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If Steve Jobs Wore Sneaker-Loafers, It Would Be These

Written by Riccardo Zazzini in Sneakers

The ​​New Balance 1906L, the Boston-based brand’s hybrid sneaker-loafer, has become more New Balance-coded than ever. The viral shoe's latest grey-on-grey “Raincloud” colorway is trademark NB. 

If you know anything about New Balance, you know that grey isn't just a color: It’s an integral part of its whole identity.

The “Raincloud” color combination has been its calling card since the ‘80s, when New Balance opted for neutral tones over the flashy hues favored by its sportswear rivals to emphasize performance and timelessness.

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It is, famously, also the color of New Balance that Steve Jobs wore religiously in a uniform he co-opted for pure practicality. Although his trademark look — black Issey Miyake turtleneck, blue jeans, and grey New Balances — inadvertently became celebrated as a fashion statement.

And it's a color combination so central to the sneaker company that NB hosts an actual Grey Day every year to celebrate its grayscale supremacy. This latest sneaker loafer comes as part of those celebrations.

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The New Balance 1906L, one of the brand’s strangest concoctions ever, is the latest shoe to be dressed in Steve Jobs' favorite “Raincloud” colorway. It is set to release later on May 14 via the Highsnobiety Shop.

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This is a shoe that is dressy in theory, dadcore in practice, and oh-so New Balance.

Riccardo Zazzini

Riccardo Zazzini is the SEO Growth Writer at Highsnobiety. He began working at Highsnobiety in 2022, and since then he has written features and articles about subjects ranging from fashion, music, street art, NBA fashion, culture, and optimized pre-existing content with SEO's best practices. He also writes the brand introductions and descriptions in the Highsnobiety Shop.

Previously, after graduating from Reading University (UK) with a BA in English Lit. & Creative Writing and from Glasgow University with a MSc in Cultural Policy, Riccardo spent a hanfdul of years working as a agency copywriter and freelance writing for various magazines mainly for topics around sustainability in the fashion industry and street art.

When he is not busy playing basketball, you can find him in Berlin looking for the best denim stores in the city and for live music events. Find him at riccardo.zazzini@outlook.com

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