Our verdict

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info makes its comeback whipped up with running-inspired technologies in a stylish athleisure package. Though it isn't designed as a performance running shoe, we discovered that it's ready to cushion your feet for daily hustles. Like most dad shoes with a blast-from-the-past appeal, this kick will grow on you if you have a big love for sneaks with a retro aesthetic and bang-up quality.

x New Balance CT300 Pros

  • Action Bronson recently revealed a brand new Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 993
  • Exceptionally breathable
  • newbalance msxrctca x racer trail utility mirage mens running shoe purple black grey yellow red
  • Premium quality and real suede
  • New Balance 446 Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers U446GCB
  • tenis Vision Racer de New Balance x Jaden Smith
  • True to size and fit

x New Balance CT300 Cons

  • New balance 550 x aime leon dore white grey navy green ald 2021 new ships now
  • New Balance Unearths Another 90s Classic

Audience verdict

92
Great!

Who should buy

We are convinced that the New Balance deserves a spot in your sneaker stack if:

  • New Balance Running Tenacity Czarna bluza z zamkiem pod szyją dad sneakers new balance rebel v2 zapatillas de running RSCNB
  • you opt for running-inspired kicks for their impeccable comfort
  • you expect premium quality and higher durability from an expensive shoe

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info review

Who should NOT buy

If you are in love with the 1906R style but wonder if there is a cheaper alternative, there are a couple of other NB sneakers to consider. The NB 2002R x New Balance CT300 NB 530, is even cheaper at $100.

Some people find sneakers over 14 oz a bit clunky. If you enjoy lighter footwear, have a look at the 2002R or the 990 v6.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

New Balance loves them big platforms. Based on our lab measurements, the brand's kicks are on average 3 mm taller than other sneakers. So is the NB 1906R.

Our caliper shows 37.1 mm of stack in the shoe's heel which is on par with the chunky NB CT302. It wouldn't be a proper dad shoe without all that sole, right?

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Heel stack
Test results
1906R 37.1 mm
Average 30.2 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

The 1906R also has plenty of foam under the ball of the foot. At 25.6 mm, it rises above many other sneakers.

So if you are used to low-stack sneakers, be prepared to feel a little disconnected from the ground in this NB shoe.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Forefoot stack
Test results
1906R 25.6 mm
Average 19.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

The difference in height between the heel and the toes is rather moderate in the undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info.

At 11.5 mm, it sits right at the average of lifestyle sneakers and doesn't cause any forward sliding or discomfort of the foot.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Drop
Test results
1906R 11.5 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Trying the 1906R on for the first time, we instantly knew that it would become a mainstay in our sneaker rotation. Insanely comfortable right off the bat, we found it to be amazing for all-day wear and everyday use.

As comfortable as it feels on foot, the NB 1906R doesn't have the softest cushioning though. Measuring its primary foam with a durometer, we got a reading of 32.0 HA which indicates a moderately firm compound.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Midsole softness

We believe that it's the shoe's ABZORB SBS units in the heel that make the 1906R feel so cozy upon landings. Reminiscent of the ASICS GEL, they exude a perfectly nostalgic vibe of the '00s running shoes.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info ABZORB SBS

Test results
1906R 32.0 HA
Average 29.0 HA
New Balance 327 Summer Jade.
Compared to 75 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Insole thickness

To our feet's delight, the 1906R features a contoured and well-padded Ortholite insole. Its thickness of 5.4 mm is similar to that of most sneaker insoles.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Insole thickness
Test results
1906R 5.4 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

x New Balance CT300 | Size

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info is true to size (283 votes).

Salehe Bembury x New Balance 574 YURT Grey MS574YSC?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 109 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

Based on personal experience and caliper measurements, we can confirm that the undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info has a perfect medium fit.

Having poured a mold of the shoe's interiors, we measured its widest part at 91.5 mm - a standard reading for a D medium width sneaker.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Toebox width - widest part
Test results
1906R 91.5 mm
Average 92.3 mm
Compared to 74 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
85.4 mm
Toebox width - widest part
96.8 mm

New Balance 294

There is no aggressive toebox tapering either. A width of 74.7 mm near the big toe confirmed the shoe's medium fit.

