New Balance # containment thread

[Hubba Bo-Tep]

What size those wheat/black 1010’s ? If they 9.5 I’d consider taking off your hands 🫡

Funny that, I wore them as chillers just yesterday and I'm thinking I'll keep 'em as chillers.  I'm in the UK so they're a US10.  If you're in the UK I might be persuaded.  Only worn them walking about for a few hours max.

[LebowskisRug]

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Thinking of copping the 808s when they release here but am not too sure now that it's possible that the sole is even thicker than the 1010s.  I was all about the 1010s for a long time but man did they ever fuck my ankles.  I was just too high up in the shoe and any land that would tweak my ankle was exaggerated in the 1010.  I've got a pair of wheat/black that I can't bring myself to skate due to the fear of ankle destruction.  It's a bummer because the 1010s are a solid shoe.

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I saw 808 yesterday in shop and that midsole is super thick. Seems thicker by the toes too. Picked that and a new 1010 up and it's definitely a good deal stiffer. Considering the 1010 is almost too stiff for me the 808 is out. The bottom lace loops don't look great but otherwise it will look good when they do solid colorways or simpler 2 color designs

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thx for the write up, would you say there's less of a drop from heel to toe on the 808s?

Yo sorry I didn't try them on because the looks and stiffness were a complete no-go for me.

[Xen]

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Anybody know how the Westgates fit compared to the 440?  Are they as wide?

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Westgates are probably the closest comparison the the 440. I've skated both. I have a more narrow foot and the 440 fits better. The 508 has a slightly bigger/wider toe box but they broke in a little quicker for me. Overall performance is about the same IMO and both are quality and durable.

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Is the waist of the westgate as narrow as the 440?

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About the same slightly bigger on the 508.

I've not skated a westgate shoe in a hot minute (too narrow for me) so it's possible his shoe is different now, but as a 440 user, they are not narrow in the least, especially by skate shoe standards.

[LebowskisRug]

 :'(Westgate has a pointier toe shape that is less angular than the 440. It seems to have a less pronounced lip on the sole where it meets the upper. I haven't found anyone that has liked its durability and almost everyone seems to get heel lift in it since the heel has no cup to it. I tried them on a few times and just couldn't see why I'd want them over a 440 or 1010, the perforated leather panel is kinda weird looking to me, and most of the colorways suck.

Been skating my Tiagos finally and like em enough I got a second pair. Also got the Jake Darwin 440 and going to through Superfeet insoles in em, which NB sells a rebranded version of now for extra money.

[Bubblegum Tate]

[somedudefromnj]

Whats with the 22s? I know everyone is needing more protection or preferring a thicker shoe lately but im curious about these. If the number reflects the amount of tech does that mean this is a piece of cardboard with a clean upper?

[mini greek]

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the NBs jeff has on are CLEAN, 440s?

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maybe 533v2? i have a black and gum pair and the bottom looks like that

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It’s not the 533. I know the sole pattern of that shoe. I’ve skated about 20-25 pairs between v1 and v2. It does look like the 440 sole since it has that little square print near the toe.

Its a 440 in an upcoming team rider colorway...

[Fongstarr.]

[streetmeat]

the marketing got me, went to the local and grabbed the 808s today

[eSK3]

Mini review after skating a pair for about 10 hours:

 
True to size. Don’t go a half size down like the mesh toe 1010. They have good heel lock. Not as narrow as people are saying. They break in and the fit is supportive and feels solid against ankle rolling. I feel it’s more grippy right out of the box than the 1010. The outsole tread is deeper so it should last longer than the 1010. Great Flick on kickflips. Heelflips don’t rip the top lace anymore on me like the 1010.

I’ll just say: best new cupsole shoe of the year.

[Atiba Applebum]

@rothdigga what’s the deal (if any) with Reynolds?

