The New Balance 1906L hybrid sneaker is so hard to come by that it is tempting to think they don’t exist

Even rarer: The Junya Watanabe X New Balance 1906L

By Ray Zhang

The New Balance 1906 hybrid sneaker/loafer is a handsome pair of kicks. I have to admit that I love it. But it is impossible to meet one, let alone buy one. I came to know of their existence when Junya Watanabe showed his collaboration with NB for a new silhouette during Paris Fashion Week in January. When the first images came out, I was totally sold. Sneakers made into new forms while still retaining their sneaker-ness is not, of course, new, but there is something about the 1906L that drew me in. Maybe it is the sneaker-loafer love child I have been waiting for that I did not think could materialise. It helps that I am a major sneaker and loafer wearer.

My first stop when I learned of the availability here was at DSMS. As I expected, no luck there. As I have never worn a New Balance-made loafer before, I wanted to try them in case they don’t run in the usual size (for loafers, I tend to need one size down). I was not too disappointed that I was not able to get a pair as I knew by then that New Balance was going to launch the 1906L without the collaborative branding (and leather upper) after that. When DSMS announced the sale of the regular issue, too, I rushed to the store again, and once more, left empty-handed. I have been to New Balance in ION Orchard and Paragon after those occasions, but was always met with not even a shadow of the 1906L. It’s the same online—always the one message: “This item is sold out”.

And then finally, it appeared before me. Last month, at the indie seller Husky in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (the store is, ironically, opposite New Balance), the Junya Watanabe X New Balance 1906L, placed on rather discordant orange acrylic stands, was staring at me. I held it, finally sure that they are not some footwear ghosts. There was only one available colour—the white. Although I was not keen, I asked the shopkeeper, a somewhat surly individual, if they have them in my size. The answer was not unexpected: it was the only pair and it would fit a lass of 16. In life, some things, sneakers included, are not meant to be. Better luck next year when New Balance will launch the 1906L in new colours? I am not counting on it.

Photo: Perrier Cheng for SOTD