The New Balance 1906R Review & Lab Test of 2026

The New Balance 1906R is a stylish athleisure shoe featuring running-inspired technologies. This shoe is ideal for everyday wear, providing significant cushioning during daily activities. While it is not designed as a performance running shoe, the retro aesthetic and quality construction make it a notable option for those who appreciate classic sneaker design.

Pros

  • Fabulous comfort for all-day wear
  • Exceptionally breathable
  • Appealing throwback style
  • Premium quality and real suede
  • Highly durable upper and outsole
  • Very comfortable in-shoe feel
  • True to size and fit
  • Great traction on dry and wet

Cons

  • A bit heavier than average
  • Pricier than average

Key Features

    Midsole Cushioning: ACTEVA LITE for exceptional comfort. Heel Cushioning: ABZORB SBS technology for effective impact absorption. Shock Absorption: N-ergy Outsole provides superior protection. Arch Support: Stability Web outsoles enhance support and stability. Heel Stability: Features a TPU heel cage for added stability. Outsole Material: Durable rubber allows for versatile use.

Specifications

    Sole Material: Rubber Outer Material: Rubber Inner Material: Mesh Closure Type: Lace-Up

New Balance 1906R Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

New Balance 1906R New Balance 991 v2 New Balance 2002R New Balance 530
Price $150 $250 $145 $100
Style Classic Dad Classic Classic
Breathability Breathable Breathable Warm Breathable
Weight lab 14.1 oz / 401g 13.9 oz / 395g 13.5 oz / 383g 10.9 oz / 308g
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Firm Firm Firm Balanced
Material Mesh Mesh Mesh Mesh
Season Spring Summer Spring Spring
Inspired from Running Running Running Running
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Leather/suede quality Real suede Real leather Real suede Real suede
Toebox durability Decent Decent Decent Bad
Heel padding durability Bad Decent Decent Decent
Outsole durability Good Decent Good Good
Heel stack lab 37.1 mm 35.2 mm 35.4 mm 37.3 mm
Stiffness Moderate Flexible Stiff Moderate
Tongue padding Average Average Average Average
Drop lab 11.5 mm 15.6 mm 11.1 mm 11.9 mm
Forefoot 25.6 mm 19.6 mm 24.3 mm 25.4 mm
Removable insole
Heel tab Extended heel collar None None Finger loop
Torsional rigidity Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Moderate Flexible
Reflective elements
Closure Laces Laces Laces Laces
Top Low top Low top Low top Low top
Ranking Top 18% Bottom 6% Bottom 30% Top 31%
Popularity Top 15% Bottom 15% Top 10% Top 2%