Skaters are often finicky when it comes to footwear. Theyâre liable to debate all day about what the best kind of shoe to skate in is, if big brands have ever really nailed a skate silhouette, or if sticking to canvas and rubber like Vans is the best bet. Ultimately, skateboarding is a deeply individualistic sport and thereâs no right answer to the question of what shoes are the absolute best to skate in.
It all comes down to the skater, and for a long time, bonafide skate legend Andrew Reynolds regularly laced up a particularly unconventional set of kicks: New Balance runners. Reynolds is one of the most recognizable names in skate culture (he most notably cofounded Baker Skateboards in 2000) as well as one of the most influential street skaters in the game, having put in work over the last few decades thatâs come to define street as we understand it today. Thereâs a reason they call dude âThe Boss.â
For years, Reynolds did it all in shoes that defy the conventional wisdom of flat, grippy soles being best for skating. Old-school New Balance runners (think the 900 series) feature chunky ridged soles designed to prioritize arch support and stride over the even-soled stability most skaters preferâand yet, there was Reynolds killing it in his NBs.
Courtesy of New Balance
This month, Reynolds is dropping his first signature silhouette with the brand, one that ties in his affinity for the 900 series with proper skate shoe tech. The result is the New Balance Numeric 933, a fusion of the two worlds. The upper feels totally in line with classic NB silhouettes like the 990 and 993, layering suede, mesh, and nylon in lush neutral tones (though this time paired with a chunky skate tongue). In the sole youâll find ABZORB cushioning and NDurance rubber outsoles, the sort of board-friendly finishes youâd expect from an elite skate shoe.
Courtesy of New Balance
New Balance Numeric drops the 933 on April 28 for $130 in four colorways.