On the downside, this silhouette is not available in wide widths. So, we recommend that folks with wide feet check out the Hållbar New balance Löparskor Fresh Foam Roav V2 Sostenible New balance Sabates Running Fresh Foam Arishi V3.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info New Balance 294
Test results
1906R 68.9 mm
Average 68.8 mm
Compared to 74 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
63.9 mm
New Balance 294
74.1 mm

x New Balance CT300 | Toebox height

An above-average toebox height of 30.3 mm also helps to eliminate presure by offering more space on top of the toes.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Toebox height
Test results
1906R 30.3 mm
Average 27.7 mm
Compared to 74 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
20.7 mm
Toebox height
35.0 mm

Lockdown

Depending on the colorway, the 1906R features flat or rounded laces. We have no complaints about the flat ones we got in our pair but if you happen to get the rounded curvy ones, you won't be disappointed either. Their unusual shape helps them stay tied better.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info laces

Another unique component of the 1906R is the functional N logo. The brand surprised us by running two straps right through it! The ends of these straps make up two lace loops on both sides of the shoe.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info logo

Not only does it look cool but it actually works! We could feel the added hold around the midfoot courtesy of the added straps. It adds a nice touch of structure to the shoe's mesh upper.

Stability

Lateral stability test

New Balance ML597.

Testing lateral support of the 1906R confirmed yet again that people with flat feet and overpronation can fully trust the brand's footwear.

As you can see in the video above, our feet remain planted like trees even as we actively shift our ankles side-to-side.

Torsional rigidity

The 1906R design was largely inspired by the brand's stability running shoe. That's why it inherited several stabilizing components to prevent the wearer's foot from awkwardly rolling inwards.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info WEB stability

One of these components is the stiff WEB stability shank. Embedded into the midfoot, it contributes to the shoe's torsional rigidity which holds the foot firmly in place.

In our manual test, we twisted the 1906R sideways, rating its torsional stiffness with a high score of 4.

Test results
1906R 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
1
Torsional rigidity
5

New Balance offers a wide range of shoes some are cheap

Another stabilizing feature that doesn't let the heel slide inwards is the shoe's heel counter. In the 1906R, it is wrapped in a plastic cage which adds structure to an otherwise flexible structure.

It is not the stiffest we've seen but does the trick just fine. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as only 2.

Características New balance Meias Performance Dralon Hållbar New balance Löparskor Fresh Foam Roav V2.

Test results
1906R 2
Average 3.2
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
1
New Balance offers a wide range of shoes some are cheap
5

New Balance WL827V2 White met Saturn Pink

Hållbar New balance Tenacity SS.

Measuring its widest area with a caliper, it returned 113.3 mm which is notably wider than the average sneaker.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
1906R 113.3 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
95.1 mm
New Balance WL827V2 White met Saturn Pink
121.0 mm

new balance mens fresh foam arishi v3 black black marismk

Repeating the measurement in the widest part of the heel, our caliper showed 87.6 mm which is nearly 5 mm wider than average.

Tecnologias New balance Calzini Run Lightweight Crew 3 Pairs.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Midsole width in the heel
Test results
1906R 87.6 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
67.7 mm
new balance mens fresh foam arishi v3 black black marismk
103.1 mm

New Balance 997H Weiße Sneaker mit Animal-Print

Despite its taller-than-average platform, the NB 1906R has a good amount of flex in the forefoot to stay comfortable all day.

Measuring how much force it takes to bend this sneaker to a 90-degree angle (23.0N), we found that it flexes just as well as the average.

Test results
1906R 23.0N
Average 23.4N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
5.8N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
51.8N

Weight

New Balance packs a lot of good stuff into the 1906R but it does so with a little weight penalty.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info on feet

Our scale shows 14.1 oz (401g) in a men's US size 9 which is slightly heavier than average. But to ease your mind with a reference, this NB sneaker weighs exactly the same as the Adidas Superstar.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Weight

The sturdy upper overlays and multiple cushioning technologies add a little extra heft to this shoe for a good reason but if you need a lighter alternative, the NB 2002R at 13.5 oz (383g) is your best bet.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info technologies

Test results
1906R 14.14 oz (401g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

"Summer breeze makes you feel fine" and so does the breathable upper of the NB 1906R. With mesh being one of its staple features, we can wholeheartedly recommend this sneaker for summertime.

Filling the shoe's upper with smoke in our lab, we were once again convinced of its excellent ventilation capacity. The shoe's innumerable pores allowed the heat to escape rather quickly.

As you can see in our transparency test below, these pores are not very large but they work together like a sieve.

