New Balance has been holding strong for years with a bevy of suede and mesh runners and well-placed collaborations, but the Boston brand is still coming up with new models and still taking chances with unique silhouettes. Debuting earlier this summer, the New Balance 204L is a suede lifestyle runner that is far more stripped down compared to the brand’s traditional 99X models.
The 204L may be new, with only two GR colors hitting shelves so far, but it has already made its way to brand collaborators. We first saw the shoe thanks to Basketcase and AURALEE during Paris Fashion Week. July saw the retail debut of the model when Kith dropped three exclusive colorways in bright pink, bright orange, and green.

The latest colorway is a Grey/Yellow combo that evokes memories of classic early 2000s trainers (back then, yellow was known to be the fastest color). The slim, skinny-soled 204L has an upper with three tones of grey making up the suede, mesh, and leather layers, while a bright yellow N logo, internal collar, and sole hits break up the color blocking.
The New Balance 204L Grey Yellow will release Fall 2025, through New Balance and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $110. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.


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