The collection reworks two fan-favorite sneakers&mdash;the 204L and 2010&mdash;plus a full lineup of red-brown apparel to match.

New Balance is ringing in the Year of the Horse with a 2026 Lunar New Year limited collection. The concept pulls from two references that oddly make perfect sense together: the strategy of a chess knight, and the Horse zodiac&rsquo;s energy, ease, and forward motion. Think: smart moves, strong momentum, and looking good while you do it.
The drop spotlights two popular silhouettes, the 2010 and the 204L, dressed in festive limited-edition colorways. The collection also expands into apparel and accessories, built around a rich red-brown palette that feels seasonally right without going full costume. It&rsquo;s the kind of range you can wear for family gatherings, quick coffee runs, and the &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll only stay for one drink&rdquo; meetups that always turn into three hours.

Sticking to what it does best, New Balance keeps the design language clean and wearable, letting materials and small details do the heavy lifting. Both the 2010 and 204L lean into classic running-shoe DNA, but with updates that make them feel current, not retro for the sake of it. The release is expected to roll out between January and February 2026.

The 2010 comes with New Balance&rsquo;s ABZORB cushioning, designed to soften impact while staying stable underfoot. It mixes diamond-textured knit mesh with suede overlays, adding depth without getting flashy. It&rsquo;s built for people who are on their feet a lot, and it slots easily into a smart casual wardrobe&mdash;good for commuting, errands, post-work movement, and pretty much any day where comfort has to keep up with your schedule.
The 204L leans lighter and more streamlined, built off retro running proportions with a longer, sleeker shape. Details like the pointed toe add a sharp, slightly elongated visual line, while a low-cut profile and EVA midsole keep it easy to wear for long stretches. Breathable mesh and soft suede panels give it texture without bulk. In its Year of the Horse colorway, it&rsquo;s especially easy to pair with brown-toned fall and winter fits, but it also works as a neutral anchor year-round.

To complete the look, New Balance is also dropping a matching apparel capsule in that same red-brown family. The lineup includes hoodies, utility-style pants, casual skirts, windproof outerwear, and practical bags&mdash;pieces designed to mix and match without overthinking it.
It&rsquo;s a full outfit system built for the holiday season: easy to style, comfortable enough to actually wear all day, and polished enough that you won&rsquo;t look like you just rolled out for a quick run. Put it together with the 2010 or 204L, and you&rsquo;ve got a Lunar New Year fit that feels festive, but still very New Balance.

Courtesy of New Balance.

New Balance Welcomes the Year of the Horse With a Knight-Inspired Lunar New Year Drop

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