AURALEE, a Japanese fashion brand, and New Balance, an American shoe company, have teamed up to create the 1906R colorway. The 1906R is based on the 860v2, a retro running shoe that has a mix of ACTEVA LITE and N-ergy cushioning systems, as well as ABZORB SBS pods at the back. The upper of the 1906R is made of suede, leather and mesh that have been washed to give a vintage look. The shoe also has a terry cloth lining on the collar and a waxed outsole. There are two options for the color: beige with lime green details and blue with gray shades.
The AURALEE x New Balance 1906R will be available on October 11, 2023 in Japan through AURALEE’s and New Balance’s websites, for ¥26,400 YEN or $176 USD. It is not clear yet if the shoe will be sold in other countries. The shoe comes with extra shoelaces and a special shoe box. This is not the first time that AURALEE and New Balance have worked together. They have also made the 2002R, XC-72, RC30, and 550 models before. The 1906R colorway reflects the simple elegance of AURALEE and the innovative style of New Balance.
Image Credit: AURALEE, New Balance
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Collaborative Fashion Partnerships
- The collaboration between AURALEE and New Balance represents the ongoing trend of fashion brands and shoe companies joining forces to create unique and innovative products.
- Retro-inspired Sneakers
- The 1906R colorway showcases the trend of retro-inspired sneakers with its vintage look and mix of cushioning systems.
- Limited Edition Releases
- The limited availability and special features of the AURALEE x New Balance 1906R tap into the trend of exclusive and collectible sneaker releases.
Where This Applies
- Fashion
- The collaborative sneaker colorway represents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fashion industry, as brands explore partnerships to create unique offerings.
- Footwear
- The retro-inspired design and innovative features of the 1906R colorway present a disruptive innovation opportunity in the footwear industry, attracting consumers looking for nostalgic yet contemporary sneakers.
- E-commerce
- The limited edition release of the AURALEE x New Balance 1906R through their respective websites highlights the disruptive innovation opportunity in the e-commerce industry, where exclusivity and online shopping experiences drive consumer demand.
