NB Numeric 424
Unisex Skateboarding Shoe
Client:
New Balance – Numeric®
Project Date:
2026
Description
Designed to embrace the wear and tear of skating, the NB Numeric 424 combines layered construction with durable materials. The upper is primarily constructed from suede with wear-resistant synthetic materials acting as a secondary layer of reinforcement. These exposed underlays become part of the shoe’s visual identity, while protecting breathable mesh panels that provide ventilation.
Reinforced double stitching is used throughout key high-abrasion areas to increase durability and strength of the shoe. A raised rubber Numeric® logo patch adds a tactile detail to the sidewall while debossed print details (heel tab and tongue) provide subtle branding that won’t compromise comfort.
*Navy Blue & Ochre colorway is inspired by NB Numeric team rider Andrew Reynolds’ signature combination.
Product Details
One of my favorite ways to spark ideas for footwear is to study a brand’s archives—looking through vintage models, catalogs, and historical design language to identify ideas that can be reworked into something new. I find that this approach allows a shoe to feel authentic to the brand while still establishing its own identity.
What particularly excited me about this project was the opportunity to explore New Balance’s extensive history and reinterpret elements from its archive through the lens of skateboarding. The concept was built around a simple question: What if the wear and destruction caused by skateboarding could become part of the shoe’s design language?
Skateboarding places significant demands on footwear, particularly around areas exposed to repeated abrasion from flip tricks and board contact. Rather than simply trying to hide or prevent that wear, I wanted to make it an intentional part of the design. I developed organic-shaped suede reinforcement panels around key high-wear areas, using their placement to reference the abrasion patterns created through repeated use. These panels transition into exposed underlays, creating a layered appearance that communicates durability while celebrating the construction and craftsmanship of a skate shoe.
The overall paneling draws from the layered construction found across New Balance’s broader footwear lineup, particularly the NB 702 and the 2002R “Protection Pack,” released in 2021. The shoe’s profile and vulcanized outsole was influenced by the NB Numeric 212, my favorite New Balance skate shoe. I also incorporated a curved arch detail loosely inspired by the 212’s ollie pad, translating a functional skate-specific element into a defining visual detail.
The result is a concept that combines recognizable New Balance design language with a skate-specific point of view, using functional elements not only to solve performance needs but also to tell the story of how the shoe is used.
Project Brief
This design (NB#424) is part of a self-initiated speculative project as part of my application for the New Balance Numeric Footwear Design Apprentice position. The goal was to develop an original skate shoe concept that demonstrated my proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, creative problem-solving, and a genuine passion for skateboarding and product design.
I approached the project as an opportunity to explore the footwear design process from initial concept and sketch development through 2D digital rendering and photorealistic presentation. The final concept was designed to showcase my ability to translate an idea into a cohesive product while considering proportion, materials, color, functionality, and brand identity.
Design Process
My process is usually built around a concept: finding the right way to tell the story while maintaining visual balance. I tend to obsess over the small details because I often find that they have the biggest impact.
When I begin designing a shoe, I start with a rough sketch to get my ideas onto paper before moving into Adobe Illustrator. This fast-and-dirty process allows me to quickly identify key design decisions, such as fabric choices, panel proportions, and unique details that I may want to incorporate.
After the sketch is complete, I open Adobe Illustrator and begin translating my concept into a digital 2D render. I find this to be one of the most crucial steps in the process because a well-developed mockup in Illustrator makes all of the following steps much easier. This is where I dial in the proportions, color, materials, and overall visual balance of the shoe.
Once I have refined the details and am happy with the digital mockup, I export the files and pair them with detailed design descriptions to generate photorealistic renders using AI. I then bring those renders into Photoshop, where I refine the imagery and make final adjustments to create a realistic product showcase.