New Balance is stirring quite the conversation with their latest sneaker drop: the 1906L, a sneaker-loafer hybrid. Some folks are totally on board, while others seem to be on the fence about it. In fact, according to the fashion stats and trend-tracking page Data But Make it Fashion on Instagram, the sneaker-loafer's popularity has shot up by 20% since the big reveal.
Love it or hate it, these street-meets-formalwear trainers are clearly shaking up the sneaker scene. Curious to know more about the shoes everybody’s been talking about lately? Read on!
LOOK: New Balance’s Sneaker-Loafer Combo, the 1906L
So, here's the deal: New Balance took their trusty 1906D sneakers and gave them a makeover. The concept is as straightforward as it gets: It's a pair of their classic trainers, fashioned after penny loafers. We know what you're thinking—they're essentially slip-on sneakers. But here's the catch: These beaters were actually made in collaboration with Japanese avant garde designer, Junya Watanabe. They initially debuted during his Fall/Winter 2024 showcase at Paris Fashion Week last January. Soon after the runway debut, it was revealed to be an in-house collaboration with sportswear brand New Balance. Introduced in black, green, and metallic colorways, the 1906Ls feature a mesh-lined upper and a shock-absorbent sole, characteristic of the original sneakers it was based upon.
Playfully called “snoafers” by internet fashionistas, these runners are expected to hit stores sometime from July to September 2024. While no official price point has been announced just yet, we're expecting these trainers to go between P6,800 to P9,800—based on the existing prices of the standard 1906 sneakers.
LOOK: Netizens React to New Balance’s Sneaker-Loafers
Call it a conversation piece, if you will. After all, the 1906L snoafers have definitely divided the internet's fashion folk with its design. Some seem to be loving the look, much to their own surprise, too. One user even commented: "I wanted to hate that but it's genius [I can't lie]."
In contrast, others were quick to dismiss the sneakers altogether, with some describing it as a "grandma shoe." One comment even read: "These look like they smell without even being worn."
What do you think of these sneaker-loafers? Let us know in the comments!
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