When it comes to skateboarding footwear, New Balance Numeric has carved a unique path—bridging the gap between performance and heritage, and somehow managing to stand apart in a crowded field of legacy skate shoe brands.

But the story behind New Balance Numeric (NB#) goes much deeper than sleek silhouettes and precision-engineered soles. From poultry-inspired innovation to pro skater recruitment, here’s a deep dive into the quirky, unexpected, and often overlooked history of New Balance Numeric.

What’s in a Name? “New Balance” and the Chicken Foot Connection

The name “New Balance” wasn’t plucked from thin air. It traces back over a century to 1906, when English immigrant William J. Riley founded the New Balance Arch Support Company in Boston. Riley’s goal was to create orthopedic arch supports that offered greater comfort and balance.

Inspired by observing chickens in his backyard, he noticed how they stood on three claws and maintained perfect stability. Using the chicken foot as a model, he engineered a three-point support system for his arch inserts. He claimed it offered “new balance” to the human foot—hence, the name.

Though most skaters today don’t think about chickens when lacing up their NB# 440s or Tiago Lemos 1010s, that barnyard origin story is deeply embedded in the DNA of the brand.

The Numeric Sub-Label: Not Just a Rebrand

Fast forward to 2013. Skateboarding had evolved into a mainstream global culture, and New Balance saw the opportunity to launch a dedicated skate division—New Balance Numeric. The “Numeric” name alludes to the brand’s longstanding tradition of numbering its performance footwear instead of naming them, emphasizing function over flair. While some brands rely on emotional marketing or flashy names, NB# embraces a more utilitarian approach.

Each NB# model, like the 272, 508, or 1010, follows the legacy of numbered silhouettes while infusing them with skate-specific tech, such as FuelCell midsoles, FantomFit uppers, and reinforced toe caps. It’s a calculated flow of New Balance’s performance innovation and skateboarding’s need for durability and boardfeel.

Why Numbers on the Shoes?

The iconic numbered system is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a coded index for performance and heritage. The higher the number, the more tech-focused the shoe typically is. In the Numeric line, this remains mostly true, though sometimes the numbers correspond to the original NB silhouettes that inspired them.

For example, the NB# 574 is a nod to New Balance’s iconic running shoe, adapted for skate culture. The 1010—Tiago Lemos’ signature model—is the most advanced shoe in the lineup, boasting the most tech features and a design that balances bulk with performance. In many ways, NB# takes the New Balance archival numbering system and recontextualizes it for modern skateboarding.

A Smooth Ride to Authenticity: How Andrew Reynolds Joined NB#

Few moves shook the skate world like Andrew Reynolds joining New Balance Numeric in 2021. A seasoned legend with decades of influence, Reynolds was synonymous with Baker Skateboards and had previously rocked other major shoe sponsors like Emerica. So why the switch?

In his own words, it came down to freedom, functionality, and respect. Reynolds was drawn to NB# not just for their footwear but for their vision: supporting skateboarding on skaters’ terms. They weren’t trying to force a “cool factor”—they simply let the product speak and allowed the skaters to define the culture around it.

The deal also provided Reynolds the opportunity to be part of something growing and dynamic. His input was valued, his experience respected, and the partnership opened up creative and professional possibilities. In a way, Reynolds’ move validated NB# as a serious player—if The Boss joined the team, they were doing something right.

Skateboarding Meets Technical Precision

What sets NB# apart from many skate shoe brands is New Balance’s performance heritage. Where most skate shoe companies began with punk rock roots and DIY street credibility, NB# entered with over a century of experience in biomechanics and athletic performance. This gives NB# a technical edge.

From breathable mesh panels and engineered lasts to ultra-grippy outsoles and responsive midsoles, NB# shoes are designed to enhance skating while reducing injury. That precision-driven philosophy has made them favorites among skaters who take their performance seriously. Tiago Lemos, Brandon Westgate, and Jamie Foy are just a few who’ve embraced the blend of function and form.

Flow and Culture: The Art of Subtle Flex

Unlike louder, more hype-focused brands, NB# has always embraced understated design and community-driven collaborations. Think small-batch drops, nods to skate shop culture, and colorways inspired by city grit rather than sneakerhead flex.

Notable collabs include limited editions with skate shops like Black Sheep and concepts based on classic NB palettes, including the iconic gray. These releases often fly under the radar but are beloved by those in the know—making NB# a brand that values integrity over instant virality.

Building from the Ground Up—Literally

NB# isn’t just slapping a logo on existing models. Most of their skate shoes are built from scratch, often over years of prototyping and field-testing with the team. The NB# 440, for example, was the result of skaters asking for a lightweight cupsole hybrid that could handle impact while still feeling broken-in on day one.

This ground-up approach reflects the brand’s larger commitment to engineering. Whether it’s using FuelCell foam for propulsion or modifying tread patterns for grip, NB# leans heavily into research and development—often collaborating directly with athletes for feedback.

Team Spirit: A Diverse, Global Roster

New Balance Numeric’s skate team is one of the most stylistically diverse crews in the game. From Jamie Foy’s burly rail destruction to Tiago Lemos’ technical smoothness, the roster is a well-curated mix of power, style, and global reach.

Riders hail from Brazil, Japan, the U.S., and beyond—reflecting skateboarding’s worldwide explosion. And NB# doesn’t just sign pros—they nurture talent, support video parts, and produce content that highlights skateboarding’s artistic side. Their full-length film Tricolor and Jamie Foy’s Sunshine State part are proof of that commitment.

Final Kickflip

New Balance Numeric is a case study in how to do things differently—and do them right. While they could’ve leaned on their parent company’s clout, they chose to build credibility from the ground up, winning over the skate community through quality, authenticity, and a refusal to fake the funk.

From chicken feet to street feet, NB# is proof that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to greatness—so long as you stay balanced.

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