Why am I paying double for the Kith x New Balance 1906R 'Rosewood' Exclusive in Germany

April 26, 2026

Why the Kith x New Balance 1906R Rosewood is dominating my 2026 rotation

I have seen plenty of collaborations this year, but the Kith x New Balance 1906R 'Rosewood' Exclusive stands out. Ronnie Fieg has a way of picking color palettes that feel timeless yet modern. The 'Rosewood' hue is a deep, sophisticated earthy tone that looks better in person than in any render I saw online. In Germany, finding this specific pair is a nightmare. Local boutiques didn't get the stock, and the secondary market prices in Berlin or Munich are nearly double the US retail price of $170.

Why am I paying double for the Kith x New Balance 1906R
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The 1906R silhouette has become a staple for me in 2026 because of its comfort and technical aesthetic. However, since this was a US-exclusive release, my only choice was to look across the Atlantic. I decided to take matters into my own hands rather than waiting for a local drop that would never come.

My strategy for avoiding the German sneaker markup

I realized quickly that I could save over €150 by purchasing from a US retailer. To do this, I needed a tax-free us address. I chose comGateway as my freight forwarder because they provide a sales-tax-free warehouse in Oregon. This means I don't pay the 7% or 10% US sales tax that I would if I shipped to a friend in New York or California.

When you shop us store sites, you often see lower base prices, but the challenge is always the logistics. I used the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before I committed to the purchase. Knowing the landed cost upfront helped me justify the effort of importing the shoes myself.

How I solve the problem of US stores blocking my German credit card

Here is the reality of sneaker hunting in 2026. Some major US retailers like Nike, Sephora, or even Kith occasionally block international credit cards. I have had several orders cancelled because my billing address was in Germany, or because the store flagged my payment as "high risk" for being outside the US. It is incredibly frustrating to see a pair of sneakers in my cart, only to have the order killed five minutes later.

I found a way around this using the BuyForMe service. Instead of me trying to force my German card through a stubborn checkout system, I have the team at comGateway buy the item on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. This is the safest way to guarantee my order doesn't get cancelled by a store's automated fraud filters. They handle the purchase, and once the sneakers arrive at my suite, I just manage the international shipping from there. It removes the stress of the "Order Cancelled" email that we sneakerheads dread.

Getting my Rosewood exclusive to Germany with a freight forwarder

Once my Rosewoods arrived at the warehouse, I used the international shipping service to get them moving toward Europe. I find that a parcel forwarding service is much more efficient than relying on standard retail shipping, which is often overpriced or unavailable for international destinations. By using a freight forwarder, I can consolidate multiple packages if I happen to be buying more gear at the same time.

The Germany delivery process was straightforward. I could track my package from the moment it left the US until it reached my door. I always suggest using a dedicated package forwarding company because they understand how to forward packages safely and securely, ensuring the original shoe box doesn't arrive crushed.

What I learned about import tax and shipping rules

I made sure to educate myself on the latest import tax and GST/VAT regulations for 2026. When you buy from US ship to Germany, you have to account for the customs duties that will be collected upon arrival. I checked the comGateway blog for a guide on import duties to make sure I wasn't surprised by a bill from the courier. You might also like to check their 2026 updates on customs tax to stay current.

Before I shipped, I also reviewed the list of prohibited items and restricted goods. While sneakers are generally safe, some shoe cleaning kits containing pressurized aerosols or certain chemicals are considered restricted goods. I always check the shipping rules before adding accessories to my order. In the end, even with shipping and taxes, I still came out ahead compared to the inflated prices in the local German market.

Cost Component US Retail Method German Resale Market
Retail Price $170 (~€158) €380
US Sales Tax $0 (Tax-Free Address) N/A
Shipping & Duties ~€75 €10 (Local)
Total Cost ~€233 €390
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