New Balance 1906

1906

New Balance’s 1000 series featured many high-quality running shoes, and one of the most well-regarded was the 1906. Released in 2009 and named after the year the company was founded, it was presented as a premium runner, but wasn’t necessarily considered to be fashionable. However, by the 2020s, things were different, and the New Balance 1906 was poised to make a resounding comeback.

With its classy Y2K aesthetic and high-tech components, the 1906 fit perfectly into the normcore fashion trend, which was in full swing in the early 2020s. It was rereleased in 2022 as the New Balance 1906R, featuring the same upper as the original model alongside a new sole unit.

Breathable mesh and suede or leather overlays formed the shoe’s upper, with a TPU cage protecting the heel, an innovative N-lock lacing system providing excellent lockdown and classic branding effects maintaining the shoe’s fashionable Y2K look. The sole unit, which was based on the 860v2 model, featured Acteva Lite foam for lightweight cushioning alongside shock-absorbing N-ergy Gel and ABZORB SBS pods in the heel. Meanwhile, a Stability Web supported the midfoot and Ndurance rubber was used on the outsole for durable traction.

To boost the release of the 1906R, New Balance enlisted South Korean fashion label thisisneverthat. They produced a sneaker with stylish vintage effects which the brand described as “90s running style for the modern age.” This was soon followed up by several general release colourways, with two being crafted by influential designer Akio Hasegawa.

The launch was a big success, and more collaborative partners, including the dynamic pairing of Asian clothing brands INVINCIBLE and N. HOOLYWOOD, were brought on board to create their own distinctive colourways. Over the next few years, the 1906R was involved in some of the most sought-after New Balance collaborations, those with Tokyo-based label AURALEE, American rapper Action Bronson and Danish fashion house GANNI being particularly popular. In fact, Taylor Swift could often be seen wearing GANNI’s 1906R ‘Egret’, bringing the model even more acclaim.

During this time, the New Balance 1906R was also reworked into all manner of different variants. There were visionary designer Yue Wu’s 1906D and 1906A, each of which had its own deconstructed take on the original sneaker, and the rugged 1906U, which was involved in a number of captivating collaborations. Then there was the viral 1906L with its semi-formal, penny loafer design, and the dynamic 1906W, whose lightweight, no-sew upper was based on a military-inspired silhouette from the New Balance archives.

While the New Balance 1906 was always renowned for its high-quality build and exceptional comfort, it wasn’t until it returned as the 1906R in 2022 that it was recognised as a stylish fashion item. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, constantly reinventing itself to appeal to a wide range of sneaker enthusiasts and casual fans, making it one of the most beloved silhouettes of its time.