As a fashion writer, I have tested countless shoes, but the New Balance 1906R has earned the title of my ultimate travel shoe after two weeks of non-stop walking. Packing the right shoes is arguably the most important part of holiday packing. If you forget something else, chances are you can pick it up in a store wherever you are headed. But comfortable shoes that genuinely suit your feet are much harder to replace. And when you are walking tens of thousands of steps a day, you need proper footwear.
That is why I was so excited to come across the New Balance 1906R sneakers. In a warm brown, grey and black colourway, they are the perfect neutral and they go with just about every holiday outfit. Paired with the classic comfort New Balance is known for, they are seriously the ultimate travel sneaker.
To really put them through their paces, I wore them on a recent two-week trip to Japan, where I clocked more than 20,000 steps a day.
Need to Know
- Comfort: Exceptionally comfortable for long days on your feet – I wore them for two weeks in Japan while walking more than 20,000 steps a day.
- Style: The warm brown, grey and black colourway is versatile and easy to style with a holiday wardrobe.
- Support: They are slightly heavier than slimmer lifestyle sneakers, but that extra structure pays off in comfort and support.
- Versatility: A great option if you want one pair of sneakers that can handle sightseeing, weekends and casual office days.
1-Minute Review: New Balance 1906R
The New Balance 1906R is available for $130 (down from $230) at New Balance and other retailers like THE ICONIC.
Are the New Balance 1906R Worth It?
The New Balance 1906R won't be for everyone. If you are after a light, slimline sneaker, look elsewhere. But if you want an on-trend pair that won't leave you with blisters and will keep your feet comfortable no matter how many steps you rack up, these are a great option. Ideal for weekends, travel and even the office if your dress code leans casual, the New Balance 1906R sneakers are well worth considering. Here is how they held up.
Testing
I wore the sneakers on a two-week trip to Japan, walking an average of more than 20,000 steps a day. From city streets to temple wanderings, I racked up serious mileage in these shoes.
Design and Comfort
Short answer? Yes, they are comfortable. Long answer: I have never really been a chunky-sneaker type of gal. Even a few years ago, before super-slimline styles came back around, the dad sneaker just wasn't for me. But I had heard enough horror stories – and enough words of wisdom – to know I needed a genuinely comfortable pair of shoes for this trip. Thank goodness I did. There was no break-in period at all; these were comfortable from the very first wear. As someone with very flat feet, I am used to dealing with some level of foot pain. I used to work in hospitality, and I cannot tell you how many times I came home from a waitressing shift in pure agony. If only I had had these shoes then. Another thing that really impressed me was that there was absolutely no break-in period. They were comfortable from the very first wear, which is rare when so many shoes leave you with blisters for the first few outings before they finally soften up. It is also worth noting that they do have a bit more heft than some other lifestyle sneakers, and if you are used to wearing something slimmer, that will be an adjustment. But that extra structure is exactly what made them feel so supportive over long days on my feet. For high-mileage days, the weight is a worthwhile trade-off. The colourway is another standout. The warm brown, grey and black tones worked with virtually everything in my suitcase, from linen trousers to denim. Not having to think about whether my shoes matched was genuinely one less thing to worry about. And while this particular colourway is sold out in some sizes, the good news is that it also comes in seven other options.
Verdict: Should You Buy the New Balance 1906R?
If you want sneakers that are both comfortable and stylish, and can genuinely go the distance on walking-heavy days, these are 100 per cent worth it. And at $130, down from $230, now is a very good time to pick up a pair. Yes, they are still an investment, but in my opinion, shoes are one of the few things worth spending a little more on if they are going to support you properly.
