Without a doubt, the New Balance 1906R is destined to be one of this year’s most popular sneakers. First introduced all the way back in 2009, it was an extremely popular choice among casual runners. And, after a mysterious hiatus that lasted over a decade, the retro silhouette was brought back to life 13 years later in 2022.
To nobody’s surprise, the 1906R quickly became one of the most sought-after trainers in the market. Riding the coattails of the 2002R hype that completely took over 2020 and 2021, the 1906R is arguably a more refined version of the old school model, with a breathable mesh base and metallic silver overlays that can be traced back to the early years of the millenium. If you’ve been thinking of adding a pair to your collection, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, Captain Creps will be covering everything from its design, the sizing and fit, and a lot more!
The 1906R, which was originally just called the 1906, has been dominating sneaker collections over the past couple of months. Known for its very vintage design, this is the kind of shoe that your dad would rock to mow the lawn or to fire up the Sunday BBQ. New Balance know this, and they full embrace the throwback aesthetic.
In general, like most sneakers to come from the Boston-based sportswear company, the 1906R fits true to size (TTS). The upper shape is on the broader side, so those with particularly wide feet will feel perfectly at home here. If you have a pair of 2002R, we’d recommend that you get the same size. However, as always, the best way to get the perfect fit is to try these on in-store.
We’re not even exaggerating when we say that the 1906R is one of the most comfortable trainers that you can buy today. As mentioned before, the upper is crafted from a very breathable mesh base, and is overlaid by smooth leather panels throughout. NB have added an all-new heel counter around the back for unrivalled support and hold, which has been designed from the ground up just for this silhouette. The eyelets also works in tandem with the “N” logo to form the N-LOCK system, making the shoe even more lightweight and versatile.
All of this, and we haven’t even started talking about what’s underfoot. The midsole is infused with New Balance’s critically-acclaimed ABZORB foam, and it’s lined with an ENCAP rubber midsole for the perfect balance between cushioning, traction, and response. So, is the 1906R comfy? Undoubtedly, yes.
Back in 2009, the 1906R was introduced as the go-to running shoe. Over a decade later, and this statement rings true today. From the ventilated mesh construction to the ABZORB midsole underfoot, this will get you from Point A to Point B with next to no dramas. With that said, we wouldn’t recommend wearing these for something hardcore like an ultramarathon. Competitors like Adidas and Nike have sneakers that have been specifically designed with those activities in mind.
Since its return in 2022, the 1906R has been blessed with countless coveted collaboration and colourways. From New York City’s Aimé Leon Dore to Seoul’s thisisneverthat, it even has its very own “Protection Pack” which includes a total of four deconstructed pairs.
It should come as no surprise that the 1906R is becoming more and more popular by the second. Naturally, collabs will only be available through secondary marketplaces, but you can secure your size across plenty of GRs pretty easily. This means you won’t need to join raffles or camp outside stores to cop:
The New Balance 1906 is one helluva sneaker. First revealed back in 2009, after a hiatus, it was revived over one decade later in 2022. Since then, it has become one of the American sportswear company’s most hyped silhouettes. Fitting true to size (TTS), it’s crafted from mesh and leather and sits on top of a chunky ABZORB midsole. If you’re looking for the ultimate trainer that’s perfect for running, walking, and general lifestyle wear, the 1906R should be on your radar right now!
