We’re taking a closer look at the New Balance 1906L in the ‘Black Suede’ colorway, which dropped alongside the Deep Oak version during the first week of February.
Right away, the thick, luscious black suede panels stand out, complemented by the iconic loafer-style midfoot strap. The suede feels undeniably premium, and the intricate stitching adds a layer of elegance and detail to the design. Unlike most sneakers, these offer zero padding, meaning lockdown relies heavily on the glossy black TPU heel counter. I personally love how it breaks up the suede and adds contrast to the upper.
For comfort, New Balance sticks to its trusted 1906 N-ERGY soles and ortholite-based insoles, providing a well-cushioned ride. Fit-wise, they feel perfect true to size with socks, but if you prefer a snugger fit, consider going half a size down since there’s no internal padding.
A lot of my friends went for the Deep Oak colorway—and I don’t blame them. That rich brown definitely pops. However, as an old-school guy, black screams classic to me. In fact, I have a strong feeling all-black sneakers will make a big comeback in 2025. Beyond being a timeless colorway, black suede also offers incredible versatility when styling outfits.
Unfortunately, these sold out fast on release day, so if you’re looking to grab a pair, aftermarket prices are still reasonable—but probably not for long.
