The New Balance 1906A “Tech Explosion” (aka “Refined Future,” noting an extension of “Protection Pack” style) drops on July 24th, retailing for $170. NewBalance.com will host a drop for this shoe, but select boutiques like CNCPTS, BTSN and the like have also been confirmed to be dropping this pair. Find our full list of stockists ahead via “Where To Buy” just ahead.
WHERE TO BUY
New Balance 1906A
Retailer | Release type | Status |
---|---|---|
New Balance US | Standard | Check Site |
Concepts | Standard | Check Site |
The New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” aka “Refined Future” series marked a significant moment in New Balance’s uprise in the 2020s. It immediately caught the eyes of retro-running enthusiasts due to an aesthetic that can only be described as “unfinished”. The extended edges on the upper made the shoes appear as if it there were a few stages left in manufacturing, a look championed by Virgil Abloh back in 2016 with the Off-White x Nike “The 10”.
New Balance aims to continue the late-stage appeaerance with the New Balance 1906A, the latest variation of the popular 1906 tech runner series. Similar un-cut overlays appear on the upper as they extend downwards over the midsole; the same build strategy appears at the lowermost eyelets, covering the base of the tongue. The thick ribbons that make up the slanted-N logo also need trimming as the flat cords spill downwards to the ground.
The “thrown together” look persists via the label that has gone askew on a diagonal and un-fixed to the mesh. Finally, a touch of aged yellowing adds the finishing touch to achieve that lost-in-the-vault presence.
Currently, the New Balance 1906A is beginning to appear at retailers overseas, but should release on newbalance.com stateside on July 24th for $170.