New Balance Numeric: Pro Footwear
Sub-division of the heritage sports performance-wear pioneer New Balance, New Balance Numeric (NB#) entered the skatewear scene in late 2012 with a mindset dedicated to adhering to the Boston-based brand’s less-is-more ode to sporting character. With a rich history in creative athletic footwear stacked behind them, New Balance Numeric continues to dive head-first into challenging the likes of Nike SB, Converse, Vans and adidas when it comes to serving performative boardfeel with respect to nostalgic sport-styling.
Following up their first release into the skate-centric market over nine years ago, New Balance Numeric has continued to captivate the market with its expressive short-forms and accompanying signature footwear releases. Ageless edits such as the their 2013-shot ‘A Place In The Sun’ clip, their ‘Quids In’ release from 2015 and their on-going ‘“String Theory” Case Files’ series unites like-minded skaters across the world, whilst purpose-engineered footwear models such as the 2017-released NB#345, the NB#440 and the mid-collared NB#379 addresses the brand’s sportswear lineage with regard to the evolutionary skatewear market. With riders such as Franky Villani, Jake Hayes, Jamie Foy and Jordan Trahan enlisted under the brand’s progressive, track-and-field influenced label, there’s no real surprise as to how New Balance Numeric’s ever-expanding pro-model footwear collection continues to deliver season after season.
Joining the New Balance Numeric crew in late ‘19, Jaguariúna-born Tiago Lemos’ purpose-engineered NM1010 signature sneakers blend ‘90’s-inspired marathon aesthetics with reference to parent-brand New Balance’s ‘Made in UK’ 991 series to hone in on celebrating ‘cult classic’ undertones with regards to revolutionary skate styling. Arriving as the skater’s first pro-model for NB# and paired with its own accompanying ‘Trust Tiago’ short-form from August 2020, the skater’s relaxed persona and uncanny-pop are easily reflected within these FuelCell-constructed sneakers. Chunkier than most other NB# profiles and host to a noted sense of nostalgia, a dual-density midsole pairs well with a reinforced FantomFit stabiliser across the heel for proven structural support. Brushed-suede and breathable mesh make for a comfortable and well-circulated wear, whilst New Balance’s carry-over Ortholite insole and purpose-placed toe-cap keep unwanted scuffs and scrapes at bay. Puffy laces and throwback overlays and etchings help mark this NB# debut for Tiago Lemos as one to remember.
Assigned team-rider since 2018, Jamie Foy continues his on-going legacy with New Balance Numeric with two new 2021 colourway instalments of his iconic NB#306 silhouette. Named after the house-number of his childhood home in Florida and following on from his recent collaboration with Baker Boys’ Deathwish Skateboards, Jamie Foy’s NM306 is both timeless and traditional in it’s fearlessly-durable construction. Famed for his 2017 appointment as Thrasher Skater of the Year and for lo-fi appearances in Spitfire Wheels’ ‘Spitfire’ and his own Barcelona-shot ‘306’ part from July 2019, these low-profile Ndurance sneakers match heritage racket-ball aesthetics with the enduring demands of the modern-day skate market. Reduced bulk and a moulded EVA insole provides the wearer with a locked-in wear, whilst the design’s extended foxings, brushed-suede overlays and curved cut-outs supply depth and dimension with respect to commanded durability.
Fellow Deathwish Skateboards associate and 2017 ‘Tricolour’ attendee Jake Hayes provides creative follow-up to his 2019 brown and gum NM379 sneakers with a refreshing light-blue remastering. Proactively redesigned for 2021 to ensure advancements in comfort, performative function and durability, these black-cat insoled sneakers pair New Balance Ndurance trims with concealed toe-box reinforcements for added all-purpose function. A gusseted tongue adheres to the demands of any energetic skate style, whilst its mixed-material suede and canvas composure makes it a lightweight variant inspired by similar-styled designs such as Brandon Westgate’s Numeric 508 and the Numeric 255. Racket-sport aesthetics underpin its streamlined structure, whilst Australian-skater Hayes’ fruitful 5-year reign with NB# continues to shine through.
Built upon a classic indoor soccer outsole with subtle similarities to the aforementioned NM379 from Aussie team-mate Jake Hayes, Brandon Westgate’s NB#508 is one that hosts equal parts nostalgia with equal parts innovation. Known for his undeniable push-power, style and grace, Massachusetts-based skater Westgate’s NM508 follows on from 2019’s NM913 REVlite release to celebrate all there is to admire about vintage sport stylings and odes to performative ingenuity. Featuring in New Balance Numeric’s ‘Bog Town’ part from 2019, Westgate’s commitment to skate remains ever-evident via the NM508 with exposed-foam trims, reinforced one-piece toe-box detailings and classic Ndurance rubber constructions keeping skate centralised as its focal point. Its sports-led grippy underfoot provides reliable multi-terrain traction, whilst its no-nonsense perforated profiling keeps Westgate’s clutter-free M.O in check no matter the skate spot.
Shop all New Balance Numeric at Flatspot.
