When New Balance Numeric, the Boston sportswear label’s skating-focused line, released its 440v2 sneaker model, the shoe looked like a skateable version of New Balance’s retro 990 running shoe due to its athletic inserts.
However, its latest release, the New Balance 440v2 Trail, shows the sneaker in a new light. It actually looks like a skateable version of a hiking shoe.
Skate shoes and hiking shoes have one thing in common: they have to be robust enough to withstand a lot. So if you combine both types of shoes in one model, you are guaranteed to get a long-lasting pair of sneakers.
Featuring ripstop panels, toggle laces, and New Balance’s seamless FantomFit technology (a skeletal-engineered upper for ultra-lightweight support and fit), the new 440v2 silhouette takes clear cues from New Balance’s range of retro trail sneakers.
While the shape of the 440v2 suggests that this is a skate shoe with upgraded hiking-style details, its hi-top counterpart hides its skating qualities better.
Coming in an outdoor mix of brown and forest green with metal lace hooks and a padded collar, the New Balance Numeric 440 Trail V2 Hi looks more like New Balance’s Rainier hiking shoe than its basketball-inspired skate shoe line.
According to New Balance, both shoes are designed for those “who want the same look and feel on the trail as they do on their board,” and are available now from the brand’s online store (the hi-top pair costs $119.99, while the low-top version is $109.99).
Having already perfected the art of making great skate shoes, New Balance Numeric has now moved on to making great skate shoes that also function as walking shoes. The best of both worlds!
