A preview of the New Balance 1906M has surfaced, prompting wide speculation that the “M” in “1906M” stands for military. The rumors seem to be validated by the “Fantom Fit” marked uppers, a design originally commissioned for the US armed forces.
The Fantom Fit upper is a skeletally engineered no-sew construction previously introduced for the 950v2a, a 2014 military-issue shoe made in partnership with the US Department of Defence. The upper, intended to be worn by military recruits, is optimized for ergonomic support and a lightweight feel.
The 1906M forgoes additional overlays, providing the sleek look of the low-profile webbing. However, the signature heel counter, leather toe cap, and chunky arched soles of the model also closely follow that of the 1906R. In terms of color, a simple duo of the brand’s classic chrome colorway and an all-white model have been revealed, but it’s not certain whether more variants are on the way.
Since the Boston brand shifted focus to the model in 2022, New Balance’s 1906R variations have taken center stage as the subject of collaborations with partners like The Basement, CAYL, and Action Bronson. The more unconventional 1906L translated the sneaker’s visual language into the formal silhouette of a loafer.
The brand has yet to share details on the release of the 1906M, but rumors suggest a 2025 launch. Stay tuned for updates on the forthcoming mode provided by Hypebeast.
