The Whitaker Group x New Balance 1906U Willful Bias

Whitaker Group x New Balance 1906U 'Electric Teal' Review: A Statement in Sneaker Design and Social Commentary

The Whitaker Group and New Balance have joined forces to create something special. They've launched a new shoe called the 1906U in Electric Teal and Steel. This fresh design comes from the minds behind popular brands like Ama Meniere and Social Status.This pack is called the Willful Bias pack, and they released two pairs of the nineteen o six u, which is a slight tweak on the very popular nineteen o six r.

Release Details

The shoes hit stores in July 2023. They cost $170 in the US, which works out to about $225-230 in Canadian dollars. The official color mix includes Electric Teal, Steel, Gulf Red, and Olivine. If you're looking for the exact model, the style code is M1906NK1.

The Collection's Message

The name "Willful Bias" carries a deep meaning. It points to how our justice system, meant to treat everyone fairly, often shows bias against people of color. This important message comes to life through two distinct shoe designs in the pack.

Available Options

The collection features two color choices:

• Electric Teal with Steel accents (shown here)
• Sand Dune colorway (available separately)

Each pair offers a fresh take on the popular 1906R model, with some clever updates to make it even better.

Design and Construction Details

Let's walk through the key parts of this special shoe step by step.

Base Layer and Upper

• The shoe starts with a light gray mesh base
• Under the mesh is a reflective silver layer that lights up with flash
• Gray synthetic leather holds the laces
• A silver New Balance N logo sits on the side
• Dark gray leather wraps around the sides
• The inner side has tough, textured overlay with TPU coating

Special Features

• Teal woven eyelets use N Lock technology When you pull the laces, these strips tighten for better foot support
• When you pull the laces, these strips tighten for better foot support
• The heel has a dark blue TPU cup with 3M reflection
• Three salmon-colored reflective strips mark the top of the heel
• The shoe comes with two lace choices: Flat blue laces (standard)Bright teal laces (for extra pop)
• Flat blue laces (standard)
• Bright teal laces (for extra pop)

Tongue Design

• The tongue has padding and reflective mesh
• Dark gray material covers the top
• Special "WB" branding replaces usual NB logo

And then on the back of the tongue, we have this tag which states willful bias for community and the new balance logo.

Inner Details

• Teal liner covers the inside
• Foam-padded insole for comfort
• Special Lady Liberty graphic on insole Shows blindfold lifted upConnects to the "Willful Bias" theme
• Shows blindfold lifted up
• Connects to the "Willful Bias" theme

Midsole Technology

• Uses New Balance's Absorb cushioning
• Colors include: Gray baseOrange on front sideDark blue on heel
• Gray base
• Orange on front side
• Dark blue on heel
• Teal pods on heel for shock absorption

Outsole Construction

• Blue rubber base
• Flex grooves for easy movement
• Diamond pattern for grip
• Stability web technology TPU plate in middleHelps with foot supportAdds stability when moving
• TPU plate in middle
• Helps with foot support
• Adds stability when moving

Fit and Sizing Guide

How the 1906U Fits

So usually, I go true to size in the nineteen o six r. I went true to size for this pair, which in my case is a size ten, and they fit me a little bit roomier than a normal nineteen o six.The 1906U runs a bit bigger than the regular 1906R. Here's what you need to know:

• The Electric Teal model fits slightly larger than normal
• The Sand Dune version runs even roomier (about ¼ to ½ inch bigger)

Sizing Tips

Pick your size based on your foot type:

• For narrow or regular feet: Go down half a size if you like a snug fitChoose your true size if you prefer more room
• Go down half a size if you like a snug fit
• Choose your true size if you prefer more room
• For wide feet: Stick to your true sizeThe extra room will work in your favor
• Stick to your true size
• The extra room will work in your favor

Size Comparison Guide

Here's how the 1906U compares to other New Balance models:Same Size (True to Size):

• 860v2
• 2002R
• Made in UK models (991, 1500)

Half Size Down:

• Made in USA models (990 series)
• 992
• 993

These tips should help you find the perfect fit for your new 1906U shoes.

Comfort and Performance Analysis

Daily Comfort

The 1906U feels just like other shoes in the 1906 line. It's a good mix of comfort and support for your feet.It's not gonna be the softest shoe on the market, but it has a decent amount of plushness under foot while still giving you a lot of support.While it's not the softest shoe you can buy, it offers:

• Good cushioning under your feet
• Firm, stable support
• Nice balance for daily wear

Everyday Use

These shoes work well for:

• Daily walking
• Long days on your feet
• Travel and vacation wear

The firmer feel makes them sturdy, but they stay comfy all day long.

Quality Check

When looking at how well these shoes are made:

• The Electric Teal version uses mostly synthetic materials
• It's not quite as premium as the Sand Dune color option
• The overall build quality is solid

Though the materials might not be top-tier, the shoe holds up well for regular use.

Final Thoughts and Styling

Color Impact and Appeal

This colorway for sure is the more daring, more risk taking, and more vibrant colorway of the two, so I can see why a lot of people are gravitating more towards this one compared to the sand dune colorway.The Electric Teal version stands out with its bold look. It's the more eye-catching choice of the two shoes in this pack. While some folks love its bright style, others might prefer the quieter Sand Dune version.

Style Versatility

The Whitaker Group and New Balance gave us two great choices:

• A loud, bold option (Electric Teal)
• A subtle, calm option (Sand Dune)

This smart move lets buyers pick what fits their style best. You can go bold or keep it low-key.

Value Assessment

These shoes offer:

• Quality build
• Unique design
• Good comfort
• Two distinct style options

Final Verdict

The 1906U Electric Teal shows how creative New Balance can be with colors. While it might be too bold for some, it's perfect for those who want to stand out. The two-color release was a clever choice, giving everyone something to like.Whether you pick this vibrant pair or its calmer cousin depends on your style. Both shoes bring their own charm to the Willful Bias collection.