New Balance’s Hit 1906 Loafer Gets Even Snazzier in Suede

Coming off a viral buildup and sellouts for its first few colorways near the end of the 2024, New Balance’s 1906 Loafer is gearing up for a bountiful 2025.

The New Balance 1906L will soon add three additional colorways — including a green, blue and silver edition reminiscent of Sprite releasing next week— and now a new duo has been revealed in suede.

Rather than the mix of mesh and synthetic leather used on all editions seen thus far, the upper is now rendered entirely in suede, with the exception of the TPU heel stabilizer. Available in either black or brown, the upper also maintains a monochromatic look. The black version then features a matching sole unit, while the brown features the very same black sole as its counterpart.

While popular enough to sell through its stock in its first three colorways, as well as nearly every size of the two collaborative Junya Watanabe editions, the 1906 Loafer hasn’t been without its detractors. Some appreciate the versatility of the half-sneaker, half-loather where others see sacrilege. And with five colorways already confirmed for the months ahead, the debate isn’t likely to die down soon.

The 1906 series has been one of New Balance’s best performers since being brought back to life from the archives in 2022. Originally released in 2009, the shoe was revived as the 1906R while adopting the sole unit of the 860v2. That same sole unit, Abzorb heel units and all, is now used on the 1906L to deliver all the comfort you’d expect from a sneaker along with a slip-on upper with more refinement than usual.

A release date hasn’t yet been set for the New Balance 1906L in black and brown suede, but both should arrive relatively soon through New Balance’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing for both is set at $160.

About the Author:

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.