New Balance # containment thread

[Fartknocker415]

I wanna try the 574 vulc but it’s like 89.99 so if Ima spend 100$ on shoes I’ll just get 808 or 1010

[DarkPools]

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Dear New Balance Numeric,

I love the logic behind the names of your shoes. Higher number = more tech and if it goes beyond 400 = cupsole.

What's the deal with 288 in that case?

I can't sleep at night because of this

Yours sincerely

I.

[close]

Franky's shoe is the 417 and a vulc

[close]

Yup but the lowest NB# cup is the 425 if I'm not mistaken so all good 👍

[close]

it was the 288s, but now it should be the 420 technically

[close]

I meant currently. 420 are not always "in there".

[close]

Speaking of the 420, those should be hitting shops soon, if not today. Anyone know what the colorway is?

[close]

And before the 288s, the original 288 took that spot before they finalized the vulc/cup number break line.

Interestingly enough, some of the earlier models had real names before NM# took off with the naming convention. Quite a few were vulc and probably in the 200-300 range unofficially. Some early examples i can recall:
Brighton (#? Probably 200s)
Quincy (254 and later 255)
Logan (606 ?)
Stratton (533 - PJ'S shoe)

[close]

I remember those names, they were horrible. Thank god they didn't pursue that road.
Btw if the higher the number the more tech and stuff what about 22? Following that convention they should be a sock with laces pretty much 😅

[close]

And now isn't there a 574 vulc? Doesn't quite seem to fit the <400 = vulc theory.

Thankfully Jamie let go of it early on when it was under Black Box ownership. That way, actual NB staff and whoever they hired to revamp the skate division around 2015 or 2016ish could actually use the numbers. I know some people don't like the numbers and think it's confusing, but its the opposite once you learn: lower number = less tech and probably vulc & higher number = more tech and probably cup sole.

About the 574 vulc, a shoe like this is an exception in my mind since they made an existing NB shoe into a vulc for the skate line. Nearly every other shoe from NM# is a new creation and generally follows the cup/vulc trend of <>400 rule that we've seen. I don't think there's a hard number break, and I'm sure @rothdigga can confirm or deny that they follow a general trend, save for a few exceptions.

The 22, funny enough feels like it's slightly more substantial of a shoe than the 212, even haha

[rothdigga]

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Dear New Balance Numeric,

I love the logic behind the names of your shoes. Higher number = more tech and if it goes beyond 400 = cupsole.

What's the deal with 288 in that case?

I can't sleep at night because of this

Yours sincerely

I.

[close]

Franky's shoe is the 417 and a vulc

[close]

Yup but the lowest NB# cup is the 425 if I'm not mistaken so all good 👍

[close]

it was the 288s, but now it should be the 420 technically

[close]

I meant currently. 420 are not always "in there".

[close]

Speaking of the 420, those should be hitting shops soon, if not today. Anyone know what the colorway is?

[close]

And before the 288s, the original 288 took that spot before they finalized the vulc/cup number break line.

Interestingly enough, some of the earlier models had real names before NM# took off with the naming convention. Quite a few were vulc and probably in the 200-300 range unofficially. Some early examples i can recall:
Brighton (#? Probably 200s)
Quincy (254 and later 255)
Logan (606 ?)
Stratton (533 - PJ'S shoe)

[close]

I remember those names, they were horrible. Thank god they didn't pursue that road.
Btw if the higher the number the more tech and stuff what about 22? Following that convention they should be a sock with laces pretty much 😅

[close]

And now isn't there a 574 vulc? Doesn't quite seem to fit the <400 = vulc theory.

Gotta break the rules sometimes, usually when we're working with an existing # silhouette in the line like the 574 or 288 that we're just adopting for Numeric mostly. 

[Daydream]

[DanRar009]

Could these be the 440 v2’s we’ve been hearing about ?

