The New Balance 1906R hasn’t become as popular as some of its kin, but it’s getting there. Handfuls of general releases have helped the silhouette become a versatile option for countless consumers, as have collaborations. COMME des GARÇONS HOMME recently unveiled its own takes on the retro running sneaker.
Shown as part of the JUNYA WATANABE MAN Fall/Winter 2023 collection, three monochromatic looks will launch before the year ends. The 1906R isn’t a stranger to muted outfits, but the upscale effort has finally ushered in all-black finishes. Fans of the New Balance sneaker had been requesting a stealthy look on the model, and will likely be disappointed by the collaboration’s increase in price. A standard NB 1906R costs $150 USD, CdG’s will likely retail for over $300 USD.
Spectators on social media have already begun asking why the Boston-based brand didn’t drop the three upcoming pairs as general releases. It’s expected that the materials used on CdG’s 1906Rs will be higher than that of a standard offering (which is already high), but the people that had been eagerly awaiting all-black and white-on-black finishes surely weren’t looking for “COMME des GARÇONS” branding, too. Similar makeovers will likely drop to the masses at some point, although the public might not care by then.
Enjoy more images taken from the JUNYA WATANABE MAN runway show ahead, courtesy of Tsuyoshi “YOSHI” Ikedo. Pairs should arrive at select shops between September and December.
In related sneaker news, the New Balance 550 is set to launch in more styles soon.
