Junya Watanabe steered talk about the New Balance 1906R in a whole new direction back in January, revealing a loafer version of what’s arguably New Balance’s most popular lifestyle shoe. Several non-collaborative colorways have surfaced on social media since then, igniting debate about the shoe’s unapologetic fusion of retro running and dressed-up footwear aesthetics.
The 1906L probably won’t capture the same broad appeal as its namesake, but it could certainly prove to be cult favorite in certain techwear and avant-garde fashion circles. Time will tell, but for now, the 1906L campaign presses on with a new “Silver” pair decked out in reflective leather.
The top portion of the 1906R is completely chopped off to produce the loafer shape, decorated by a silver panel in the absence of laces and wrap-around lining at the collar. Aside from that drastic makeover up top, the shoe’s utility-minded overlays and sole take the same presentation as the mainline version. The 1906R has released in countless colorways and the 1906L will likely do the same, but this look offers some semblance of familiarity with a grey base, overlays, and reflective accents.
Enjoy official retailer images below and return to our Sneaker Release Dates for updates on the shoe’s arrival, likely to hit shelves in FW24 alongside the aforementioned Junya Watanabe 1906L.