The 1906 Loafer: Designed for serious leisure.

New Balance is reimagining its classic 1906 sneaker into a penny loafer, perfectly blending together formality, wearable comfort, and cutting-edge style in this new shoe.

Inspired by the increased popularity of the loafer and a drive for versatility across sport and formal wear, this adaptation of the brand’s 1906 sneaker takes the silhouette’s signature features – the open holed mesh upper, the curvilinear synthetic overlays, and the 860v2 sole unit, featuring segmented ABZORB SBS pods at the heel – and reimagines them in the shape of a classic penny loafer.

“When Lani [Perry, Senior Product Manager at New Balance] and I were observing the loafer     trend, we felt like it was a natural evolution for us as a brand. Our 2002R had evolved into a      mule for a few projects and the loafer felt like a more progressive version of that. We talked a lot about the luxury fashion space and how there is no longer a hard line between sports and luxury. With our previous heritage marketing campaign, ‘What the Well-Dressed Runner Wears’ it felt like a relevant space for us to play in. These conversations resulted in me taking the 1906R       artwork and merging it into a loafer form and ideating colour application.

Most of the product creation process was sample based, starting with a taped-last to ensure the 1906R pattern was correctly represented within a loafer form. There was no need for a new      blueprint for this model as it was using the existing sole of the 1906 sneaker,” says Charlotte Lee, Senior Footwear Designer at New Balance.

The loafer seeks to erase the distinction between high-performance heritage and cutting-edge fashion, elevated by its runway debut at this year’s Fall/Winter Paris Fashion Week. Admits an ongoing juxtaposition of sneakers and formal attire, the 1906 Loafer provides a new and elevated option that speaks for itself.

The 1906 Loafer will be available globally beginning on September 19, 2024, for a suggested retail price of $160 USD.

Product details:

•          Open holed synthetic mesh upper

•          Curvilinear synthetic overlays

•          860v2 sole unit; ABZORB SBS pods at heel

•          N-energy shock absorption outsole

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.