Home / Footwear / New Balance

New Balance’s High-Tech, 2000s-Inspired Sneaker Gets a Bold, Earthy Update

The Abzorb 1890 is less than a year old, but the influential model has already received a fresh color palette influenced by grounded neutrals.

Close-up of a sneaker with beige mesh, black and brown suede, olive green laces, and a yellow background.New Balance
Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Hayley Helms

Published

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

There are retro-inspired sneakers that tap into nostalgia on the surface … and then there are models like the Abzorb 1890, where every meaningful component is pulled straight from brand archives.

New Balance’s elevated, 2000s-inspired lifestyle sneaker has been turning heads since its debut in early 2026, but its newest variant perfects the throwback/futuristic formula, using a layered, neutral color palette to underscore its eye-catching design.

Pair of New Balance running shoes in white, black, brown, and green with mesh upper and cushioned sole.
The Abzorb 1890 gets a new, down-to-earth refresh for summer.
New Balance

Neutrals, for summer

The Abzorb 1890 is stepping out in a few days’ time in an array of striking new colorways, but it’s the most grounded of the three that holds the most everyday appeal.

Brown, beige, and black New Balance running shoe with green accents and visible cushioning in the sole.
The teardrop overlay pattern is highlighted by subtle green color pops, arranged alongside a deep brown and off-white foundation.
New Balance

The delectably named Linen with Pumpernickel and Basil Oil treatment highlights the Abzorb 1890’s reflective, welded teardrop overlays, which are borrowed from the 890v3 running shoe’s synthetic wave cutout pattern.

Pair of New Balance 1990 sneakers with olive green, black, and cream mesh uppers and quick-pull laces.
The mixed-material upper comes to life through balanced neutrals.
New Balance
Pair of brown and olive green New Balance sneakers shown from the back on a white background.
Subtle New Balance branding graces the back of the heel.
New Balance

The off-white upper is overlaid with deep brown synthetic and cow leather, which is accented with vivid green detailing.

The defining full-length Abzorb midsole, taken directly from 2010’s 2002 model, is also dressed in varying shades of green.

A green toggle lace system completes the nature-inspired package.

Brown and green rubber shoe sole with deep grooves and tread pattern.
The segmented, durable rubber outsole is built for all-day stability and traction.
New Balance

Alongside the grounded new colorway, the Abzorb 1890 is also adopting two much brighter color combinations: Streamsong with Alkaline Green and Dark Night and Nordic Green with Wakame and Outfield.

Availability and pricing

The latest Abzorb 1890s will be available on New Balance’s website beginning July 9 at 10 am EST, retailing for $180.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

Read More

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

add as a preferred source on google
, ,