In a world where flat-soled sneakers beat chunky sneakers, New Balance introduces a new silhouette: the 204L, combining the best of both worlds. The sneaker features a low profile reminiscent of the popular 530SL collaboration with Miu Miu from 2024.
The first colorways of the silhouette will roll out this month.
New Balance 204L
It might already be the sneaker of the year: the New Balance 204L. The sneaker was teased during Paris Fashion Week and appeared in a collaboration with Basketcase. Not long after, AURALEE, a well-known New Balance partner, showed their version of the silhouette.
Both the Basketcase and the AURALEE collabs use understated colors that showcase the design well. Recently, Kith joined with three striking colorways—‘Camellia’, ‘Sunburst’, and ‘Bluebell’—giving the sneaker a new direction.
This collaboration was exclusive for women and, during the in-store release in Manhattan, was accompanied by a bouquet of flowers. Another bullseye, but what else would you expect from Kith?
Rosalía
Alongside all these collaborations, suddenly Rosalía, the Spanish singer known for hits like BIZCOCHITO, DESPECHÁ, and LA COMBI VERSACE, appeared in a New Balance campaign. Rosalía is the brand’s new ambassador and appeared in a unique campaign wearing, you guessed it, the New Balance 204L.
A smart move, because as a fan of the artist, I can confirm that almost everything she touches turns to gold. In the campaign, she’s seen wearing an understated beige colorway of the sneaker. When exactly this version will release is still unknown.
The real question is whether Rosalía will collaborate with New Balance herself, but nothing is known about that yet.
Roll-out
At the end of this month, the first colorways of the New Balance 204L will roll out, led by the ‘Mushroom’ colorway. The sneaker is beige from head to toe and is reminiscent of the Miu Miu x New Balance 530SL collaboration that appeared at the end of 2024.
If you missed that release (and don’t want to spend €2000 on resell), this sneaker might be a nice alternative.
Not long after, the ‘Timberwolf’ colorway, presumably the version Rosalía wears in the campaign, will appear at New Balance, followed by the ‘Silver Metallic’ pack releasing in the fall. Unlike the previously shown colorways, this pack gives the sneaker a distinct Y2K flair with silver overlays.
A release with such a carefully planned roll-out can only predict great things.
Keep an eye on the Sneakerjagers release calendar for updates about this silhouette, and don’t forget to set your alarm for July 30, 2025, for the first ‘Mushroom’ release.
Several releases of the New Balance 204L are planned, with the first being the ‘Mushroom’ dropping on July 30, 2025. Check the Sneakerjagers release calendar for all upcoming releases.
The singer is seen in the video announcing her as New Balance’s new ambassador wearing the New Balance 204L, presumably the ‘Timberwolf’ colorway.
