Since Junya Watanabe first revealed the New Balance 1906R‘s transformation into a loafer at the beginning of the year, anticipation has been high for the oddball hybrid. Now, New Balance has finally confirmed the debut for the smart shoe mashup through an in-house release.
The New Balance 1906R Loafer will release in September in the metallic silver colorway that’s previously leaked. Laces are nowhere to be seen, and the tongue has been reconfigured in the style of a penny loafer. While boasting a lower cut, the upper maintains its mesh base in grey with metallic silver overlays and a heel stabilizing cage. The sole unit taken from the 860v2 also remains, packing Abzorb SBS pods at the heel and an N-ergy shock absorption outsole for the most advanced loafer you’re likely ever to see.
While sneaker culture has exploded over the past decade, men have also more recently begun to adopt a broader range of sneakers including loafers, clogs and mules. Any such tension in choosing between sneakers and a casual shoe that’s smarter need not persist with the 1906R that does both.
Charlotte Lee, senior footwear designer for New Balance, said in a press release that her Lani Perry, a senior product manager had been inspired to create the 1906R after observing the loafer trend in fashion and seeing the 2002R reconfigured as a mule. She also pointed to New Balance’s “What the Well-Dressed Runner Wears” campaign as giving them license to play in the space.
“We talked a lot about the luxury fashion space and how there is no longer a hard line between sports and luxury,” Lee said. “Most of the product creation process was sample based, starting with a taped-last to ensure the 1906R pattern was correctly represented within a loafer form. There was no need for a new blueprint for this model as it was using the existing sole of the 1906 sneaker.”
The New Balance 1906R Loafer will release September 16 through New Balance’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $160.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
