Matt Varga Junya Watanabe first unveiled the New Balance 1906L towards the top of the year, a loaferized version of the omnipresent New Balance 1906R. Shortly after, new colorways began hitting the ‘net, a tacit confirmation that the loafer style would be entering to the mainline catalog. Now, we’ve got official release information; you’ll be able to get your hands on this unexpected model on September 19th.
Part of what makes this shoe so hard to digest at first glance is what makes it so compelling overall. Grafting the New Balance 1906R’s composition into a loafer shape makes for an uncanny first impression, but allows the model’s performance toolings to crop up in a venue it’d never typically touch. Notably, this reimagining isn’t the first time a similar concept has been attempted in NB’s recent history. The 2002R Mule was both a frequent public comparison and also an internal guiding light in the creation of this shoe.
Senior footwear designer Charlotte Lee said as much in public comments regarding the 1906L: “Our 2002R had evolved into a mule for a few projects and the loafer felt like a more progressive version of that […] There is no longer a hard line between sports and luxury.” Indeed, New Balance’s proximity to labels like AURALEE and Miu Miu no doubt indirectly led to this hybrid shoe, embracing high-low styling concepts that are increasingly making runway appearances.
The New Balance 1906L Loafer is set to release on September 19th, retailing for $160 upon arrival. While we wait for this pair to materialize, enjoy official images via the gallery included ahead.
WHERE TO BUY
New Balance 1906L
US 09/19/2024 Thursday
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| Retailer | Release type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance US | Sold Out | Sold Out |
| Concepts | Sold Out | Sold Out |
