If you checked out our coverage on New Balance’s latest Lunar New Year pack, you may have noticed that the 1906s in that collection have a 1906U marking instead of the usual 1906R. This is because New Balance has introduced a modified version of the silhouette to kick off 2024.
For a bit of background, the New Balance 1906R was introduced in 2022 as a revamped version of the original 1906 runner from the late ’00s, now featuring a sole unit borrowed from the 860v2. The launch of the 1906R was a big success and helped propel the retro-inspired mesh runner trend forward.
Variations on the standard 1906R would go on to have their own designations. The “Protection Pack” (aka “Refined Future”) colorways of the 1906 came with the designation 1906D, and there is also the pack of 1906F colorways that featured a slimmer profile, canvas uppers, and hits of natural leather around the heels.
But what about the 1906U? The U stands for utility, and this version of the 1906 features a ripstop textile upper instead of the 1906R’s standard mesh. You may also see the 1906U listed as the 1906N at retailers and online, though they are labeled as 1906U on the lateral heel.
Besides the Lunar New Year colorways, New Balance has also released an “Angora” colorway of the 1906U that comes dressed primarily in an off-white hue with a springtime-friendly mix of pastel hues as accents. The heel counter comes in Laguna Blue with lighter blue hits on the outline of the N logo as well as on the midsole. Pink accents are also found on the tongue branding, the 1906 branding, and on the heel of the yellowed midsole.
The New Balance 1906U “Angora” is available now on the New Balance website and at select retailers such as Feature and Lapstone & Hammer. Check out the official images below.
New Balance 1906U “Angora”
Color: Angora/Blue Laguna/Orb Pink
Style Code: M1906NC
Release Date: January 1, 2024
Price: $160 USD
Resell: StockX, eBay
