped, our interest instantly peaked. A marketing strategy that asked more questions than it answered, New Balance has everyone from NB-heads to streetwear fans eager for more.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by @soaressssssssssssssss
A post shared by @soaressssssssssssssss
Yes and no. The original New Balance 2000 debuted back in 2001 but was a very different shoe. The model was part of both the Made in UK and Made in USA series, arriving in a blue and red box with a dustbag inside. The shoe did return once again in the early 2010s for its 10th Anniversary however has since faded into obscurity.
Like many of the shoes that came out during the turn of the millennium, New Balance threw the whole kitchen sink at it in terms of tech, kitting it out with Abzorb, Encap, N-ergy and C-CAP technology. However, it’s no secret that the silhouette looks hugely different to the New Balance Abzorb 2000 coming out in 2025, however there seem to be some nods to the classic model.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kitano Takaya (@kitano_takaya)
A post shared by Kitano Takaya (@kitano_takaya)
This update is an overhaul rather than an update or retro. The original 2000 was marketed as a technical running shoe, yet the new version has instead gone for a lifestyle edge. The midsoles both deliver visible tech, but the comparisons stop shortly after that. You could argue the new iteration nods its predecessor with its lined synthetic overlays, a detail that resembled the old midsole. If it was up to us we would have definitely tried to keep the embroidered ‘2000’ on the ankle collar, but we’ll be picking these up for sure!
No, Abzorb cushioning is not new. It was first introduced in 1993 on the New Balance 998. Recently the brand has been focusing on Abzorb again, with the latest NB 2010 being a great example, leading to some confusion among the less informed footwear fans.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by SANGI (@lookatsangi)
A post shared by SANGI (@lookatsangi)
Looks-wise the NB Abzorb 2000 is one of the more technical offerings within the lifestyle category, a distinct change in direction given the focus on heavy synthetic panelling. Taking cues from the 1906 No Sew editions and the lightweight uppers found within the New Balance running catalogue, we are expecting some top tier levels of comfort when on-feet.
We love them! The NB 2000 has all the makings to be New Balance’s next hot silhouette. From the marketing rollout to the shoe itself, the silhouette sits perfectly between the 1906, 9060 as well as the more premium 990 series. Delivering a lot Y2K energy while still perfectly suited for the scene today, anyone who still thinks New Balance is still a dad shoe brand will have to reevaluate.
Another reason behind the hype is down to the strong batch of first colourways, with gradients, nostalgic hues and techy accents making this silhouette simply irresistible. If you have somehow managed to keep away from New Balance until now, the NB 2000 could be enough to push you over the edge.
Currently set up for a mid-June release, the New Balance Abzorb 2000 has a speculative date of June 12th 2025. This would make a lot of sense considering the initial “Baby Blue” or “Still Water” colourway is primed for all the summer fits, from jorts to cargo shorts.
Best set up release reminders here so we can keep you up to date on all the latest information on the UK release!
According to sources and our best estimates, the New Balance Abzorb 2000 will retail for £170. This is due to the new midsole which comes bearing five ABZORB pods, as well as the research and development which implemented the use of 3D technology.
Currently there are no projects that have been announced for the model. Rest assured that there will be a number of collaborations to come in 2025. That said, there are currently seven high heat editions on site, all of which shine a different light on the NB 2000.
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