[iw0]

Mini review after skating a pair for about 10 hours:

 
True to size. Don’t go a half size down like the mesh toe 1010. They have good heel lock. Not as narrow as people are saying. They break in and the fit is supportive and feels solid against ankle rolling. I feel it’s more grippy right out of the box than the 1010. The outsole tread is deeper so it should last longer than the 1010. Great Flick on kickflips. Heelflips don’t rip the top lace anymore on me like the 1010.

I’ll just say: best new cupsole shoe of the year.

hell yeah, ty.

[tzhangdox]

I am a true 13 in pretty much every Nike and New Balance shoe that I've tried, as well as most other shoes I've tried that I can recall. But the nb 808s in a 13 were too tight on the toe, I'd definitely need like a 13.5 or something but they don't make those.

Maybe I just have a long big toe most people will be just fine but to me they fit noticeably smaller than 1010s which fit me perfect so thought it was worth mentioning

[fakiefs180]

I have a few questions to ya NB# heads.

Are NB# vulc shoes similar to other vulc shoes? If so, I am interested in one of those cup models. I like my shoes to be snug and I have a very low volume feet shape, so I am looking for a narrow and tight shoe in the front and cushioned sidewalls around my weak ankles. So far, I like the look of the 288 and 440. I think I read a lot of people like the 440 model. The 425 also looks nice, but I am not sure I can handle only having 5 lace holes. The 272 also looks cool, but that is a vulc and I don't know if I will like the ortho insole.

Any other models I should keep an eye on?

Help. And thanks in advance pals.

[chris.]

I have a few questions to ya NB# heads.

Are NB# vulc shoes similar to other vulc shoes? If so, I am interested in one of those cup models. I like my shoes to be snug and I have a very low volume feet shape, so I am looking for a narrow and tight shoe in the front and cushioned sidewalls around my weak ankles. So far, I like the look of the 288 and 440. I think I read a lot of people like the 440 model. The 425 also looks nice, but I am not sure I can handle only having 5 lace holes. The 272 also looks cool, but that is a vulc and I don't know if I will like the ortho insole.

Any other models I should keep an eye on?

Help. And thanks in advance pals.

“Low volume feet” is a perfect description for my feet as well. Tried on the 288 in a store one time and I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a shoe less suited for my foot. I love the 440. Skated two of the highs and they would be my favorite if the sole was a little more substantial. I’m not sure the lows would give enough cushion around the ankle.

1010 cranked to all hell with an extra lace loop added up top are still my favorite shoes I’ve skated in the past few years.

[Murge]

I have a few questions to ya NB# heads.

Are NB# vulc shoes similar to other vulc shoes? If so, I am interested in one of those cup models. I like my shoes to be snug and I have a very low volume feet shape, so I am looking for a narrow and tight shoe in the front and cushioned sidewalls around my weak ankles. So far, I like the look of the 288 and 440. I think I read a lot of people like the 440 model. The 425 also looks nice, but I am not sure I can handle only having 5 lace holes. The 272 also looks cool, but that is a vulc and I don't know if I will like the ortho insole.

Any other models I should keep an eye on?

Help. And thanks in advance pals.

508s are a nice cup.

[rothdigga]

I have a few questions to ya NB# heads.

Are NB# vulc shoes similar to other vulc shoes? If so, I am interested in one of those cup models. I like my shoes to be snug and I have a very low volume feet shape, so I am looking for a narrow and tight shoe in the front and cushioned sidewalls around my weak ankles. So far, I like the look of the 288 and 440. I think I read a lot of people like the 440 model. The 425 also looks nice, but I am not sure I can handle only having 5 lace holes. The 272 also looks cool, but that is a vulc and I don't know if I will like the ortho insole.

Any other models I should keep an eye on?

Help. And thanks in advance pals.

In contrast to what Chris says above, I find the 288S to be a very snug shoe.  Maybe it's the one piece collar in the back, but my foot feels very secure in that shoe.  440's have some more room to play inside but as with all shoes in my experience, everyone's feet are so different that you just need to find a model that works for you.  I do feel like the 288s might be what you're looking for though.

