For a brand best known for understated dad shoes, New Balance has a pretty noisy list of collaborators—from high-fashion hitters like Miu Miu to rap-game rebels like Action Bronson to explosive hoopers like Tyrese Maxey. But one of the Boston stalwart’s most exciting partners is also one of its quietest: Auralee, the buzzy Japanese clothing line, who in recent years have reinvigorated NB classics like 990v4 and 1906R with their signature offbeat minimalist flair. Now, the Ryota Iwai-led label is back with one of its strongest efforts yet on the New Balance 204L.
The 204L is a more recent addition to the New Balance lineup, launching last year with a campaign featuring none other than Rosalía. The silhouettes blends the wavy paneled uppers you’d find on ’90s-era runners with slimmed-down, of-the-moment outsoles. The brand has bet big on the model, launching a plethora of excellent colorways in the year since its release, including a smash-hit cowprint version in collaboration with Atmos.
Auralee’s take, however, looks set to cement the 204L as a staple in the NB lineup for years to come. The drop consists of two distinct makeups, the first of which leans into a slew of neutralish shades, collaging together everything from a creamy beige to a faded tennis-ball green, not dissimilar to the color seen on their 475s from last year.
