New Balance # containment thread

[rothdigga]

My black/gum 480 highs get here yesterday. I threw the off white laces from the Brooklyn project 480 highs in there. They look sick.

I really hope this is not the end of the 480 high top. @rothdigga

Not sure what I'll skate if it goes away. Got a pair of dilos but they feel like they're gonna bag out quickly. Maybe grasshoppers but they look super bulky, which would be exaggerated by my skinny ass build.

Could go back to Jordan 1s I guess. But I was beginning to feel like I was getting too old for those shoes. I didn't wanna seems like one of those elderly hype beasts.

I don't think it'll be the end of them, I just think they'll be few and far between launches given that the hi's are just so much slower than everything right now. 

[Atiba Applebum]

Can we please get another Tom K colorway <3

Or pro shoe.   He’s a literal Day One and his shoe would likely be in the 200s considering what he wears so it’d be something different

[MetalAnkleMan]

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Can we please get another Tom K colorway <3

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Or pro shoe.   He’s a literal Day One and his shoe would likely be in the 200s considering what he wears so it’d be something different

Seriously... I dont think the odds of him getting one are high but my god if he did it would be the only shoe I wear. If the higher ups see this please consider it!!

Also a NB# Loosey collab would be so sick

[Atiba Applebum]

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Can we please get another Tom K colorway <3

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Or pro shoe.   He’s a literal Day One and his shoe would likely be in the 200s considering what he wears so it’d be something different

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Seriously... I dont think the odds of him getting one are high but my god if he did it would be the only shoe I wear. If the higher ups see this please consider it!!

Also a NB# Loosey collab would be so sick

They give him a fair amount of colorways, so who knows

[marcusbutler]

Been a 440 fan for a while since the og. Really diggin the 480 as well. Just scooped up the as-1's. Anyone skate those? there is no cupsole flick like the 440 and 480. Locally no place has the 440's in stock ever except 100 miles away in FL. But they have cons readily available.

[moonordie]

Been a 440 fan for a while since the og. Really diggin the 480 as well. Just scooped up the as-1's. Anyone skate those? there is no cupsole flick like the 440 and 480. Locally no place has the 440's in stock ever except 100 miles away in FL. But they have cons readily available.

AS-1 are really nice flick wise.

[SwitchBenihana]

I've had 3 pairs of AS1 since they're really easy to find on sale and while traveling. A tad too narrow for me and like most Cons the durability isn't great, but they're pretty OK overall.

Given that tons of shops carry NB I'd just mail order what you like.

[munchbox]

if you like the 993 midsole
want to flex on the park
and have $750 to burn
golden goose got u frfr on god

[fakiefs180]

I tried all the 99X models in the last few months. And honestly I don't get it. My 2002R feels way more comfy right out of the box and you can get good deals on them. I like the look of the 990V3 but haven't been able to find a nice colorway here in Germany.

[rikki]

Just finished skating my first pair of 440v2's (suede) to the ground.

Good shoes. They get better with age as they start wearing out a bit. Unlike the 440v1, you have to give 'em a bit of time to break in properly. But once they do, they are pretty damn good. A nice combination of support and boardfeel for my taste (I don't enjoy bulky/thick shoes like the 808 or the 480).

They're also quite durable. The first part to go (as per usual) is the sole of the front foot which I ended up wearing through. The ollie/flick zone can take serious abuse and definitely outlasted the sole.

No problem with laces, either. Mine lasted from start to finish, gonna actually keep them as replacement laces for my current 600 which have already started deterioriating at the front foot.

If I'd change something, I'd add some more midsole to the forefoot. Not a dealbreak, though. I swapped the stock insoles for FP Kingfoam Elite mids after a while to get some more support, but then again, I'm old and I'm sure the shoes can be skated stock for the lifespan of the shoe just fine. I've done it myself with the 440v1 no problem.

Also, the sole could be a bit more durable, especially at the forefoot. Went slick kinda fast.

Anyway, all in all, as said, a good to great shoe. Will skate another pair for sure.

