New Balance

WHEN NEW BALANCE dropped news of the 1906L earlier this year, the internet was abuzz. Some people loved the techy shoe-loafer hybrid. Some people hated it. I was decidedly in the former category.

It’s been a long, cold year, waiting for these shoes to drop, but we made it. This morning, shoppers as hopeful as I flocked to the New Balance website and waited in a queue to purchase the shoes that dare to merge the everyday and the elevated. Alas, the silver sneaker-slash-penny-loafer of my dreams is finally here.

Sure, this loafer looks cool as hell – a metallic silver outer with a retro-looking mesh upper and shiny synthetic overlays will tend to do that – but what makes it truly worthy of excitement is its craftsmanship. This is still New Balance, after all. The brand makes some of the comfiest sneakers on the market, and that same tech is utilised in the 1906L.

Drawing from the best-selling 1906 sneaker, the 1906L has a comfortable, cushiony 860v2 sole unit, shock-absorbency pods at the heel and outsole, and a breathable, open-holed upper. It’s all about merging contemporary fashion with the functionality we know and love New Balance for.

New Balance 1906L loafer
New Balance

Unsurprisingly, this shoe sold out within a couple hours of launching today, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted when they’re available again. And if you see me walking around this fall with silvery, mesh penny loafers paired with everything from dressed-down jeans and a tee to an elevated office fit, take a cue and get yourself a pair, because the 1906L is about to be the new go-to.

Get notified when it’s back in stock:

New Balance 1906L Loafer, $230 from New Balance.

Related:

The best men’s loafers for every occasion and style

The 8 big menswear trends of spring 2024