Update: It’s been many months since Junya Watanabe MAN and New Balance took the sneaker world by storm with their 1906L collaboration at Paris Fashion Week. Now, it’s finally time for pairs to drop as a release is set to take place on October 18 via Junya Watanabe MAN stockists in Japan at a price of ¥49,500 JPY (approx. $332 USD).
Original Story: With Paris Fashion Week underway for menswear Fall/Winter 2024, it’s a season of newness to the fullest extent – revealing new garments, styles, forthcoming trends and even footwear. For Junya Watanabe, the brand is following suit by offering up clean, yet captivatingly contemporary ensembles from top to bottom. But out of the offering, what is particularly eye-catching is the reveal of its Junya Watanabe Man x New Balance 1906 Loafer.
Appearing in classic black, the hybridized shoe just debuted on the runway during Junya Watanabe’s Paris Fashion Week show. Mixing a loafer with a sneaker is relatively undaunted territory – not just for Junya Watanabe, but most brands. So making a model that’s interesting, yet captivately versatile is impressive.
The top part of the shoe’s upper design takes on the form of a classic loafer featuring a black leather construction and the penny toe segment. However, the remainder of the shoe sees the New Balance 1906 toe guards, midsole and sole. With it, the bulk of the shoe features a slightly rugged and technical design that utilizes leather and rubber. Also appearing on the shoe is a Junya Watanabe Man tag on the toe alongside a small New Balance tag on the side.
Take a look at the Junya Watanabe MAN x New Balance 1906 Loafer in the gallery above. Stay tuned for official photos and details about its forthcoming release.