[Llewellyn Moss]

That tracks with my first experience with the V2s with one exception -- first session, they were already broken in. I didn't need to do anything but lace em up and had every trick on command.

I run em with FP highs for max support. This combo to me is superior to the 1010. I should never have broke from the 440. It's my goat. Going to the 1010 I just couldn't skate them and lost switch fs flips and that's a bit of a deal breaker.

[Unkle Fleak]

With regards to the midsole in the 430, it's apparently the same as in the 425 and 508 (C-CAP).

Thanks

[Mc89]

Anyone noticing NB’s quality slippping a bit? Since switching over to NB two years ago, I’ve noticed this year in particular it going down a bit. I know they’ve changed some models up to become more price point versions etc. but I’ve noticed the quality has dipped. The suedes seem cheaper, I’ve gotten pairs that look warped.

Even same models different colourways/materials almost come out as completely different shoes. Maybe I’m looking too closely but what put me on to NB in the first place was every pair I picked up I was impressed by the build, material and superior quality.

I’ve seen a couple people mention some flaws in their pairs which is going to happen but I see it more this year than previous.

Would be interested if I’m not the only one noticing this.

[Sila]

Anyone noticing NB’s quality slippping a bit? Since switching over to NB two years ago, I’ve noticed this year in particular it going down a bit. I know they’ve changed some models up to become more price point versions etc. but I’ve noticed the quality has dipped. The suedes seem cheaper, I’ve gotten pairs that look warped.

Even same models different colourways/materials almost come out as completely different shoes. Maybe I’m looking too closely but what put me on to NB in the first place was every pair I picked up I was impressed by the build, material and superior quality.

I’ve seen a couple people mention some flaws in their pairs which is going to happen but I see it more this year than previous.

Would be interested if I’m not the only one noticing this.

Haven't bought NB since the blue Tom Knox 440's. No problems with those.

But every company and industry right now are coming out with lesser quality goods due to cutting costs everywhere.

[moonordie]

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Anyone noticing NB’s quality slippping a bit? Since switching over to NB two years ago, I’ve noticed this year in particular it going down a bit. I know they’ve changed some models up to become more price point versions etc. but I’ve noticed the quality has dipped. The suedes seem cheaper, I’ve gotten pairs that look warped.

Even same models different colourways/materials almost come out as completely different shoes. Maybe I’m looking too closely but what put me on to NB in the first place was every pair I picked up I was impressed by the build, material and superior quality.

I’ve seen a couple people mention some flaws in their pairs which is going to happen but I see it more this year than previous.

Would be interested if I’m not the only one noticing this.

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Haven't bought NB since the blue Tom Knox 440's. No problems with those.

But every company and industry right now are coming out with lesser quality goods due to cutting costs everywhere.

I kind of agree with the quality, or more than quality QC, going down a little bit.
But in all honesty still a "faulty" NB shoe es way better than anything else available.

[rothdigga]

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Anyone noticing NB’s quality slippping a bit? Since switching over to NB two years ago, I’ve noticed this year in particular it going down a bit. I know they’ve changed some models up to become more price point versions etc. but I’ve noticed the quality has dipped. The suedes seem cheaper, I’ve gotten pairs that look warped.

Even same models different colourways/materials almost come out as completely different shoes. Maybe I’m looking too closely but what put me on to NB in the first place was every pair I picked up I was impressed by the build, material and superior quality.

I’ve seen a couple people mention some flaws in their pairs which is going to happen but I see it more this year than previous.

Would be interested if I’m not the only one noticing this.

[close]

Haven't bought NB since the blue Tom Knox 440's. No problems with those.

But every company and industry right now are coming out with lesser quality goods due to cutting costs everywhere.

[close]

I kind of agree with the quality, or more than quality QC, going down a little bit.
But in all honesty still a "faulty" NB shoe es way better than anything else available.

Moon is pretty spot on here, it's more of a QC thing than an overall quality thing.  As we grow with a higher volume of shoes going out, inevitably it gets harder and harder to make sure EVERYTHING is the highest quality going to the customers.  But we're taking some steps to tighten things up even further right now and maintain the level of footwear quality out there for you all. 

