New Balance 1906L

Refined for the Future

The ’90s and 2000s were groundbreaking for the sneaker industry: The running boom of the ’80s turned sneakers into fashion accessories and paved the way for them to enter the lifestyle sector. Elegant heels and old-fashioned dress shoes were out—jeans skirts and baggy pants paired with sneakers were the must-haves! It wasn’t just about cutting-edge silhouettes, but also about retro kicks. No wonder the 2002R caused such a huge sensation. The OG version of the 1906 served as inspiration for the New Balance designers. To build on that success, New Balance opted for another refined model: the 1906R.&

The idea behind the OG model goes back to the youth of footwear designer Yue Wu, who barely dared to wear his sneakers himself—for fear they might eventually look worn out. With the “used” look, he wanted to encourage wearers to actually use the shoes. From this idea and the outdoor trend that followed, additional models were developed, and brands like Salomon entered the lifestyle sector.

Trendy Variations

Every 1906R is packed with New Balance technology, which is, of course, state-of-the-art. As with the 2002R, the original sole has been replaced with the modern version from the 860v2. The outer N-ergy sole and Abzorb heel cushioning absorb shocks, while the Acteva Lite midsole ensures comfort and stable support. The upper material offers a comfortable fit and ensures a standard, true-to-size fit. 

In addition to its performance, the shoe’s design is also highly regarded by sneakerheads—not least because of the “dad shoe” trend. The success of this silhouette naturally led to some major collaborations right away—starting with the hyped collab with thisisneverthat. But of course, there are already some hyped colorways of its own. Here, we’ll show you the styles you definitely shouldn’t miss.

New Balance 1906R Cordura

This is what many outdoor enthusiasts have been waiting for! These sneakers not only come in natural tones but are also made with durable Cordura fabric. The dirt- and water-repellent material protects your feet, ensuring high comfort and durability. The Cordura version of the shoe is available in beige, olive, and black. Unlike, for example, the New Balance 1906R Green, these versions are solid-colored—including the sole—which emphasizes their outdoor style.

New Balance 1906R thisisneverthat

This collaboration is already a true icon! This version features a light gray mesh upper with yellowed elements and a yellowed sole for that retro finish. Silver leather overlays and dark gray accents give the shoe that classic "dad shoe" look. A 1906R that absolutely shouldn’t be missing from your closet!

New Balance 1906R Protection Pack

By far the most popular version—just like with the 2002R—is the Protection Pack. Like its predecessor, it comes in white, gray, and black versions. The fourth sneaker is a Reflection version in beige with black reinforcement in the heel area. All in all, these are colorways that suit any style—whether on the street or in the office. The kicks have an authentic look without a major makeover, but with subtle details. The suede layers so typical of this silhouette create the worn-in look, and the subtle details add a vintage finish—dad shoes par excellence!

These colorways were  just a taste of what’s still to come this year with the New Balance 1906R. And yet, the success is already crazy—even though the model has only just launched. Get ready for epic collabs and wild colorways, because there’s definitely more to come. We are ready!