Name: New Balance 1906L
Colorway: Black/Blacktop-Phantom
Release Date: December 4
Price: $168 USD
Where to Buy: New Balance

New Balance continues to push its loafer hybrids now offering the 1906L in "Black," echoing its coveted Junya Watanabe Man rendition that debuted at Paris Fashion Week.

After unveiling the sneaker-loafer in the brand's classic silver and a gray "Raincloud" variant, the viral Junya Watanabe 1906L took the model to a new level, retailing for roughly $332 USD. The new 1906L "Black" mirrors the color palette of the Watanabe model closely, yet differs in its materiality, which leans into New Balance's typical mesh uppers. Where Watanabe chose smooth matte leather for the toe box and collar, black mesh takes its place, along with the addition of a subtle "N" embroidered below the tongue.

The all-black 1906L offers a pared-down option in contrast with the bold silver overlays featured in the inaugural model. Additionally, the forthcoming release also sits at a more accessible price point than its Junya Watanabe counterpart, at $168 USD.

Recent seasons reveal a more playful output from the American sneaker maker, which in past years, has focussed on technical running features and easily adopted lifestyle models. For example, the brand's collaborations with rapper Aminé have reimagined archival runners in unconventional colorways like the BTEE740 with its exuberant blue and orange color scheme.

The 1906L breaks the mold further, completely transforming the classic 1906 into a hybrid silhouette in dialogue with the shifting sneaker design landscape.

The New Balance 1906L "Black" will arrive on December 4 via the New Balance web store.

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