Earthy tones and elevated craft. This season, New Balance delivers two silhouettes that speak the language of quiet luxury, understated, thoughtful, and effortlessly refined. Rooted in the brand’s heritage, the 204L and 1906L show meticulous craftsmanship on full display, each silhouette a lesson in nuance. There’s a tonal symphony, the 204L’s ‘Mushroom’ suede and the Loafer’s ‘Olive’ suede/mesh triangle, align like cousins in a neutral-rich palette.

New Balance 204L

Let’s start with the 204L, a brand-new model for 2025 that feels like it’s been part of New Balance’s legacy all along. Multi-panelled suede, precise stitching, thoughtful overlays – a testament to the label’s artisanal technique.

What makes it so special? The NB 204L is built on the brand’s archival 320, giving it a distinctly low-slung, athletic profile. It’s fast in silhouette, almost like a vintage track shoe that’s taken up residence in the pages of a style editorial. But while the sole’s form nods to ’70s tread, the upper is pure 2000s throwback, inspired by the techy, layered design of the NB 425 runner.

It’s a masterclass in contrast: speed and softness, sport and sophistication. The 204L arrives in a monochromatic ‘Mushroom’ and ‘Timberwolf’ colourways, draped entirely in premium suede, with sculpted overlays that play with shadow and structure. The feel is minimal, but never flat. There’s a warmth and weight to the material that elevates it far above your average retro runner, capturing the same low-profile synergy as the Miu Miu 530 but in-house.

New Balance 1906 Loafer

Then there’s the 1906 Loafer, a design that defies categories in the best way. 

Rewind to 2024 when tradition slipped into something sportier. The 1906L – a hybrid dubbed the snoafer – was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week. Its mission: infuse high-fashion old-school penny loafer appeal with the trademark ride of New Balance’s 1906R runner. Fast‑forward to now, and the loafer returns as a European exclusive, featuring swathes of suede, mesh, and TPU overlays in a harmonious ‘Olive’ tone, grounded by an N-ergy outsole and cushioned with ABZORB tech. 

Both pairs are minimal, but multidimensional; they don’t shout; they narrate, in subtle suede strokes and curves serving an audience that moves seamlessly between day and night. Whether you’re pacing brunch rounds or curating evening looks, this duo offers a refined foundation. The 204L is the whisper-quiet statement sneaker, textural and sleek. The 1906L? It’s your polished step into style-conscious versatility, smart enough for the office, laidback enough for galleries and get-togethers. Both belong in the same wardrobe, in our opinion.

Which will be your in rotation, sleek runner or sartorial loafer? Or maybe both, because who could resist the full tonal story?

New Balance’s 1906L ‘Olive’ is available at size? now and the ‘Timberwolf’ 204L launches on 13.08.2025.