New Balance 1906D ‘Protection Pack’

The elegantly monochrome upper of this White colorway from the New Balance 1906D ‘Protection Pack’ is covered in compelling layered effects that make it a highly desirable design. Its Turtledove-colored sole unit brings together a number of high-tech components, starting with the Stability Web support placed below the arch of the foot to ensure correct flexion and reduce the chance of injury. This forms the central part of the N-ergy outsole, which has Ndurance grip pads arranged in fours around its edge, each set with a diamond-shaped piece in the middle. A grid of diagonal lines fills out the center of the forefoot, while curving bands of rubber enter from its medial side before looping back out again.

As the outsole extends over the tip of the toe, it presents the “N” logo as the letter has been etched into the rubber. Meanwhile, the ABZORB midsole, which is also the off-white tone of Turtledove, features swooping grooves along its lateral side and gridded patterns down its medial one. ABZORB SBS cushioning supports the heel, adding to the shock-absorbing qualities of the midsole and bringing a slight change in aesthetic to the back of the sole, which has translucent pillows over a strip of white. Crimson N-ergy text has been printed onto the midsole’s lateral midfoot to indicate the use of New Balance’s supportive technology.

Meanwhile, the all-white upper is founded upon a base layer of flexible mesh that allows the foot to breathe. Various layers have been stacked up over this mesh, beginning with pieces of suede with roughly cut edges. These form broad triangles over the flanks, angled lines across the sides of the forefoot and a band across the medial side of the toe. The next layer is made of premium leather, once again with uneven edges. As well as being placed over the suede panels, these overlays create an A-frame on each side of the forefoot, the upper pieces of the eyestay and the bifurcated heel panel.

The plush inner lining is also white, as is the insole, which contains a New Balance emblem distinguished in three tones: white, black and a deep shade of red. It states the model name, 1906, and displays the words “Enhanced Performance With Ortholite” to show off the presence of this high density, low rebound material in the sockliner.

Back on the outer, the mesh tongue features its own white leather overlay, which runs jaggedly down its center. Silver boxes printed onto it contain the letters “NB” at the top and the word “Running” in eye-catching Crimson text below. At the bottom of the tongue is another small piece of leather, this one printed with a simple “N” with a looped hole above it to accommodate the white laces at their lower end. Further up, they are secured through the middle by the shoe’s innovative N-lock lacing system. This harnesses the powerful “N” branding on the flanks to help give the wearer a reliable fit as two bands of material pass through the sides of the letter and emerge from eyelets beside the tongue to provide additional loops for the laces to be threaded through.

A sturdy plastic frame bolsters the heel, wrapping around the back of the foot and swooping down all the way to the midfoot on each side. Silver NB branding shines out from a small square in the center of this structure, and a white leather tab has been slotted into its front edge on the lateral flank. Here, 1906D text is displayed, and, just like the other overlays, the tab has ragged edges, thus completing the rebelliously reconstructed look of this captivating member of the New Balance Protection Pack.