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New Balance found a hit this year with the new 204L, a slimmed-down, low-profile balletcore runner that blends the brand’s legendary suede styling with a fashion-forward, on-trend shape. The silhouette made its semi-official debut with a classic grey colorway in collaboration with California streetwear brand Basketcase, and if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The two brands are back for more action on the 204L before the year is over.
The new Basketcase x New Balance 204L is ready for winter in a beef and broccoli colorway with custom hiking boot flair. Taking after the Timberland boot colorway made famous by golden era rappers and hustlers, the slim runner’s upper trades two tones of dark brown suede with a dark green N logo to complete the look. The laces get the full hiking treatment, with open-ended brass loops holding thick, fuzzy blue rope laces. 204L branding and the ankle collar get a light brown color while the sole is all black.
New Balance has spent the past decade running numbers up with new colorways of classic silhouettes, but this year has seen a few brand new models take centerstage with the ABZORB 2000, Allerdale, and 204L all bringing fresh blood to the legacy brand. In addition to inline colorways, the push to bring collaborators to the new models is a good sign that NB is looking to the future, no matter how much we love their vintage catalog.
The first Basketcase x New Balance 204L was a friends-and-family release that never saw the streets, but the beef and broccoli pair will be available to the public. Multiple in-person releases will take place in December 2025 in California and NYC. Check here for full details on the drop schedule! Available in men’s sizes, the price is still TBD on these. Keep your eyes peeled to 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. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
