Adam Cheung is a writer and editor who specialises in sneakers and streetwear. Over the past few years, he's curated features and guides for everyone from Burberry to Nike. Often travelling between the UK and Hong Kong, don't be too surprised if you find Adam anywhere else around the world taking street photography or feasting on the local delicacies.
The New Balance 204L Silver Metallic Black hits different. Because while other NB silhouettes like the 1906R or the ABZORB 2000 lean heavily into overdesigned, oversized aesthetics, this pares things right back. It’s simple, it’s clean, it’s understated – and it’s the next sneaker you should add to your collection.
Introduced earlier this summer, the 204L has quickly become one of the New England sportswear label’s most talked-about models. And it’s no mystery why, really. Inspired by running shoes from the late ’70s and early ’80s, the silhouette blends retro charm with contemporary minimalism. It ditches chunky, technical layers for slim lines, a lightweight build, and a low-profile stance that slips effortlessly into today’s wardrobe rotations.
For this rendition, New Balance has kept things as low-key as possible. Up top, the base is made from crisp White mesh, overlaid with matte Silver Metallic panels to really hammer home that vintage aesthetic. Double-stacked “N” logos decorate the sidewalls, while the laces and midsole have been pre-yellowed for a worn-in vibe. Speaking of which, the midsole itself is cut from EVA foam, offering cushioned support and a closer-to-the-ground feel that makes every step more natural and comfortable.
The 204L also fits squarely into the flat sneaker trend dominating 2025. After years of bulky soles and maximalist runners, fashion has pivoted back to slim, streamlined silhouettes. TikTok and Instagram have been flooded with styling videos, positioning sneakers like the 204L as the ultimate alternative to chunkier dad shoes.
As you can probably already guess, the New Balance 204L Silver Metallic Black is just one of the many 204Ls set to drop in 2025. It’ll be available via New Balance and select retailers both online and in-store. For your best chance to cop, download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated with the latest sneaker drops, raffles, restocks, release reminders, news, and more from across the world of streetwear.
Images via New Balance