[uesty]

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[close]

Could these be the 440 v2’s we’ve been hearing about ?

pretty sure he spray painted them to avoid a leak/disguise the new N side logo

[chillclinton87]

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[close]

Could these be the 440 v2’s we’ve been hearing about ?

had the same thought when i saw that pic on insta earlier. when i checked it on my phone i felt like the shoes looked quite more substantial than regular 440s but now on my laptop it could be either 

[toe_knee]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

[rothdigga]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

We used premium materials on ours, closed the gap around the ollie area for durability as well as adding in the necessary extra stitches that we need as skaters and made some minor cosmetic changes (smaller N etc).  Only details you will notice if you look close enough but overall they're improvements that were needed to make them more skateable.

[mini greek]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

[close]

We used premium materials on ours, closed the gap around the ollie area for durability as well as adding in the necessary extra stitches that we need as skaters and made some minor cosmetic changes (smaller N etc).  Only details you will notice if you look close enough but overall they're improvements that were needed to make them more skateable.

And we added a FuelCell midsole, probably the biggest (best) change. its gonna be epic.

[moonordie]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

[close]

We used premium materials on ours, closed the gap around the ollie area for durability as well as adding in the necessary extra stitches that we need as skaters and made some minor cosmetic changes (smaller N etc).  Only details you will notice if you look close enough but overall they're improvements that were needed to make them more skateable.

[close]

And we added a FuelCell midsole, probably the biggest (best) change. its gonna be epic.

Jesus Christ, I wasn't curious about 480 at all and now I need them. Damn you NB#, please leave my wallet in peace.

[toe_knee]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

[close]

We used premium materials on ours, closed the gap around the ollie area for durability as well as adding in the necessary extra stitches that we need as skaters and made some minor cosmetic changes (smaller N etc).  Only details you will notice if you look close enough but overall they're improvements that were needed to make them more skateable.

[close]

And we added a FuelCell midsole, probably the biggest (best) change. its gonna be epic.

Damn… highly anticipating this one, really liked tha basketball version so I’m sure this one is gonna be siiick

[chillclinton87]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

[close]

We used premium materials on ours, closed the gap around the ollie area for durability as well as adding in the necessary extra stitches that we need as skaters and made some minor cosmetic changes (smaller N etc).  Only details you will notice if you look close enough but overall they're improvements that were needed to make them more skateable.

[close]

And we added a FuelCell midsole, probably the biggest (best) change. its gonna be epic.

midsole makes these is instant cop for me! sealed the deal 

[uesty]

these are sick!

[munchbox]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

[close]

We used premium materials on ours, closed the gap around the ollie area for durability as well as adding in the necessary extra stitches that we need as skaters and made some minor cosmetic changes (smaller N etc).  Only details you will notice if you look close enough but overall they're improvements that were needed to make them more skateable.

[close]

And we added a FuelCell midsole, probably the biggest (best) change. its gonna be epic.

wait for the numeric model, got it

[ToasterBiscuitz]

Any wide versions coming this summer? Running out of old CT574’s

[rothdigga]

Any wide versions coming this summer? Running out of old CT574’s

Sadly no, probably not until we hit Jan or maybe an early delivery in Dec if the shoes show up.  We will have 440's, NM574's and NM272's

[Esquivel]

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Are the rumors of a beefed up 440 true?

@rothdigga

[close]

I wouldn't call it "beefed up" but I would say Jeff/Nick on the product and design team did update a few things for the new 440.  I'm a dedicated 440 user, it's my only shoe for last 4 years and the improvements are slight but needed.  They eliminated the rocker on the shoe (it sat on the shelf with a bit of a curve on the sole) as well as upgraded some durability points but the overall toe down and everything will look the same.  We may have 1-2 carryover colors of the older 440's but once the new one hits, the old will go away.

Sorry to quote such an old post, but is there a specific reason for this change? I am curious because I usually like this feature, it makes the shoes look less floppy.

[rothdigga]

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Are the rumors of a beefed up 440 true?

@rothdigga

[close]

I wouldn't call it "beefed up" but I would say Jeff/Nick on the product and design team did update a few things for the new 440.  I'm a dedicated 440 user, it's my only shoe for last 4 years and the improvements are slight but needed.  They eliminated the rocker on the shoe (it sat on the shelf with a bit of a curve on the sole) as well as upgraded some durability points but the overall toe down and everything will look the same.  We may have 1-2 carryover colors of the older 440's but once the new one hits, the old will go away.

