YEAR OF THE 1906

New Balance has had a moment over the past years with no sign stopping. In the last couple of years, we saw a resurgence of the 2002R in great thanks to packs such as the Refined Future designed by Yue Wu

My prediction is that 2023 will be the year of the 1906R. 1906R is a sneaker inspired by 2000s running shoes and named after the year New Balance was conceived. Due to social media like TikTok, the 2000s futuristic design has become trending for the general consumer and fashion purest. Sneakers that slide into this design category, such as the Nike Vomero 5 and ASICS Gel-Kayano 14, have increased sales and collaborations. The 1906R holds similar traits to these sneakers with futuristic aspects and a running style silhouette. New Balance can use this model to take a bite out of the market.

This prediction is not in blind faith or a random call. New Balance has already started to push this model by getting Yue Wu to design the popular Refined Future style onto this silhouette. New Balance also has a variety of other collaborations coming out for this model over the next year. CDG x Junya Watanabe designed 1906R, being the more recently viewed collab showcased in the Junya Watanabe FW 2023 show at Paris Fashion Week. 

The 1906R to a New Balance and sneaker purest is a fantastic model with excellent everyday wear and is talked about in the sneaker space. This model also taps into the everyday consumer due to the rise of styles and similar trending shoes from other brands. This model will move units by being purchased by both the everyday consumer and the sneakerheads. New Balance will and should push this model throughout this year or until this wave dies.

Through previewed collaborations with trusted designers, brands, and utilisation of New Balance creatives such as Yue Wu, it is shaping up to be the year of the 1906R.