New Balance ruggedized the 1906 sneaker so much that it's basically a trail sneaker now.

Honestly, the brand did the perfect amount of ruggedization to the techy dad sneaker, which now features GORE-TEX touches.

Basically, New Balance maintained the classic technical look but added some extra, well, tech, specifically an extremely popular material known for keeping things dry and breathable (cough, GORE-TEX, cough).

Moreover, the GORE-TEX New Balance now features quick laces, making the shoes easier to put on. But between the new shoelace system and GORE-TEX protection, the 1906 practically packs the same punch as a classic Salomon trail sneaker.

It looks quite good this way, too. We've seen the model in the nice beige-ish "Shipyard" colorway. But it's even cleaner (and dare I say, techier?) in all-black.

The black New Balance 1906 GORE-TEX sneaker is set to release on March 15 at atmos Tokyo. However, Lapstone and Hammer, along with other retailers, have them available early on their websites for $180.

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