The New Balance ABZORB 2000 is built on a dual-density package of ABZORB and ABZORB SBS pods, the latter a patented NB invention of thermoplastic compression units that offer long-lasting propulsion. Those chunky pods underfoot also offer up one of the defining visual characteristics of the 2000: the sculpted and segmented midsole. An exposed Stability Web shank in the midfoot adds to that teched-out aesthetic, as do the varied textures in the upper, though no-sew construction allows a sleek profile to emerge despite the heavy hardware on display.
For this initial delivery, a “Blue Agate’ colorway is the choice, executing a pretty stark divergence from the brand’s trademark neutrals, almost as a visual confirmation of the 2000’s groundbreaking nature. In an overall marketing parallel, it also pays off our first look at the silhouette in Brazil. A few months later, the brand would host the ABZORB House activation that included teases of some upcoming colorways — in addition to that group, retailer shots of an almost-inverse New Balance 2000 “Grey/Blue” add to our understanding of what the model has coming down the pike.