[Atiba Applebum]

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Anyone noticing NB’s quality slippping a bit? Since switching over to NB two years ago, I’ve noticed this year in particular it going down a bit. I know they’ve changed some models up to become more price point versions etc. but I’ve noticed the quality has dipped. The suedes seem cheaper, I’ve gotten pairs that look warped.

Even same models different colourways/materials almost come out as completely different shoes. Maybe I’m looking too closely but what put me on to NB in the first place was every pair I picked up I was impressed by the build, material and superior quality.

I’ve seen a couple people mention some flaws in their pairs which is going to happen but I see it more this year than previous.

Would be interested if I’m not the only one noticing this.

[close]

Haven't bought NB since the blue Tom Knox 440's. No problems with those.

But every company and industry right now are coming out with lesser quality goods due to cutting costs everywhere.

[close]

I kind of agree with the quality, or more than quality QC, going down a little bit.
But in all honesty still a "faulty" NB shoe es way better than anything else available.

[close]

Moon is pretty spot on here, it's more of a QC thing than an overall quality thing.  As we grow with a higher volume of shoes going out, inevitably it gets harder and harder to make sure EVERYTHING is the highest quality going to the customers.  But we're taking some steps to tighten things up even further right now and maintain the level of footwear quality out there for you all.

The In N Out conundrum

[Mc89]

What I will say even if QC has a taken a little hit the NB quality is still in my opinion way higher than other shoe brands.

If anyone’s looking for an 808 lite update, they’re at the end of their skate life now and I’d highly recommend them. They’re not as solid as the og in terms of lifespan but they skate just as good and the only thing I’d love for them to add is tongue centring straps.

[ambiguousclarity]

What I will say even if QC has a taken a little hit the NB quality is still in my opinion way higher than other shoe brands.

If anyone’s looking for an 808 lite update, they’re at the end of their skate life now and I’d highly recommend them. They’re not as solid as the og in terms of lifespan but they skate just as good and the only thing I’d love for them to add is tongue centring straps.

I disagree about NB being higher quality than other shoe brands. Mind you, I've only skated the 508s and 440s. These wore out quickly and I found them to be less robust than other brand's shoes. I do have a pair of the 440 V2s I picked up half price in the wardrobe, but I'm not that keen to skate them. Based on my experience with these models of NBs, I've decided to avoid NBs and think for what you get they are overpriced.

[DarkPools]

I know this is an unpopular take, but I think a large portion of Soletech cupsoles are built better and are more comfortable than a fair number of Adidas, Nike, NB# cupsoles. However, NB #, select Soletech Cups, select Asics cups, and select DC cups feel like the best cups out right now.

Ishod 1 & 2? Uncomfortably thin and weirdly narrow
Dunks are pretty comfortable, but need an insole swap to be ideal
Busenitz have too much heel toe drop in that sole design plus rip super quick
Puigs look cool, but don't last long + super thin sole
Cons cupsoles are too hard of a rubber and uppers rip way too fast

NB# 600 seem to have a weird heel-toe drop thing going on, but are built well aside from that
440s feel good enough, but still feel like an entry cheap model material-wise. 440V2 seem a notch better visually and material-wise, though
1010s and 808s: excellent build quality, but fit in both feels limited to certain foot shapes. Also the rubber seems to wear quick on 1010's sole in certain areas
480 have a shitty insole, but feel solid elsewhere. A tad heavy + minor heel toe drop are the only drawbacks here

[Big Baby Jesus]

Is Joes New Balance outlet a legit site? Any one here use it before?

[moonordie]

Is Joes New Balance outlet a legit site? Any one here use it before?

I haven't but remember pals saying that it was legit.

[Pastasash]

Is Joes New Balance outlet a legit site? Any one here use it before?

It is legit, it's basically NBs online outlet store. Have bought couple shoes from there with np

[fakiefs180]

What I will say even if QC has a taken a little hit the NB quality is still in my opinion way higher than other shoe brands.

