Vintage Vibes: New Balance’s 2010 in “Vintage Khaki” Has Me Feeling Some Type of Way

You know that feeling when you spot a pair of sneakers that immediately make you say, “Those are SO me”? That’s exactly what happened when I first caught a glimpse of the upcoming New Balance 2010 in “Vintage Khaki.” I’ve been covering sneaker releases for over a decade now, and let me tell you – this one’s got me checking my savings account.

Last Tuesday, I was scrolling through my feeds with my morning coffee (which I inevitably spilled on my current New Balances, by the way), when I spotted the first leaked images. I nearly choked on my toast. These aren’t just sneakers; they’re basically time machines with laces.

What’s the Big Deal About the 2010 “Vintage Khaki”?

Set to drop in Summer 2025, the “Vintage Khaki” colorway is everything I want in a sneaker right now. They’ve got this gorgeous green diamond-knit mesh that’s not just pretty to look at but actually lets your feet breathe. Anyone who’s suffered through a summer day in plastic-feeling sneakers knows exactly how important that is.

The deep brown synthetic overlays remind me of those classic hiking boots my dad used to wear when I was a kid – sturdy, reliable, and somehow always cool. And those forest green accents? Chef’s kiss. They tie the whole look together in a way that’s both retro and totally current.

I can already picture wearing these with my favorite worn-in jeans and a simple white tee. Or maybe with some khaki shorts and a navy button-up for that “I’m casual but I definitely put thought into this outfit” vibe.

Not Just Pretty Faces

Look, I’ve been burned before by sneakers that look amazing but feel like I’m walking on concrete. We all have, right? But New Balance seems to have actually thought about, you know, the whole comfort thing.

The 2010s are packed with both ABZORB and FuelCell technology. If that sounds like gibberish to you, here’s the deal: ABZORB helps absorb impact (shocking, I know), while FuelCell gives you that bouncy, energetic feel when you walk. Together, they’re like the dream team of cushioning.

Last year, I tried a different model with similar tech during a weekend trip to Chicago. I walked something like 8 miles in one day (got lost trying to find that famous bean sculpture thing), and my feet didn’t hate me afterward. That’s about as high praise as I can give any shoe.

The Brown Edition is Nothing to Sneeze At Either

While I’m clearly swooning over the “Vintage Khaki,” the straight-up “Brown” version deserves some love too. With breathable mesh uppers and brown suede overlays that look like they belong in some fancy downtown loft, they’re hitting that sweet spot between old-school cool and modern tech.

The way the light hits that suede? Magical. I saw something similar at a sneaker convention in Portland last year, and the crowd around that display was three-deep. Some things just speak to people, you know?

The Waiting Game

The hardest part? We’ve gotta wait until 2025. That feels like forever away. I’ve already caught myself browsing my current sneaker collection with a bit of disappointment, like when you’ve already decided on dessert and suddenly the appetizer seems less exciting.

My wife says I need to chill out. “They’re just shoes,” she tells me, while simultaneously having fourteen nearly identical black boots in her closet. We all have our things, don’t we?

Where Can You Snag a Pair?

When these finally drop in Summer 2025, you’ll be able to find them at select retailers both in-store and online. Based on previous releases, I’d keep an eye on the official New Balance website, as well as your favorite sneaker spots.

If history repeats itself (and in the sneaker world, it usually does), these might sell out pretty quick. I still have nightmares about missing the 990v3 “Moonbeam” release because I was “being responsible” and “paying bills” instead of refreshing the page obsessively. Never again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a sneaker that manages to feel both brand new and somehow familiar at the same time. The 2010 in “Vintage Khaki” hits that rare sweet spot, and I’m already making space in my closet (and my budget).

Are they worth the hype? From where I’m sitting, with my coffee-stained current kicks and dreams of green diamond-knit mesh dancing in my head, I’d say absolutely. Summer 2025 can’t come soon enough.

Will I see you in the virtual queue when these drop? I hope so. Just don’t grab the last pair in size 10.5, or we might have problems.