New Balance’s success in recent years can be heavily attributed to the hype surrounding chunky “dad shoes” and mesh runners, the latter being the case in today's sneaker landscape. Of all NB’s mesh runners, the 1906R has received a significant push from the Boston-based label as collaborators continue to bring their vision to the sneaker. New versions of the sneaker are also spawning left and right, from the loafer 1906L to more bespoke DIY-inspired pairs like the 1906A. New Balance is taking inspiration from the brand’s military footwear, the New Balance 950v2, for the new 1906M model.
The 950v2 first emerged in 2014 when it was a prototype for US service members, but it became military-issued in 2018 when NB signed a deal with the Department of Defense. The model itself drew inspiration from the Leadville 1210, a marathoner shoe from NB, with the 950v2’s sole unit and overlays playing off the design language of the 1210. For this new 1906 variant, we see a Fantomfit overlay laid across the mesh base, with this panel featuring diamond-shaped cut-outs to reveal more of the mesh base below. Features from the standard 1906R remain, like the TPU heel counter, leather toecap, and NLock lacing setup with the N logo containing nylon straps. Underfoot, the sneaker comes with the same foam midsole and outsole that other 1906 variants feature, borrowed from the 860v2.
As of this writing, there is no confirmed release information for the New Balance 1906M, though with these early samples from overseas making their way to the internet this late into the year, we should expect a 2025 release. Check below for images of two potential 1906M colorways, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
New Balance 1906M
Images via dane3fune
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