[LebowskisRug]

NB vulcs feel more stable to me than Vans, at least the 272 and 306.

425 I would pass on to me its a price point shoe. The 440 is really thin and a great first cup. I run the Superfeet Run Comfort insoles in them but haven't had many sessions with that combo. NB sells those same insoles rebranded on their site.

[somedudefromnj]

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I have a few questions to ya NB# heads.

Are NB# vulc shoes similar to other vulc shoes? If so, I am interested in one of those cup models. I like my shoes to be snug and I have a very low volume feet shape, so I am looking for a narrow and tight shoe in the front and cushioned sidewalls around my weak ankles. So far, I like the look of the 288 and 440. I think I read a lot of people like the 440 model. The 425 also looks nice, but I am not sure I can handle only having 5 lace holes. The 272 also looks cool, but that is a vulc and I don't know if I will like the ortho insole.

Any other models I should keep an eye on?

Help. And thanks in advance pals.

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In contrast to what Chris says above, I find the 288S to be a very snug shoe.  Maybe it's the one piece collar in the back, but my foot feels very secure in that shoe.  440's have some more room to play inside but as with all shoes in my experience, everyone's feet are so different that you just need to find a model that works for you.  I do feel like the 288s might be what you're looking for though.

damn im hyped. Just ordered a pair and snug shoes are my favorite to skate in. Felt like the 212 was weirdly wide, and then the 440 hi feels a bit wide too.

Enjoy the comfort on both though

[Olympus Mons]

Hey @rothdigga, with the recent release of 808, can we expect any new 1010 colorways soon? Or will those be taking a backseat for a bit?

[fakiefs180]

I ordered 3 pairs, hopefully one of them is the one.
Shoe madness...

440, 306 and 508 all in a US 7.

But thanks ya all for your contributions so far.

[Xen]

Mini review after skating a pair for about 10 hours:
 
True to size. Don’t go a half size down like the mesh toe 1010. They have good heel lock. Not as narrow as people are saying. They break in and the fit is supportive and feels solid against ankle rolling. I feel it’s more grippy right out of the box than the 1010. The outsole tread is deeper so it should last longer than the 1010. Great Flick on kickflips. Heelflips don’t rip the top lace anymore on me like the 1010.

I’ll just say: best new cupsole shoe of the year.

Just got them/tried them on (it's end of day and just got back from the gym for (3 hours) so feet are as big as they get during the day, like how you are supposed to try on shoes) and agree on the fit = these are true to size (a bit snug, but in that good way) as someone who had issues with the all leather 1010, 9.5 were too small (even after stretching) and the 10s were too big (lengthwise); they have the same 'low toe box ceiling' the 1010s had which leads to the the snug fit.

That said, they might not be true to your NB# size depending on model...I wear a 10 in Vans/DC/Enties/emerica, and these 10s feel right on. For the record, I've been all over the place with NB# 255 (10.5), 440 (9.5), 306 (10 but were too snug), 508 (9.5 too small 10 too long), 272 (10) too big...could have easily gone 9.5 and been fine but didn't bother.

Width-wise, as someone with wide metatarsals, these are plenty wide out of the box and will only get better.

Good heel lock, no slip. Moderate arch/on par with how I remember the 1010s feeling. Bit of lift from mid-foot (from the start of the arch) to the heel but nothing like a Buz.

Comfy, well padded all around, bulky in the rear. Insole is flimsy/non-existent (like the 1010).

I appreciate the inner lace loops (hoping they last longer than the ones on the Joslin/etnies), but kinda wish they had them on both (in)sides (it looks weird).

Don't mind the lacing, just trying out options. No extra laces in the box.





Now to black out the white 'N' border. Will update after I break them in/sk8 them.

[Crabby_Bastard]

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Mini review after skating a pair for about 10 hours:
 
True to size. Don’t go a half size down like the mesh toe 1010. They have good heel lock. Not as narrow as people are saying. They break in and the fit is supportive and feels solid against ankle rolling. I feel it’s more grippy right out of the box than the 1010. The outsole tread is deeper so it should last longer than the 1010. Great Flick on kickflips. Heelflips don’t rip the top lace anymore on me like the 1010.

