There is perhaps no other athletic footwear brand who’s cracked the code of balancing retro design with new innovation like New Balance has. 

The Boston-based brand’s Abzorb 1890, Abzorb 2000, Abzorb 2010, Gator Run and 204L sneakers are just a smattering of its recent successes and of them all, the 204L is arguably the most on-trend. And while there have been a handful of collaborations, most notably with Basketcase Gallery and Kith, it’s the model’s more accessible in-line styles that have really driven interest around the 204L. But this week, the on-trend sneaker will receive yet another collaboration courtesy of Japanese fashion label Auralee.

The Auralee x New Balance 204L will be released Friday following its Auralee-exclusive presale on May 22. The collaboration is offered in two contrasting colorways: Ganache/Black Bean (style code U204L5I7) and Plaza Taupe/White Jade (style code U204L7YU). 

In addition to their clashing color combinations, both shoes use different materials for two truly distinct looks. The darker Ganache pair has a leather base with suede overlays, while the Plaza Taupe iteration covers a mesh base with a mix of suede, leather and synthetic.

Founded in 2015 by Japanese designer Ryota Iwai, Auralee has grown a devoted following for its fabric-focused emphasis on minimalism and tailoring. The label’s New Balance collaborations began in 2021 and have covered a wide range of silhouettes including the popular 550, 2002R, and 1906R models. 

As for the 204L, it was introduced by New Balance in July 2025 and quickly caught on as an affordable alternative to the brand’s Miu Miu 530 SL sneakers, which feature a similar shape, materials and colors.

Following its Japan-exclusive launch, the Auralee x New Balance 204L collaboration will be released Friday from newbalance.com at 10 a.m. ET and will also be available from select New Balance retailers. Pricing is set at $130 each.