In the ever-evolving world of sneakers, few brands manage to balance innovation with heritage quite like New Balance. The label’s latest release, a new iteration of the ABZORB 2010, is proof that nostalgia can be every bit as forward-thinking as the future of design. Launching on November 5th at 9am (Europe/London), this bold reissue lands in a new Dark Olivine with Mushroom colourway, fusing early-2000s DNA with a distinctly modern edge. Retailing at £150 via newbalance.co.uk, it’s a release that sneaker fans won’t want to sleep on.

THE RETURN OF A CULT FAVOURITE
The ABZORB 2010 is more than just a revival, it’s a reminder of how timeless design and technical mastery can coexist. Originally introduced as a performance runner, the silhouette quickly gained cult status for its unapologetically chunky shape and dynamic sole construction. Its design language reflects a golden era of sneaker experimentation, when boldness met utility and form served both function and style.
The ABZORB name itself pays tribute to New Balance’s proprietary cushioning technology, a system that became synonymous with comfort and shock absorption. Over time, it became a benchmark for everyday wear, influencing an entire generation of sneakers that prioritised performance without sacrificing street appeal.
A COLOURWAY MADE FOR THE SEASON
This latest drop sees the ABZORB 2010 reimagined in Dark Olivine with Mushroom, a sophisticated mix of earthy tones that perfectly complements autumn wardrobes. Deep green suede panels contrast against warm mushroom hues, while a diamond-knit mesh upper adds texture and breathability. The colour palette feels organic yet elevated, designed to transition seamlessly from the city streets to the countryside trails.


The tonal balance captures New Balance’s knack for blending heritage with versatility. It’s muted enough to pair with tailored trousers and a wool overcoat, yet bold enough to elevate your favourite relaxed streetwear look. In other words, it’s a sneaker that doesn’t demand attention, it earns it.
DESIGN THAT STILL FEELS AHEAD OF ITS TIME
The standout feature of the ABZORB 2010 remains its segmented sole, which delivers that recognisable chunky silhouette with subtle architectural precision. The layering across the midsole creates a sculptural, almost futuristic feel—one that still feels progressive even two decades after its original debut.
Comfort, as always with New Balance, is non-negotiable. The brand’s ABZORB cushioning system ensures reliable impact protection, while the sturdy rubber outsole provides traction and stability. Inside, a padded collar and breathable mesh lining keep things supportive for all-day wear. The sneaker’s balance between technical innovation and lifestyle-ready styling makes it one of the most versatile options in the brand’s growing retro-performance lineup.
WHY THE ABZORB 2010 MATTERS
Over the last few years, New Balance has become a powerhouse of revival success stories, from the 550 and 990 series to the more experimental 9060. The ABZORB 2010 sits comfortably within that lineage, appealing to sneaker enthusiasts and new adopters alike. It’s part of a broader cultural shift that sees the early-2000s aesthetic thriving once more, chunky midsoles, performance detailing, and unapologetic proportions leading the way in contemporary fashion.
But unlike other brands simply leaning on nostalgia, New Balance has a knack for refining rather than replicating. The ABZORB 2010 in Dark Olivine and Mushroom isn’t just a reissue, it’s a design evolution. It bridges the gap between the bold experimentation of Y2K runners and the sophisticated craftsmanship of modern sneaker design.
THE VERDICT
If the 990 series is New Balance’s heritage cornerstone, the ABZORB 2010 represents its spirit of reinvention. It’s an archival silhouette built for today’s creative, comfort-seeking generation, those who see sneakers not just as accessories, but as expressions of lifestyle and identity.


Launching November 5th, 9am (Europe/London), at newbalance.co.uk, the ABZORB 2010 in Dark Olivine with Mushroom (£150) feels like a fitting reminder that the best designs don’t age, they evolve. For collectors, stylists, and everyday wearers alike, this drop captures what New Balance does best: timeless comfort, refined craftsmanship, and that perfect balance of retro and right-now.

