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New Balance’s Next “It” Sneaker Is Basically Two Iconic Styles in One

Releasing this summer, the 204L blends Y2K aesthetics with retro minimalism.

New Balance 204L sneakerNew Balance

By Jack Seemer

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New Balance sneakers tend to fall into one of two camps: techy Y2K runners or dad shoes with retro flair.

The brand’s next “it” shoe is a mashup of both worlds, stringing together two distinct eras of New Balance heritage into one fresh silhouette set to dominate the second half of 2025.

New Balance 204L sneaker
The 204L releases on July 30 in “Mushroom” (pictured).
New Balance

From afar, the New Balance 204L, out at the end of July, takes after stalwart designs like the 1906R with its distinctive paneling making up the multilayered upper.

Only here, they’re showcased in suede leather like the 2002R, as opposed to synthetic materials like TPU.

New Balance 204L sneaker
The suede paneling is reminiscent of the 2002R.
New Balance

Slim to none

The shoe also charts its own course underfoot, where a chunky bed of foam makes way for a minimalist outsole that sits closer to the ground than most New Balance sneakers since the early 2000s.

New Balance 204L sneaker
Unlike most techy sneakers, the 204L adopts a low-profile midsole for a minimalist look.
New Balance
New Balance 204L sneaker
It might be slim, but the outsole still boasts plenty of grip.
New Balance

Of course, the brand is a master of minimalist design, especially by today’s standards where Hoka-sized midsoles rule the roost.

The 574, first released in 1988, is perhaps the most iconic sneaker in the New Balance catalog, celebrated for its simple, no-nonsense aesthetic.

The low-profile Minimus has also found something of a second-wind, thanks to a string of collaborations with Issey Miyake, Ice Studios and District Vision.

New Balance Minimus trail shoe
The Minimus has found a second-wind as the subject of high-profile collaboration, like this one with District Vision.
New Balance

Meanwhile, the super-slim 471 is the Vegas favorite for New Balance’s best new design of 2025.

New Balance 471 arid stone
Released at the beginning of 2025, the 471 is another new sneaker beefing up the brand’s minimalist catalog.
New Balance

That said, it will see some competition when the 204L finally releases stateside (it’s already for purchase in China and other places overseas).

New Balance 204L sneaker
The 204L will also be available in “Timberwolf” (pictured) by mid-August.
New Balance

Availability and pricing

The first colorway of the 204L, a dark-beige variant called “Mushroom,” will be available on July 30, with “Timberwolf” following on August 13.

Both shoes will cost $110 and come in unisex sizing on New Balance’s official website.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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