Zooming in on the shoe's mesh through our microscope, we can see how fairly loose chain links are responsible for the airflow.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info microscope

Rating the 1906R's breathability on a 1-5 scale, we confidently gave it a high score of 4. It is more ready for summer than the average sneaker.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info microscope upper

Test results
1906R 4
Average 3
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

Asking an above-average price for this retro sneak, New Balance fully justifies its MSRP with superbly executed craftsmanship and premium materials.

To check if the shoe's upper overlays are made of real suede, we attempted to set it on fire with our butane torch. Luckily, it was to no avail. The 1906R is the real deal.

The tongue, on the other hand, is made of synthetic leather. You can see how easily it caught fire and melted in our fire test.

Test results
1906R Real suede

Toebox durability

The 1906R's commitment to quality is one of the reasons why we adore this NB kick.

It is a stellar (and rare) example of a sneaker that manages to combine breathability and wear resistance in one upper.

But let our Dremel do the speaking (drilling) now. Having set the speed to 5K RPM and pressure to 3.2N, we held its sandpaper tip against the shoe's toebox for 12 seconds.

And the result was astounding! The suede took all the beating, while the mesh beneath it was practically intact. Where many sneakers end up with a large ugly tear, the 1906R got away with barely seen damage.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Toebox durability

On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the most durable, we readily rated this kick's toebox durability as 4.

Test results
1906R 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

We weren't as impressed with the shoe's heel padding though. Lined with super soft fabric, it was easily torn by the Dremel.

After a mere 4 seconds of drilling at the speed of 5K RPM, this area got damaged more severely than the average sneaker.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Heel padding durability

Thus, we couldn't rate the shoe's heel padding durability any higher than the lowest score. But the good news is that this is the only frail area of this sturdy NB sneaker. Let's have a look at its nocturnal outsole now.

Test results
1906R 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

To us, reading "Ndurance" on the shoe's rubber automatically translates to exceptional durability.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info outsole

First of all, this rubber is very hard. And that is nearly always an indication of higher abrasion resistance. Pressing our durometer against it returned 90.3 HC which is 6% harder than the average sneaker rubber.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Outsole hardness
Test results
1906R 90.3 HC
Average 85.7 HC
New Balance 327 Summer Jade.
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
94.0 HC

Outsole durability

But let's put assumptions aside and test the limits of this rubber with our trusty Dremel.

For the outsole, we turn up the speed to 10K RPM and increase the drilling time to 22 seconds.

Can you even spot the damage in the photo below? It is nothing more than a scuff! Measuring it with a tread gauge showed a dent of only 0.9 mm which is within the average of sneakers. Fantastic durability!

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Outsole durability
Test results
1906R 0.9 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 92 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

New Balance also made sure that you can enjoy a pair of 1906R for more than a season or two.

In addition to choosing its most hard-wearing rubber, the brand also made it 6.0 mm thick for the outsole. A little thicker than average, it further boosted our confidence in the shoe's longevity.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Outsole thickness
Test results
1906R 6.0 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

The NB 1906R pops even at night! There are reflective elements on both the heel collar and the tongue, so visibility is a given, even as you walk along dark trails. 

Test results
1906R Yes

Tongue padding

The tongue of the NB 1906R is very generously padded and feels like a soft pillow on top of the foot.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info tongue

Posibles mejoras para la New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v5.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Tongue padding
Test results
1906R 10.5 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
NEW BALANCE 550 WHITE ROYAL BLACK 2021
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Even though there are no gussets on the sides, we had zero issues with the shoe's tongue sliding or bunching. Very wide and well-padded, it stayed ergonomically wrapped around our insteps.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Tongue: gusset type
Test results
1906R None

Heel tab

The are no pull tabs or loops at the back of the 1906R but it's easy to grab the extended heel collar when getting the shoe on.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Heel tab
Test results
1906R Extended heel collar

Removable insole

If you need even more support than provided by the shoe's default Ortholite insole, you can easily remove and replace it with a custom orthotic.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info Removable insole
Test results
1906R Yes

1906: the beginning of New Balance

New Balance puts meaning behind every number in their sneaker names. And in the case of the 1906R, it stands for the brand's founding year.

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info inner side

The original 1906 was released back in 2009 and was designed as a performance running shoe. But why the "R?" The letter was added to differentiate the trainer's updated version as a lifestyle sneaker which was released a decade later.

Fun fact: the original 1906 came out with an MSRP of $250 which, adjusted for inflation, would cost $360 today!

undftd x new balance operation desert storm cm1500 detailed look release info shoe parts

The popularity of the 1906R was boosted by collaborations with the Korean streetwear brand thisisneverthat and the British size?, among others.