[close]

Sorry to quote such an old post, but is there a specific reason for this change? I am curious because I usually like this feature, it makes the shoes look less floppy.

Aesthetically speaking, they look pretty weird on the shoe wall when sitting on a shoe shelf when the shoe curves up at the end but I understand what you're saying. 

[Esquivel]

^ok, thanks!

[thehogsniper]

New idea: 420 made completely from hemp.

[woat]

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his pro model, right?

[close]

Yup, no idea about the #. Maybe @rothdigga can share some juice?

[close]

Yeah they are his new pro model, it will be the 600
tried them on in a sample (it was a half size too small for me) but it felt really good, i'm excited for this to come out

[close]

It's got similar vibes to the 288S that we had for a while.  Indoor soccer inspired design but a big improvement on the 288S if you tried those.  Launches in Holiday 2023 so around Oct.

[close]

thanks, roth!

Appreciate you aalways posting here.

Any word on when the 480 skate version comes out? been popping up all over insta recently so i guess final sample phase?

[close]

Without giving away too much, I'll just say "sooner than later" for the 480.  Obviously once you start seeing it on peoples feet it's not a total secret so you'll see them pop up at retail soon-ish.

[close]

Can you give us some insight on what some of the changes were that went into the skate version of the 480? Genuinely curious I enjoyed skating the normal basketball model, and wonder what the major differences are between the two

Will this new insole feature in the V2 of the 440? I have skated dozens of 440's and my only qualm is the foam insole being completely flattened within a week or two of skating them and having semi high arches means that when they do, the whole shoe feels a lot looser.

My friend and fellow team rider showed me the samples he received of the 480 and i must say if this new insole is featured in the upcoming 440 v2 it would be incredible.

[BigMurf]

My 808s came in and man yall were right about going a half size up. If I would have got my normal size there's no way I'd be able to wear these. I appreciate this thread and everyone in it 

[OhioGuy]

So I got some Fastbreak Pros and like ‘em, but there’s only like 3 colorways available. Meanwhile it seems like a new version of 440s comes out every month. How can #NB afford to make so many versions? Are they just super popular?

[MusclesMarinara]

So I got some Fastbreak Pros and like ‘em, but there’s only like 3 colorways available. Meanwhile it seems like a new version of 440s comes out every month. How can #NB afford to make so many versions? Are they just super popular?

Probably because NB# is an active skate program with tons of support and goodwill from team and buyers alike. Where as Cons is a Nike afterthought with no real identity.

[OhioGuy]

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So I got some Fastbreak Pros and like ‘em, but there’s only like 3 colorways available. Meanwhile it seems like a new version of 440s comes out every month. How can #NB afford to make so many versions? Are they just super popular?

[close]

Probably because NB# is an active skate program with tons of support and goodwill from team and buyers alike. Where as Cons is a Nike afterthought with no real identity.

Makes sense. I’ll continue buying 440s and grab Fastbreaks when I can.

[LebowskisRug]

Adding to that most of the Fastbreaks have nylon sides. If they actually gave even a small fuck they'd use any other somewhat more durable material. All the do is slap an insole in em and call it a day.

[DarkPools]

It's strange because Cons skate program used to be so invigorating from 2009-2017 or so. They peaked during the toe cap trend around 2016 it seems and have only gone downhill in popularity since then, but still solid. Save for the occasional bump from certain Cons riders keeping them going.

I will say Alexis pro shoe and whenever they release a colorway of the Fastbreak, they get a rise in presence again.

They make non skate Fastbreak models and maybe refuksr Converse/Nike has some contract/rules that the skate line is limited to how many they can release in the regular and the skate division.

I've also seen more all suede colorways of regular Fastbreaks than I have of the skate ones. Thats bizarre to me haha


Back to NB#, it seems that they approach the skate shoes from the ground up, rather than the top down like Cons does. Sale numbers matter but NB# mission to making readily available skate shoes is not tainted excessively by corporate overlords

[moonordie]

Still can't believe how NB# slept on Alexis. I was so bummed about that.

[Paco Supreme]

Still can't believe how NB# slept on Alexis. I was so bummed about that.

I was just thinking about that the other day, an Alexis NB would have been all such a great move