New Balance Gets Down to Earth on This Foot Locker-Exclusive Collection
Having been around for over a century, have a storied and extensive history, and they’ve been hard at work reinventing archival models for the new generation. The modern remakes have been hitting the , , and in recent years, and New Balance are keeping the spotlight on them with a new range of earthy colourways that will be landing exclusively at Foot Locker. The versatile iterations strike the perfect balance between style and comfort to create a collection that's sure to please the 2023 sneakerhead.
The 1906R was first released in 2009, and while it laid low for a number of years, 2023 sure hasn’t let it go unnoticed anymore. It’s been getting the royal treatment, boasting powerhouse colabs with the likes of and , but it’s also getting fire in-line releases, including the recent . The newest iteration brings the same energy, with a brown mesh base covered in olive green suede overlays. Black frames the design, hitting the external heel counter, logo and eyelets. Comfort is of course also catered for, with N-ERGY cushioning gracing the heel for that extra bounce. Whether it's a classic pair of denim jeans or utilitarian cargos, the 1906R is as versatile as a Swiss Army Knife.
The 2002R has a heavier hand on the suede overlays compared to the 1906R for more of a lifestyle look, and this creates a smooth aesthetic that is proving popular in 2023. The newest iteration balances warm and cool shades, with ‘Mushroom Brown’ taking on the mesh base and majority of the suede overlays before a cool grey comes in on the accents. White features on the laces and midsole, and the latter is fitted with the same tooling as the 1906R. Subtle but sleek, the 2002R brings an elevated touch to any 'fit.
Finishing off the collection is the NB 530, a 90s running shoe that slots in nicely with any fit, whether you’re going for a normcore aesthetic or something a bit more experimental. If there was a colour to define 2023, it would be metallic silver. The Y2K aesthetic is all the rage at the moment, and this colourway leans into that with chrome overlays sitting on a white mesh base. Cargo brown accents ground the sneaker, primarily seen on the N logo and ABZORB branding in the creamy midsole. While the combination of earthy and metallic is unexpected, it works here thanks to the subtlety and balance of the tones.
The New Balance collection is adaptable for any sneakerhead, old or new, with timeless silhouettes that feel fresh thanks to its modern colour blocking. Whether tonal like the 1906R and 2002R or contrasted like the 530, NB’s extensive archive will hold you down for whatever look you’re going for. Throw in New Balance’s all-day comfort as the cherry on top, and you’ve got yourself an all-timer. Hit the link below to cop your favourite pair.