The first looks of a brown suede 1906L rustled through in 2024, but now, alas, the New Balance 1906L “Rich Oak” is ready for release. This colorway is arguably the most buttoned-up member of the 1906L loafer family tree, a patriarch amidst a lineage of more flamboyant footwear.

About the New Balance 1906L “Rich Oak”

Unlike its mesh-clad siblings, this iteration has traded in its sporty threads for a full suit of warm-toned brown suede, swathing the entire upper from overlay to tongue in luxurious texture. The only hint of synthetic rebellion comes from the signature heel counter, a counterpoint to the almost hirsute suede. This refined upper rests atop a stoic black rubber sole embossed with the familiar lines that run through the 1906 lineage.

The usual suspects remain present and accounted for: the “N-ergy” tag on the lateral midsole, a subtle nod to the shoe’s hallmark cushioning technology; the “1906L” graphic on the lateral upper, a quiet declaration of its lineage; and, of course, the New Balance wordmarks at the heel and toe box, like signatures on a well-crafted piece of furniture.

Although recent online sightings of other 1906 variants have clung to the technical details and mesh construction of the original 1906, sporting New Balance’s signature chrome overlays in shades of “Silver Metallic”, “Silver Metallic/Black”, and the upcoming “Silver Metallic/Navy/Dark Juniper”, the “Rich Oak” takes a decidedly different path. It’s as if the other models are sprinting a marathon while this one is enjoying a leisurely stroll through an autumnal forest.

Adding fuel to the fire, a black suede counterpart has also surfaced, hinting that New Balance is ready to fully embrace this cozier, more sophisticated direction. It seems the brand is betting that we’re ready to trade in our track spikes for something a little more… lounge-worthy.

Release Details

At the time of writing, an official release date remains undisclosed. But fret not, for the “Rich Oak” is surely just around the corner. Stay tuned!

In other news, check out the New Balance 9060 “Lavender”. Alternatively, you can also head to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and browse the latest and greatest in sneakers, streetwear, and TCG.

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