Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. zach.h@soleretriever.com
The 204L has been a sneaky hit within the 2025 New Balance catalog. The new silhouette takes reference from 1970s runners, fitting right in with the wave of slimmed-down, low-profile sneakers taking over the industry. Continuing the 204L hot streak, New Balance is switching things up, trading suede for patent leather on a flashy new colorway.
Mixing muted color with eye-catching material, the New Balance 204L Black Patent goes dark with an all-black colorway covering the entire shoe. The triple black construction features shiny patent leather on the structural panels that are typically made of suede, with black mesh filling in the rest of the upper. The only break from black comes in white on the heel and tongue logos, the small N logo on the toebox, the outline on the side panel N logo, and the ankle collar.
This is the first time we’ve seen the 204L in patent leather, but alongside the ABZORB 2000, the model has been a breakout NB star of 2025. In addition to a strong run of retro-influenced and bright suede inline colorways, the silhouette has been featured in collabs from Kith, Basketcase, and AURALEE.
The New Balance 204L Black Patent will be released on September 17, 2025, through select New Balance retailers in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $130. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest sneaker drops, raffles, restocks, news, and more from the streetwear world.
