New Balance 1906R x AURALEE

Throughout the early 2020s, Japanese fashion label Auralee teamed up with New Balance on several stylish collections of the East Coast shoe brand’s most beloved silhouettes. Having already worked on one heritage runner in 2022 (the returning 2002R), Auralee’s visionary founder, Ryota Iwai, brought his humble, slow-fashion approach to the New Balance 1906R in 2023. Known for designing elegant, timeless apparel made from high-quality materials in carefully considered tones, Iwai crafted two minimalist colorways that honored the functional nature of the model while also bringing it an elevated feeling of style and sophistication.

The muted color scheme of this New Balance 1906R x AURALEE sneaker subtly shifts from the pastel blue of Flint Stone to the olive-tinged hue of Pistachio Shell for a look of pure elegance. The sole unit is packed with New Balance’s trademark performance technology, from the responsive N-ergy gel and the shock-absorbing ABZORB SBS cushioning of the midsole to the durable Ndurance rubber and Stability Web arch support of the outsole. This ensures that the shoe remains supportive and comfortable, while the upper delivers the fashionable esthetic of a retro running trainer. From heel to toe, it is covered in an open-knit mesh that is highly breathable, with overlays made from the finest suede and nubuck stretching across it. At the back, a glossy heel counter in a rich shade of blue bolsters the heel, and on each flank a classic N logo can be seen doubling up as part of the powerful lacing system. A purple blue terry cloth lines the interior to make the wearing experience soft and comfortable, before a set of refined dual branding on the insoles accentuates the high-fashion appeal of this expertly crafted 1906R.