An Unsung New Balance Innovation Headlines the Brand’s Latest Everyday Sneaker

Three decades later, this overlooked cushioning system finally gets its due.

Published June 3, 2025

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Abzorb doesn’t get enough love.

Like Nike Air and Adidas Boost, New Balance’s core cushioning technology has powered some of the most iconic shoes in recent memory. However, it trails behind the competition in terms of prestige and recognition.

With its latest sneaker drop, New Balance aims to change that, namely by making Abzorb the star in both name and design.

Releasing this month, the Abzorb 2000 features a full-length midsole that showcases both Abzorb and Abzorb SBS pods — two stalwart innovations that have long been part of the New Balance catalog.

New Balance developed Abzorb in the early 1990s and introduced the technology with the 998, a model that continues to headline the Made in USA collection with fresh colorways.

New Balance 998 — Abzorb debuted on the 998 (pictured), first released in the 1990s.

The gel-based Abzorb SBS pods, meanwhile, debuted in 2006 with the 992, and they still find their way into newer models like the 1906 Utility.

That said, New Balance tends to reserve their placement for the heel, making their full-length utilization in the Abzorb 2000 all the more striking.

New Balance 1906 Utility — Abzorb SBS pods are prevalent throughout the New Balance catalog, however, they are usually reserved to the heel.

In a way, the new release will arrive as New Balance’s rebuttal to the Air Max Dn8, released in early 2025. That shoe visibly features Nike’s Dynamic Air system through the full length of the shoe.

Whether or not the Abzorb 2000 inspires its own holiday, as Air Max has done, remains to be seen. But with the conclusion of Grey Days in May, New Balance may hope the new model simply keeps the party going.

Pricing and availability

The Abzorb 2000 costs $170. It will be available to purchase from New Balance’s official website starting June 12.

The launch colorway features a blue mesh upper, with more variants scheduled for later this year.

New Balance Abzorb 2000

$170 at New Balance

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.