The difference between the New Balance 1906 and the 1906R mainly lies in the sole technology. The original 1906 has a sole that closely resembles that of the New Balance 2002, while the 1906R uses the more modern N-ergy sole from the 860v2 series, which provides better cushioning, resilience, and comfort. Visually they are almost identical, but the performance and feel on your foot are not.
Although both sneakers originate from New Balance’s running archives, the 1906R is a reinterpretation of the classic model, adapted to modern comfort requirements and street fashion. The “R” stands for “Remastered” — a subtle but meaningful addition.
History of the model: retro roots with modern upgrades
The original New Balance 1906 was released in 2009 as a tribute to the brand’s founding year. At the time, the sneaker was focused on performance running, with a retro-futuristic look that attracted many techwear enthusiasts. The 1906R came years later, in 2022, when New Balance reissued the model with a fresh approach — this time focused on lifestyle and comfort.
The model’s comeback coincided with the success of the 2002R and 860v2. As a result, the 1906R immediately received an upgrade under the hood: the same sole as the 860v2, known for its responsive cushioning. The result? You can find out in Do sneakers run big or small?
Design and details: subtle differences, noticeable impact
At first glance, the 1906 and 1906R look identical — both with mesh uppers, overlays of leather or synthetic material, and the iconic TPU heel counter for stability. But the true sneaker enthusiast immediately notices the difference once you wear them.
The 1906R offers a slightly softer walking experience thanks to the N-ergy cushioning, combined with the Stability Web in the sole. This makes it feel lighter when worn, especially during prolonged use. With the original 1906, you notice more stiffness in the sole, which was desirable for performance purposes at the time but is now less popular among lifestyle users.
Why is the 1906R more popular now?
New Balance’s choice to re-release the 1906R with a focus on collaborations and exclusive colorways (think Thisisneverthat, Action Bronson, Aime Leon Dore) has significantly pushed the model towards the fashion world. The 1906 is now mainly a collector’s item, while the 1906R sees new drops weekly and is increasingly worn on the streets.
Additionally, the fit of the 1906R has been slightly adjusted to better align with contemporary sizing. The heel is a bit softer and the tongue more padded — small adjustments, but you clearly notice the difference in daily use.
Which one should you choose?
If you are looking for a sneaker with a comfortable fit, modern cushioning, and availability in many colorways, then the New Balance 1906R is the best choice. If you want a rarer model from the archive, then the original 1906 is more interesting — provided you can still find it.
So the 1906R is the winner for daily use, but the classic 1906 remains a gem for collectors or fans of OG runner vibes.