I’ll just say: best new cupsole shoe of the year.

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Just got them/tried them on (it's end of day and just got back from the gym for (3 hours) so feet are as big as they get during the day, like how you are supposed to try on shoes) and agree on the fit = these are true to size (a bit snug, but in that good way) as someone who had issues with the all leather 1010, 9.5 were too small (even after stretching) and the 10s were too big (lengthwise); they have the same 'low toe box ceiling' the 1010s had which leads to the the snug fit.

That said, they might not be true to your NB# size depending on model...I wear a 10 in Vans/DC/Enties/emerica, and these 10s feel right on. For the record, I've been all over the place with NB# 255 (10), 440 (9.5), 306 (10 but were too snug), 508 (9.5 too small 10 too long).

Width-wise, as someone with wide metatarsals, these are plenty wide out of the box and will only get better.

Good heel lock, no slip. Moderate arch/on par with how I remember the 1010s feeling. Bit of lift from mid-foot (from the start of the arch) to the heel but nothing like a Buz.

Comfy, well padded all around, bulky in the rear. Insole is flimsy/non-existent (like the 1010).

I appreciate the inner lace loops (hoping they last longer than the ones on the Joslin/etnies), but kinda wish they had them on both (in)sides (it looks weird).

Don't mind the lacing, just trying out options. No extra laces in the box.





Now to black out the white 'N' border. Will update after I break them in/sk8 them.

My experience differs. I got the same color in a size 10. I wear a 9.5 in Vans and a 10 in the NB 255 and 306. The size 10 in the 808 was smashing my toes together. I thought about exchanging them for a 10.5 but the 10s had a bit of heel slippage. The 10.5 might be a lot worse. Bummer, it is a high quality shoe that reminds me of some of the greats from the 90s.

[Xen]

I just noted/corrected my 255 size was actually 10.5.

It's still crazy to me how different all the NB# shoes can be within their shapes (square toe/round toe), heel counter curve, etc..it's nice to have options tho but it makes shopping a bit trickier due to having to try them on in person (Zappos makes for fast delivery and easy returns).

[RichardBarkley]

I'm not really digging the new Tiagos. The 808s.

Definitely prefer the originals

[LebowskisRug]

I've had the same size in every NB model and variant. Guess I'm lucky.

[rothdigga]

Hey @rothdigga, with the recent release of 808, can we expect any new 1010 colorways soon? Or will those be taking a backseat for a bit?

Nah, we've still got 1-2 colors of the 1010 coming out each season for the foreseeable future so if that's your shoe...you should be very set for a while.  Our goal is definitely NOT to try to change models or discontinue them if they're working.  Slower ones get phased out but if it's working, we don't want to try to fix what isn't broke. 

[FrenchSkater]

I wonder if I should try New Balance or not !  I swear by cupsoles, can't ride vulcanized anymore, too sensitive for my heels, back.. and I feel like New Balance has the best cupsole shoes ! Your general opinion ? 😁

[rothdigga]

I wonder if I should try New Balance or not !  I swear by cupsoles, can't ride vulcanized anymore, too sensitive for my heels, back.. and I feel like New Balance has the best cupsole shoes ! Your general opinion ? 😁

I definitely think you should buy 500-1000 pairs ASAP!  But I'm probably a little biased so I'll let the general Pals on here chime in to give their expert opinions.

[Lukabrazi]

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I wonder if I should try New Balance or not !  I swear by cupsoles, can't ride vulcanized anymore, too sensitive for my heels, back.. and I feel like New Balance has the best cupsole shoes ! Your general opinion ? 😁

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I definitely think you should buy 500-1000 pairs ASAP!  But I'm probably a little biased so I'll let the general Pals on here chime in to give their expert opinions.

he may be biased but for good reason. try some 1010's they will ruin all other skate shoes for you.