New Balance Will Release More of Its Viral 1906 Loafer Sneakers This Year

One of 2024’s most surprising footwear successes was New Balance’s 1906L, a half-loafer, half-sneaker hybrid which debuted on the Paris Fashion Week runway and became an instant hit once it hit shelves in September. While the design has proved divisive amongst some enthusiasts, those who favor the sneaker-loafer have done so enthusiastically, with each drop selling out quickly thus far. Fans of the shoes looking to add new looks to their rotation — or try the 1906L out for the first time — will have plenty of opportunities to do so this year.

Next up for the New Balance 1906L is a “Silver Metallic/NB Navy/Dark Juniper” combination which combines the shoe’s futuristic silver synthetics with more earthy shades of navy blue and dark green. A cream-colored midsole gives the pair, which has a SKU of U1906LOA, a vintage edge, and overall this is one of the more colorful looks for the loafer yet. The colorway is confirmed to be released Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. ET from newbalance.com and can also be found at select retailers for $160.

But that’s not all. In addition to the “Dark Juniper” look, two more upcoming New Balance 1906L styles have surfaced in “Silver Metallic/Black” (SKU U1906LOC) and “Silver Metallic/Cream” (SKU U1906LOB). Unlike the “Dark Juniper” iteration, release dates have not yet been announced for the two silver-dominant pairs, but they’re expected to be launched soon.

The 1906 Loafer was designed by Charlotte Lee, design manager of EMEA energy and speed at New Balance. Lee’s portfolio also includes the New Balance 327, XC-72 and 237 models. 

With several new looks on the way, it will be intriguing to see if the New Balance 1906 Loafer can maintain the buzz it carried throughout ’24 or if some of the novelty will fade as the shoe becomes more widely available. 

Readers can find a detailed look at all three upcoming 1906L styles below.