The New Balance 1906R Parchment takes its name from the official colorway “Parchment with Morel and Incense,” though the box label simply reads “Beige Brown”—a name that doesn’t quite match the tones on foot. In reality, the combination of pale yellow and soft green hues gives off a green apple or lemonade vibe, especially in this pastel pack release that released alongside a pink and a blue/green option.
The New Balance 1906R is a modern reinterpretation of the original 1906 sneaker (itself a shout to the year the brand started), which first dropped in the late 2000s as part of New Balance’s heritage-inspired running lineup. It borrows design cues from the original but adds the same 860v2 midsole/outsole as the 2002R for a modern, comfy feel on foot.
I’d been looking to add a 1906R to my rotation ever since diving into modern Y2K-inspired mesh runners. After picking up a Gel-1130 Tiffany and a few 2002Rs, I decided to splurge on these. I got this colorway for $80 shipped from Footlocker, which felt like a steal given the retail is around $155. By the way, that box price is roughly $10 more than a comparable 2002R due to the slightly more involved upper construction.
The shoes come in the standard grey New Balance box used for newer model releases and include a single pair of very light yellow laces that almost read white. Simple, no-frills packaging fits the style of the shoe and the pack overall.
Materials
The upper is mostly mesh with synthetic leather and TPU overlays, typical of Y2K dad-shoe style runners from New Balance. It’s not a “premium” shoe in terms of materials, but the combination provides breathability, lightweight comfort, and a visually interesting layered design. For the price and type of shoe, the materials get the job done.
Fit & Comfort
Fit is true to size. Since the 1906R shares the same midsole and outsole feel as the 2002R, it has a similar soft, slightly squishy underfoot sensation. The mostly mesh upper makes it breathable and friendlier for wider feet than the 2002R, and overall it’s a comfortable option for casual all-day wear.
If these are sold out at different stores online, you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: Beige / Brown
Style Code: U1906RND
Retail Price: $155
Year of Release: 2025