A year ago, New Balance still hadn’t released its 1906L sneaker loafer. Debate raged on through 2024 after the polarizing silhouette was revealed with a look at a Junya Watanabe collaboration at the beginning of the year. New Balance would finally release the 1906L in its Metallic Silver launch colorway in September, and ever since the market has become flush with similar hybrids including the Hoka Speed Loafer and Converse All Star Coupe, with forthcoming entries to follow from Jordan Brand, Nike and Comme des Garçons’ Swoosh collaboration.

With the trend firmly established, the seminal New Balance 1906L “Metallic Silver” has been confirmed for a restock. Metallic silver accents appear throughout the mesh and synthetic upper, which is otherwise rendered in grey for a classic look for the Boston-based brand. An off-white midsole is then fitted with grayscale Abzorb heel pods, a silver midfoot shank and black outsole.

If you aren’t already familiar, the 1906L is a loafer-ized rendition of the popular 1906 sneaker. The hybrid came after New Balance relaunched the 1906 franchise with the 1906R, which took on the sole unit from the 860v2 upon its debut in 2022. The 1906L retains that running-influenced sole, as well as the DNA of its upper, only with the tongue and laces removed for a slip-on with a penny loafer saddle added.

New Balance has engaged with further experimentation on the 1906L, giving it variants in suede and patent leather and a variety of colorways. The sensibility will soon carry over to the 1890 sneaker moccasin that may just strip up its own round of debates.

Tarek Hassen, founder and chief executive officer of Concepts, told Footwear News in February: “The loafer trend should continue as long as brands can stay creative with model and material variations. I think we are approaching its peak in trend and growth but will continue to live on as a unique offering for consumers.”

The New Balance 1906L Metallic Silver will restock Monday through New Balance’s website. Pricing is set at $160.