Slip-ons aren’t normally what you think of when you think retro-runner, but New Balance is continuing to venture away from its norm with the 204V. The shoe debuted earlier this month as part of New Balance’s presentation at Paris Fashion Week, but official photos give us a closer look at the first two colorways debuting “Fan Blue” and “Neo Flame.”

The silhouette is lower, skinnier, and constructed with performance-minded elements more commonly found on racing shoes than lifestyle sneakers. A stretch entry takes the place of laces on the 204V, with an overlapping panel design that extends across the foot. The stitching adds an overall look of connectivity to the shoe while reflective accents around the toe-box and heel create visual interest when hit with light.

Bright blue mesh and black suede overlays come together on “Fan Blue,” completed by navy accents and silver branding. New Balance dips into darker territory for the “Neo Flame” colorway, utilizing an almost entirely black upper only interrupted by orange mesh placed strategically in key areas and orange panels that run along the sides. Both colorways keep the same slim sole and exposed rubber pods on the underside of the shoe.

Slip-ons aren’t totally new to New Balance, but the 204V shows the direction New Balance has been trending towards recently. Yes, the brand is still digging into its archives, but newer retro models are starting to become sleeker, more performance-focused, and stray further from the familiar boxy shapes we’ve come to associate with dad sneakers. The 204V retains the oversized “N” logo and layered design sandwiching the foot, but the laceless design feels fresh compared to a majority of New Balance’s recent releases.

You can cop the New Balance 204V on July 8, 2026. Retailing at $120, you can find both colorways (“Fan Blue” and “Neo Flame”) at NewBalance.com and select retailers.

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Featured image: @isalethem