If anyone’s looking for an 808 lite update, they’re at the end of their skate life now and I’d highly recommend them. They’re not as solid as the og in terms of lifespan but they skate just as good and the only thing I’d love for them to add is tongue centring straps.

Did you went half a size up for the 808 lite? These could work in my usual size but felt a bit snug, not sure if they will stretch out. I'm a 7.5 US in the 600, 306 and 440.

[Doosh215]

Is Joes New Balance outlet a legit site? Any one here use it before?

Yup, it's New Balance's outlet, I get stuff from there all the time. Just gotta wait until they do extra 20-30% off and you can get some really good deals. They have some of the Numeric clothing up now too.

[Llewellyn Moss]

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What I will say even if QC has a taken a little hit the NB quality is still in my opinion way higher than other shoe brands.

If anyone’s looking for an 808 lite update, they’re at the end of their skate life now and I’d highly recommend them. They’re not as solid as the og in terms of lifespan but they skate just as good and the only thing I’d love for them to add is tongue centring straps.

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I disagree about NB being higher quality than other shoe brands. Mind you, I've only skated the 508s and 440s. These wore out quickly and I found them to be less robust than other brand's shoes. I do have a pair of the 440 V2s I picked up half price in the wardrobe, but I'm not that keen to skate them. Based on my experience with these models of NBs, I've decided to avoid NBs and think for what you get they are overpriced.

Kinda wild take with 440 v2s going for $40 recently at Joe's. They're consistently on sale elsewhere for $50-60 as they make room for new cw drops. I got a pair last November and am still skating them. Since then I'm estimating conservatively 150 hours of usage. I do a lot of flip tricks. Stitching and rubber worn down as expected, but no holes and still a perfect flick. Starting to flat spot on outsole at both toes. They've still got life and I just had an amazing session on them so pretty good for the $60 I paid.

[kneebone]

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Perennial question about any new synthetics in the pipeline?

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yelling it again for the folks in the back, @mini greek @rothdigga

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you think they're ignoring us or not seeing these inquiries? more synths please

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Not ignoring at all!  I just got back from a 3 day tradeshow so I haven't been on here much.  Gotta ask the design team when the next synth is, we usually have 1-2 a year for you guys.  Give me a sec to check with them.

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Anyone got eyes on the 440v2 high WIDEs? I've the low wides and the high non-wides and I can't bring myself to skate the hi-non wides (size 10.5, just worn inside a few times, HMU if interested). @rothdigga any chance we'll seen a synthetic high like the 440 wide (blk/olive)?

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I don't think we have any vegan/synth hi's coming soon but let me verify first.

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@rothdigga next synthetic vegan-but-NB-cant-technically-call-them-vegan options on the horizon?

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That new NM440VBS is the newest one if you want to search it out.  After that, I would have to look to see what's next coming after it but it'll be a 272 again maybe?  I'll see what i can find out.

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These stall tactics can only go on for so long Jason, haha. Just tell us there's nothing coming and we'll stop asking and move on to buy something else

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Just to follow up on the synthetic talk, I had to re-order the NM440VBS recently just to get some stock in of a vegan option for everyone.  That's just a stopgap one for us until we have a new 440 vegan colorway but that's not until 2026.  So...440VBS re-stock coming around Aug (I know, not as soon as some would like) then a new vegan 440 in Q1 2026.  My guess is that I will re-stock 440VBS one more time before the end of 2025 to make sure there's enough carryover for those who need it. 
Hope that helps!

@rothdigga I see the 440V2 synthetics are in Joes NB outlet now. Is that re-stock still happening?

[somedudefromnj]

Is Joes New Balance outlet a legit site? Any one here use it before?

its the best, especially when they do the 2 for $100

I refuse to open it anymore as I know I will order something else I dont need, but my last purchase was 2 pair of those light 440v2 hi that they have for $40 now

crazy to think they are even cheaper than I got them for

[swanronson]

Anyone seen any upcoming catalogs? Keen to see some different colours of 440 and 440 highs

[Llewellyn Moss]

This beef and broccoli for Oct/Nov for the high. A white-out coming for the high early 2026.