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Organic Concrete & Visible Tech: The New Balance 2000 & 2010 at Torres Blancas
At Noirfonce, we are constantly searching for the dialogue between footwear and the spaces it inhabits. For our latest editorial, we took two of the most boundary-pushing silhouettes in the New Balance lineup—the ABZORB 2000 and the ABZORB 2010—to one of Madrid’s most iconic architectural landmarks: Torres Blancas.
Designed by Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oíza in the 1960s, Torres Blancas is a masterpiece of Spanish Organicism. Its curved concrete forms and "tree-like" structure serve as the perfect parallel to the "vis-tech" philosophy of the early 2000s that New Balance is currently reviving.
While the concrete curves of Torres Blancas were designed to mimic nature, the sculpted midsoles of the 2000 and 2010 were engineered to protect the human form. At the heart of both models lies ABZORB, New Balance’s legendary cushioning system.
Introduced in 1993, ABZORB is more than just foam. It’s a proprietary blend of isoprene rubber and specialized materials designed to displace energy. Unlike standard EVA that compresses and loses its shape, ABZORB remains consistent, spreading the force of each impact sideways rather than up into your joints.
The ABZORB 2000: This model is a "thought experiment" brought to life. Designed by Charlotte Lee using VR tools, it features a full-length ABZORB unit combined with ABZORB SBS pods. The result is a midsole that looks—and feels—digitally carved.
The ABZORB 2010: Taking a more "maximalist" approach, the 2010 features expansive proportions and a segmented sole unit. It pairs this aggressive cushioning with a premium diamond-knit mesh upper, bridging the gap between a high-performance "dad shoe" and a futuristic tech-runner.
The editorial captures the tension between the raw, exposed concrete of the building and the high-shine, metallic finishes of the sneakers. In the shadows of Oíza’s cylinders, the reflective accents of the NB 2000 match the colors of the building in the background, highlighting the 3D-printed overlays that replace traditional stitching.
Much like Torres Blancas, which was decades ahead of its time with its innovative use of materials, these silhouettes represent a "parallel timeline" where Y2K performance technology never stopped evolving. They aren't just retro releases; they are a celebration of structural integrity and avant-garde design.
"The challenge was finding the balance between heritage and modernity... amplifying those iconic cues like the ABZORB SBS gel cushioning but reworking them through a contemporary lens." — Charlotte Lee, NB Design Manager.
The New Balance ABZORB 2000 and 2010 are now available at Noirfonce. Whether you're drawn to the minimalist, streamlined upper of the 2000 or the chunky, architectural stance of the 2010, both models offer a masterclass in visible technology.
