New Balance ABZORB 2010 Dad Shoe Built to Be Worn Hard

A Highsnobiety editor is championing a specific New Balance dad shoe designed to be ruined. The writer argues the appeal of the creamy New Balance ABZORB 2010 sneaker is that it looks better with deliberate wear and tear.

According to the editor, while chunky dad shoes have been a dominant trend for years, New Balance has perfected the style. The brand is synonymous with the aesthetic, producing countless models that look like they belong in a garage or garden. For this writer, the ABZORB 2010 model represents a shift in mindset from preserving pristine sneakers to actively breaking them in.

The Appeal of a Beater Sneaker

The article states the primary draw of this particular New Balance is its intended destiny as a beater. The editor explicitly contrasts it with other sneakers that demand careful protection from creases and scuffs. "New Balance’s creamy ABZORB 2010 calls for the complete opposite," the source says. The belief is that the shoe will improve aesthetically after being dragged around for months without a second thought.

This philosophy connects to a broader, enduring appreciation for worn-in white sneakers. The beat-up white sneaker has cultural longevity for a reason, the editor contends.

A White Sneaker Renaissance

The piece suggests the timing is right for such a shoe due to a shifting color trend. The editor observes that the market is entering a "white-ish sneaker renaissance" after a period dominated by black footwear. While acknowledging black sneakers are sleeker and perhaps more wearable, the writer feels a fresh white sneaker "just feels right again." This context makes the ABZORB 2010 particularly relevant.

The argument extends to a call for less polish in sneaker culture generally. The editor appreciates well-crafted shoes but also values sneakers that invite hard, casual use.

New Balance's Dad Shoe Dominance

The source firmly links the dad shoe category to New Balance, crediting the brand with perfecting "the art of making a sneaker that looks like it should be mowing the lawn." The writer's personal association is strong, vaguely recalling a black pair from younger years and noting the brand's relentless output in the style. This history establishes New Balance's authority in the space the ABZORB 2010 occupies.

The final sentiment is a toast to making good shoes look a little less perfect through use.