In today’s sneaker culture, chunky sneakers—sometimes called “dad shoes”—are no longer a passing trend. They’ve become a staple of modern streetwear, blending bold aesthetics with all-day comfort. Two heavyweights dominate the conversation in this space: the New Balance 9060 and the Adidas Yeezy 700.

Both silhouettes carry heritage, hype, and a futuristic design language that has captured sneaker enthusiasts worldwide. But the ultimate question remains: which chunky sneaker actually wins—New Balance 9060 or Adidas Yeezy 700?

Let’s dive into the details, comparing everything from design, comfort, performance, and price to cultural relevance. By the end, you’ll know which one deserves a spot in your rotation.

The Rise of Chunky Sneakers

Before we break down the New Balance 9060 vs Adidas Yeezy 700, it’s worth looking at how chunky sneakers went from a niche “ugly shoe” trend to a global fashion phenomenon.

In the mid-2010s, high-fashion brands like Balenciaga introduced bulky silhouettes that challenged the sleek, minimalist sneaker styles dominating the market. Soon after, sneaker brands followed suit.

• Adidas capitalized on this wave with the Yeezy 700 in 2017, designed by Kanye West. Its exaggerated midsole and futuristic upper helped redefine streetwear aesthetics.
  
  

• New Balance, meanwhile, leaned on its heritage running DNA and reinterpreted it through models like the 9060, blending performance cues with lifestyle-forward design.
  
  

These two sneakers, though different in origin, quickly became the face of the chunky sneaker revolution.

Design: Futuristic vs. Heritage-Inspired

New Balance 9060: Layered & Technical

The New Balance 9060 debuted in 2022, drawing inspiration from the brand’s legendary 99X line. It takes familiar New Balance design cues—mesh, suede, reflective accents—and exaggerates them into a modern, oversized silhouette.

• Upper: Premium suede overlays paired with mesh panels for breathability.
  
  

• Midsole: A chunky, sculpted ABZORB midsole that creates stability and comfort.
  
  

• Aesthetic: Technical, layered, and futuristic, with a nod to heritage running shoes.
  
  

The 9060 feels like a modern remix of New Balance tradition—sleek enough for fashion, but classic enough to remind you of its roots.

Adidas Yeezy 700: Bold & Hype-Driven

The Adidas Yeezy 700 burst onto the scene in 2017 with the iconic “Wave Runner” colorway. Its chunky design shocked some at first but quickly became a cultural icon.

• Upper: A mix of mesh, suede, and leather overlays with layered color blocking.
  
  

• Midsole: Thick Boost cushioning wrapped in sculpted EVA foam.
  
  

• Aesthetic: Aggressive and bold, designed to stand out rather than blend in.
  
  

The Yeezy 700’s design is less about heritage and more about a fashion statement, cementing its place as one of the most recognizable sneakers of the last decade.

Verdict (Design): The Adidas Yeezy 700 is louder and hype-driven, while the New Balance 9060 offers a more versatile, heritage-inspired look. If you prefer low-key flex, go 9060. If you like turning heads, the Yeezy 700 is the winner.

Comfort: All-Day Wearability

New Balance 9060 Comfort

The 9060 uses ABZORB cushioning, which provides plush support underfoot. The wide base enhances stability, making it a great option for daily wear. However, it’s not lightweight—it feels more substantial than sporty.

Pros:

• Stable platform.
  
  

• Plush comfort for walking or standing all day.
  
  

• Breathable mesh helps with airflow.
  
  

Cons:

• Heavier than traditional sneakers.
  
  

• Not designed for running or athletic performance.
  
  

Adidas Yeezy 700 Comfort

The Yeezy 700 packs Boost technology—Adidas’ most famous cushioning system—encased in a chunky midsole. This makes it surprisingly bouncy and comfortable despite its bulk.

Pros:

• Boost cushioning provides energy return.
  
  

• Padded collar adds comfort.
  
