Skip to main content

New Balance has a new sneaker that’s also a loafer, and it’s so weird we kind of love it

man wearing New Balance jacket
Jeka Demidov/Unsplash / Unsplash

Just when you thought New Balance couldn’t create a more unique creation for them than their New Balance fragrance, they show up in the most unexpected place – the runway. Not only did New Balance make their Paris Fashion Week appearance, but they did so in a shoe we’ve never seen before. While the sneaker company is known for its athletic shoes and bringing back the chunky dad sneaker, it’s also making a splash in the high fashion department with its loafer version. 

Not to be left behind by the reimagining of athletic brands like Adidas or Lacoste, New Balance debuted their new loafer design that is very different from anything we’ve seen from the brand before. While New Balance is no stranger to designer collaborations, as they previously worked with Comme Des Garcons, their newest work with Junya Watanabe Man will surely stir up excitement.

Recommended Videos

Everything about New Balance’s newest shoe

New Balance’s sneaker-inspired loafer made its debut during Paris Fashion Week at the Junya Watanabe Man Fall-Winter 2024 show, and it was everything you’d expect from a sneaker company. With the Junya Watanabe Man logo placed on the outside tongue, the sleek loafer has the best of dressy shoes and practical sneakers. Complete with a penny toe and leather build; this aspect is the classic loafer characteristic that makes the shoe dressy and stylish. The shoe also contains toe guards, a rugged midsole, and a sole that you would ultimately find on a New Balance sneaker. The loafer also contains a small New Balance logo along the side to bring the collaboration together. 

Far from your typical fussy and sophisticated loafer, this design is a strange mixture of high-end and casual that simply works. While the design is still to be released later in 2024, it’s sure to make its way through the trends list with its unique design. 

You can also utilize this interesting item to help elevate your day-to-day looks that adds some of that elegant style of a loafer without sacrificing cushion and support. 

While it’s hard to imagine a look that doesn’t work with this loafer-sneaker combination, it’s certainly best suited for casual business attire that gives you the comfort of a New Balance sneaker with the sophistication of a Junya Watanabe Man design. 

Junya Watanabe New Balance sneaker
ssense / ssense

How to grab the Junya Watanabe Man x New Balance 1906 Loafer

This design is expected to launch in Fall 2024, along with the rest of Junya Watanabe Man’s collection, at Junya Watanabe Man’s retailers and likely on the New Balance website. The price remains a mystery, but it’s sure to be a worthwhile investment. While the design was shown in both black and white colors, it’s yet to be disclosed whether it will come in more shades or patterns. 

While we wait for the Junya Watanabe Man x New Balance 1906 Loafer to come online, it’s worth noting that both the designer and sneaker have previous collaborations that are currently available and can fulfill your shoe needs until then. 

Topics
Leslie Leon
Leslie is a Los Angeles-based writer and content creator. She is always researching and finding the latest fashion trends…
JD Sports just dropped three exclusive New Balance colors – and you’ll want to snag all three
New Balance and JD Sports release exclusive sneaker
black jd sports new balance sneakers

Fresh off the heels of their previous exclusive New Balance drops, JD Sports is once again unveiling three colorways in a brand-new sneaker pack. Based on an archival New Balance design, these new hues are a modern take on an old favorite. While maintaining the retro look of the sneaker, these new tones are anything but dated. With a hue for every type of dresser, this exclusive pack is the perfect way to wear your favorite style in a colorway that isn’t as popular as the rest. 
JD Sports New Balance 1000 pack

 

Read more
From sleek loafers to rugged boots: The best casual shoes to invest in
The best casual shoes for men
person wearing brown leather shoes on bricks

Without a doubt, every closet and style needs to have a collection of casual shoes to rely on. The best casual shoes can withhold maximum use and still be a timeless model that’ll always be on trend. Picking out the right pair depends on your style and routine, which decides the level of support and comfort you require. A proper rotation of casual shoes can be made up of various styles, from boots to loafers to sneakers. When made with premium materials and construction these designs can easily be worn with most of your wardrobe and maintain its structure. This selection of shoes has proven to be timeless and quality-made designs that can be used for many years.
Sperry Authentic Original Penny Loafer

Any casual shoe in your closet should stand the test of time and still look fashionable. One brand that has successfully created numerous icon designs that have transcended any trend is Sperry. With their Authentic Original Penny Loafer, users get the ultimate casual shoe that doubles as a dress shoe. Giving you a more sophisticated everyday look, the penny loafer is a smart choice for those looking for comfort and luxury. The dark beige hue allows wearers to mix and easily match the shoe with most of the colors in your wardrobe. Available via Sperry for $110; and is an easy option to have in your closet.

Read more
New Balance, Basketcase creates one of the hardest-to-get sneakers of the season
New Balance and Basketcase drop new shoe
new balance beige sneaker on table

When New Balance and Basketcase decided to partner up for a second time, there was no doubt they would deliver another outstanding design. However, not only was their most recent collaboration a stylish drop, but it became the must-have sneaker of the season. A difficult-to-find sneaker, everyone wants a pair. Many want to get their hands on the pair for plenty of reasons since the trail sneaker is a unique design you can’t find anywhere else. Although the silhouette appears more casual, the new collaborative shoe between New Balance and Basketcase is a well-designed trail sneaker you can wear almost anywhere. While getting your hands on a pair might be difficult, there’s no reason why you can’t marvel at this high-tech and high-quality shoe. 

 
New Balance x Basketcase Minimus M10 sneaker

Read more