Double Tap to Zoom

The New Balance 1906R isn’t normally a rugged outdoor shoe. Based on New Balance’s retro running models, it's a pretty standard Y2K sports shoe with a mesh-heavy base and bulky sole unit. In other words, it’s a dad shoe.  

But once it starts dressing up in Cordura’s hard-wearing fabrics, the New Balance 1906R successfully plays the role of an outdoorsy sneaker. 

The latest range of Cordura-covered 1906Rs has landed with a woven Cordura base spotlighting a wavy texture throughout.

This textured finish is the defining feature of the shoe, gleaming in the light when viewed at the right angle and offering some contrast to its monotone uppers.

Cordura fabric hasn’t only made this sneaker more robust, it has added a nice-looking gridded pattern detail. 

Available in a range of dark-hued colorways as well as a striking green ”marshland” rendition, the sneaker is available now for $185.

Following on from an ultra-techy New Balance 1906R made with Korean climbing label CAYL (released at the end of August to much fanfare) the sneaker is once again ditching its typical leather, mesh, and suede construction for something more trail-appropriate. 

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

While this isn't a fully-fledged outdoor shoe, it's doing a good job of cosplaying one.

We Recommend
  • New Balance's Stripped-Back Dad Shoe Is Ready to Shred
  • New Balance’s Olive Green Dad Sneaker Is Truly Down to Earth
  • New Balance’s Miu Miu-Flavored Shoe Is a Sweet Strawberry Matcha Latte
  • New Balance’s Unbothered Dad Shoe Decides to Get Loud
  • New Balance's Gorgeous GORE-TEX Trail Shoe Isn't Afraid to Show Its Dark Side
What To Read Next
  • New Balance's Stripped-Back Dad Shoe Is Ready to Shred
  • New Balance’s Olive Green Dad Sneaker Is Truly Down to Earth
  • ASICS’ Strappy Dad Sandal Nails Summer With Ease
  • Hats Off to Caps
  • The Crocs-ification of Crocs' Coolest Trail Sneaker
  • Jordan’s Swoosh-Free Dad Sneaker Learned From the Best