  

• Feels sporty compared to the 9060.
  
  

Cons:

• Narrower fit (may not suit wide feet).
  
  

• It can run hot due to layered materials.
  
  

Verdict (Comfort): Both are great for lifestyle wear, but the Yeezy 700 edges out slightly thanks to Boost cushioning, offering more bounce and responsiveness. The 9060 wins for stability and long-term wear without foot fatigue.

Performance: Sneaker DNA

• New Balance 9060: Performance-inspired but lifestyle-focused. While its roots come from running shoes, the 9060 is best for casual wear. It doesn’t provide the lightweight responsiveness needed for athletic performance.
  
  

• Adidas Yeezy 700: While marketed as a lifestyle sneaker, its Boost cushioning and athletic construction give it more versatility for gym wear or light activity.
  
  

Verdict (Performance): The Yeezy 700 wins here, offering closer ties to performance sneakers, while the 9060 stays firmly in the lifestyle lane.

Price & Accessibility

• New Balance 9060: Retail price is around $150–$170. It’s easier to find at retailers, and restocks are fairly common. Resale prices are reasonable unless tied to limited collaborations.
  
  

• Adidas Yeezy 700: Retail price started at $240–$300, often reselling for more depending on colorway. Since Kanye West’s split with Adidas, availability has become limited, making it harder (and often more expensive) to buy.
  
  

Verdict (Price): The New Balance 9060 is more affordable and accessible. The Yeezy 700 is pricier and less available but carries more hype value.

Cultural Relevance & Hype Factor

• New Balance 9060: Seen as part of New Balance’s resurgence in fashion circles, thanks to collaborations with brands like Joe Freshgoods and Bodega. While stylish, it doesn’t carry the same hype as Yeezy but has strong credibility among sneakerheads who appreciate craftsmanship.
  
  

• Adidas Yeezy 700: One of the most influential sneakers of the 2010s, the Yeezy 700 changed sneaker design trends and remains a cultural icon. Even after Kanye’s split from Adidas, the silhouette retains major clout in sneaker culture.
  
  

Verdict (Culture): The Yeezy 700 wins the hype battle, but the 9060 appeals to sneaker purists who want style without chasing hype.

Styling: Which is More Versatile?

• New Balance 9060: Works well with relaxed-fit jeans, cargos, joggers, and even smart-casual looks. Its neutral tones and premium suede make it easy to style in multiple outfits.
  
  

• Adidas Yeezy 700: Best paired with streetwear fits—oversized hoodies, tapered pants, or statement pieces. Its bold colorways make it harder to style for everyday or minimalist outfits.
  
  

Verdict (Styling): The New Balance 9060 wins for versatility, while the Yeezy 700 is more of a statement piece.

Final Verdict: New Balance 9060 vs Adidas Yeezy 700

So, which chunky sneaker wins?

• If you value style versatility, comfort, and affordability, the New Balance 9060 is the smarter choice. It blends heritage, craftsmanship, and modern aesthetics in a wearable package.
  
  

• If you want hype, cultural relevance, and the boldest statement possible, the Adidas Yeezy 700 still reigns supreme. Its iconic status and Boost comfort make it legendary, albeit expensive and harder to find.
  
  

In short:

• New Balance 9060 = lifestyle-first, versatile, understated flex.
  
  

• Adidas Yeezy 700 = hype-driven, bold, cultural icon.
  
  

Ultimately, the winner depends on your priorities: practicality or hype.

Conclusion

The battle of New Balance 9060 vs Adidas Yeezy 700 highlights two very different approaches to the chunky sneaker trend. One leans on heritage and understated craftsmanship; the other thrives on cultural dominance and bold statements.

Whichever side you choose, one thing is clear: chunky sneakers aren’t going anywhere. Whether you’re rocking the 9060’s futuristic reinterpretation or the Yeezy 700’s bold aggression, you’re stepping into a sneaker legacy that has reshaped modern fashion.