French Resale vs. US Direct: Is the New Balance 1906R import tax worth the cost?

Why the New Balance 1906R is dominating 2026

The New Balance 1906R has solidified its position as the premier 'dad shoe' in 2026. Its technical aesthetic, combined with superior cushioning, makes it a staple for both comfort and style. While standard colorways are available globally, the most coveted metallic and neutral palettes remain locked behind US storefronts. For collectors in France, these specific releases are the difference between a common outfit and a unique silhouette.

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More about shipping to France

The US Exclusive Problem for French Sneakerheads

Retailers like New Balance US, Foot Locker, and specialized boutiques often drop colorways that never reach the European market. If you are browsing from Paris or Lyon, you have likely seen "US Only" shipping restrictions. To bridge this gap, you need a reliable freight forwarder. By using a tax-free US address, you can shop these stores as if you were located in the States, effectively bypassing regional release locks.

Direct Purchase vs. Resale Market Prices

When you want the 1906R US exclusives, you have two choices: pay a premium to a reseller on platforms like StockX or buy directly from a US retailer. Typically, the resale markup for 2026 exclusives can exceed 40% of the retail price. In contrast, buying at retail and using a package forwarding service often results in lower total costs, even after accounting for international shipping rates.

Using BuyForMe to bypass US store blocks

A common hurdle for French buyers is the payment wall. Many US retailers, including Nike, Sephora, and New Balance, often block international credit cards or cancel orders that use billing addresses outside the United States. If your order is constantly declined, the BuyForMe service is your solution.

Through this proxy shopping method, comGateway purchases the 1906R on your behalf using a US domestic payment card. This significantly reduces the risk of order cancellation. It is the safest way to guarantee that limited edition sneakers actually reach the warehouse instead of being stuck in a refund loop. You can learn more about this assisted purchase process in our support center.

Managing International Shipping to France

Once your sneakers arrive at your US address, you need to decide how to get them to France. You can estimate shipping cost using our online tool to compare different speeds and carriers. Whether you prefer DHL international shipping for speed or FedEx international shipping for reliability, having options is key to managing your budget.

To understand the full logistics chain, follow our step-by-step guide. This ensures you know exactly when your package leaves the US and when it will arrive at your door in France.

Import Tax and Duties in France

When importing goods from the USA to France, you must account for import tax (VAT) and potential customs duties. For footwear, these fees are calculated based on the value of the shoes plus the cost of international shipping.

By using comGateway, you can often consolidate multiple purchases into one shipment to reduce the per-item international shipping cost, making the total expenditure much more competitive than local resale prices. If you have more questions about fees, check our FAQ for detailed breakdowns.