New Balance’s wildly popular 530SL collaboration with Miu Miu has been one of the most in-demand looks of the last year, but the sneaker’s $1,220 isn’t befitting of every budget. For those seeking a similar aesthetic without the designer price tag, a new model from the Boston-based athletic footwear company may fill the void.
The brand has formally announced the New Balance 204L, its latest entry into the on-trend slim-soled sneaker category. First seen in an April leak, the 204L will be used in an upcoming three-style Kith collaboration and was featured in a July campaign announcing Rosalía as the latest New Balance brand ambassador.
Thin-soled, 1970s-inspired silhouettes are seemingly everywhere in today’s market, but New Balance took a different approach with the 204L. While it borrows the low-profile, slim structure of ’70s footwear, the upper of the shoe leans more 2000s with techy overlays and a premium suede construction.
New Balance 204L in Mushroom/Arid Stone (on-foot).
New Balance
According to Pierome Sar, senior designer at New Balance, the goal of the 204L was to offer something versatile and sleek with an original design.
“It was a true collaborative effort working alongside our product manager, developer, and team of designers to bring this model to life,” Sar said in a press release. “The shoe is designed to stand out from other New Balance models with this convergence of two different eras, set to be released in unique materials and colorways.”
For those seeking a higher dose of color, Kith’s three-sneaker New Balance 204L collection will be released Friday in three summer-inspired looks: Bluebell, Camellia and Sunburst.
Kith x New Balance 204L collection.
Kith
The New Balance 204L will debut July 30 in a Mushroom/Arid Stone style (U204LMMA) for a retail price of $110. It’s set to launch from newbalance.com at 10 a.m. ET and can also be found from select retailers.
Following the debut launch, a second colorway in Timberwolf/Linen (U204LMMC) will be released Aug. 13. Both pairs appear below.
New Balance 204L in Mushroom/Arid Stone (lateral).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Mushroom/Arid Stone (front).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Mushroom/Arid Stone (medial).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Mushroom/Arid Stone (top).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Mushroom/Arid Stone (sole).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Timberwolf/Linen (lateral).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Timberwolf/Linen (front).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Timberwolf/Linen (medial).
New Balance
New Balance 204L in Timberwolf/Linen (top).
New Balance