If there’s any one lifestyle trend New Balance hasn’t already covered, it’s the low-profile movement. adidas has the Samba, PUMA has the Speedcat, and Nike has the Total 90 III, but New Balance has thus far managed to go without a true competitor to those models, instead concentrating its efforts on the tech runner and “dad shoe” genres. Until now, that is. The Boston brand is coming for its piece of the slim sneaker market through a new model called the 204L, now presented in a suede “Timberwolf” colorway ahead of its debut later this month.
The New Balance 204L takes after Miu Miu’s line of New Balance 530s with a compelling clash of old and new footwear aesthetics. The model’s slim, low-profile silhouette takes after that of 70s running shoes, while its layering evokes the techy nature of cuts like the New Balance 1906R, 2002R… you get the gist. Despite not having yet released, it’s already clear that New Balance plans to bring a slew of different textures to the model. This “Raincloud” colorway features an all-suede upper, but we’ve also been previewing mesh/leather builds as seen through upcoming AURALEE and KITH collabs.
