Size? and New Balance are continuing their long-running collaborative relationship with a fresh take on the New Balance 204L, giving the low-profile silhouette a nostalgic makeover for Summer 2026.
Dubbed the “Picnic Print”, the exclusive colourway takes the streamlined proportions of the 204L and introduces a playful combination of patterned textile, suede and contrasting earthy tones. The brands fully opted-in on the materials and colours.
A Low-Profile Silhouette With Archive DNA
The 204L itself represents a different direction for New Balance. While the brand has become synonymous with heavily cushioned running-inspired silhouettes, the 204L takes a considerably slimmer approach, taking references from different eras of New Balance running design.
According to New Balance, the model combines the structure of 1970s running shoes with the technology-inspired textures of 2000s footwear. Its curved overlay lines, layered upper and low-profile tooling give it a distinctive retro-running foundation.
The construction features a multi-piece upper with embossed overlays, screen-printed graphics around the saddle and a distinctive outsole that combines a 2000s-inspired strike path with a tread pattern influenced by 1970s running shoes. A double-stacked suede N logo completes the New Balance identity across the upper.
The Size? “Picnic Print”
For the Size? exclusive, the running-inspired foundation is given a playful treatment.
The upper is built around a green-and-white gingham pattern, this establishes the “Picnic Print” identity. This textile gives a softer, almost nostalgic feeling.
Layered over the gingham are rich brown suede overlays, adding depth and texture across the upper. The gingham sits underneath the structured overlays. The checkered textile in green-and-white gingham creates a strong contrast against the much heavier suede oanels layered over the top.
Around this gingham base, Size? introduces two shades of brown suede, with booth smooth and hairy textures used across the structural overlays. The different finishes give the upper a considerably more depth feeling. This can be aeen around the toe, eyestay and heel, where the darker materials frame sections of the exposed check pattern.
Material Selection
Material Selection plays a major role in the process. New Balance’s standard premium-suede versions use layered construction across the upper, combining tactile materials with the model’s curved panel lines.
For the Size? prokecy, that approach becomes way more important. The contrast between the patterned textile and brown suede gives the sneaker a more premium appearance, with the different surfaces breaking up the otherwise clean lines of the silhouette.
The construction also keeps the low-profile EVA outsole, while the traditional lace-up system provides an adjustable fit.
Release Information
The Size? x New Balance 204L “Picnic Print” is set to release on 21 August 2026, exclusively through Size? with a retail price of £120 and the collaboration comes with multiple sets of laces.
Size? x New Balance 204L “Picnic Print” Brings a Gingham Twist to the Low-Profile Runner
