Over the years, we’ve written extensively about the incredible comfort and chameleonic versatility that defines New Balance’s 1906 trainer.
A performance shoe that has morphed into a launchpad for the brand’s dialogue with music and street culture; the 1906R (as it is known today) continues to be popular among fashion-forward sneakerheads.
Following successful team-ups with the likes of Auralee and Aimé Leon Dore, New Balance is going back to basics this September — with the launch of two classic 1906R colourways.
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As always, both new models are built around the silhouette’s class-leading combination of comfort and premium tech.
Inspired by the cushioning and shock absorption features found in the 860 — New Balance’s performance running shoe — each 1906R is constructed with an N-ergy outsole and ABZORB® pods in its heel.
The comfort benefits of the 1906R are well known. So, for a change of pace, we thought we’d delve into the aesthetics of each model — and even tee up a few looks to rock them with, just in time for spring.
For The Stylish Go-Getter — 1906REU ‘Silver Metallic’
To take nothing away from its blue-and-black sibling, we reckon this ‘Silver Metallic’ number is still the more versatile of New Balance’s two new 1906Rs. True to its nickname, the shoe is overlaid with glittery chrome decals — highlighted along the forefoot and heel counter.
The shoe’s mostly silver-and-white palette (itself a fun callback to the clean, collegiate aesthetic that dominated runners in the early 2000s) is accented with pops of forest green.
And, as you can see above, the designers at New Balance have used this shade to flag some of their favourite details: like the classic ‘N’ profile logo and the individual cushioning pods.
Shop The Look
- Norse Projects ‘Bjarki’ Cotton Twist Sock | $45
- Porter Yoshida & Co ‘Tanker’ Waist Bag | $480
- Gramicci Twill G-Shorts | $129
- The Real McCoys ‘Ringer’ Pocket Tee | $165
- And Wander 3L Ultralight Rain Jacket | ~$762
For Fit Gods & Nocturnal Animals — 1906RWE ‘Outer Space’
The omega to the 1906REU’s alpha, this ‘Outer Space’ themed colourway takes wearers right back to basics; with a monochrome treatment that, depending on where and when you wear them, will look like Blade Runner 2049 paraphernalia underfoot.
Even working with this model’s limited navy-on-black palette, New Balance has managed to layer in plenty of visual interest courtesy of contrasting textiles.
Leather paneling, decorated with a top-stitch motif, is overlaid on the ‘Outer Space’ upper: which, in turn, is fashioned from Cordura — a waterproof synthetic that sports a distinctive webbed surface.
The splash-resistant construction make this variation a great choice for a daily beater; but, if you’re liable to spend more time out and about after dark (think packed gigs or cocktail bars) well…these are no slouch in that department either.
Shop The Look
- Our Legacy ‘Roam’ Wide-Leg Paneled Shell Trousers | ~$719
- De Bonne Facture Honeycomb-Knit Cotton & Linen Shirt | ~$514
- 18 East ‘Costa’ Blazer | $630
- All Blues ‘Twist’ Bracelet In Polished Silver | ~$920
- Julius Tart ‘Countdown’ Sunglasses | ~$685
Now that you’re across the latest New Balance 1906R releases, why not throw it back to 1982 with a short history of the 990 — one of, if not the most influential silhouettes the brand has ever created?
This article is sponsored by New Balance. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
