When New Balance dropped its revamped 610 sneaker in early 2023, I predicted that that the new 610 was ready to dethrone the 990 shoe. Tall talk, considering the power of NB's signature 990, but not an impossible task.
Alas, it did not, although New Balance's 610 did set the foundations to have an even more impressive 2024, which started with a bunch of good-looking collaborations.
This time, though, New Balance is going it alone with the new 610 GTX, a GORE-TEX-lined sneaker that bears an all-round more outdoorsy, trail-friendly design than its predecessor. It doesn't just look the part now, either.
Although the NB 610 GTX sneaker inherits the irreverent functionality and technology of the original MT610 by way of a meshy breathable upper and a super-grippy midsole, it also comes with a few tweaks of its own like "N-durance", a durable rubber compound that informs the outsole.
Elsewhere New Balance has switched its classic rope laces for a quick-toggle closure system, similar to the tweak it made to the 610 sneaker when its fashion-forward Tokyo Design Studio imprint dropped a slip-on version of the retro chunky sneaker late last year.
Point is, New Balance’s OG 610 is unequivocally trail-ready, but drenched in GORE-TEX and revamped with a couple more outdoorsy tweaks, and the NB 610 GTX is a whole different ball game.
It's currently available online at retailers like Japanese sneaker store mita for around $200 and it's the perfect example of how just good New Balance is at this very moment, with a string of powerful collabs and especially good in-line sneakers putting the Boston-based sneaker stalwart over all its peers.
Well, basically all of them. At least when it comes to versatility, though, New Balance is unmatched. Who else can do dad shoes, basketball clobber, trail sneakers, legacy runners and actual performance footwear all at the same time?
