NB Numeric 411
Unisex Skateboarding Shoe
Client:
New Balance – Numeric®
Project Date:
2026
Description
The NB Numeric 411 features a layered upper combining durable suede and leather (also pictured: mesh version) for a balance of structure and durability. Suede overlays reinforce key high-wear areas around the toe, eyestay, and quarter panel, while the brand’s iconic “N” boldly adds dimensionality and reinforces the shoe’s athletic roots.
A structured heel counter provides added stability, while the cupsole combines supportive construction with vintage design cues. Together, the layered construction and material contrasts give the NB 411 a technical early-2000s character while maintaining a clean, versatile silhouette suited for both skating and everyday wear.
*The model number of the NB 411 is a subtle nod to 411 Video Magazine, the influential skateboarding video series that helped document and shape skate culture throughout the early 2000s.
Product Details
The NB Numeric 411 was inspired by the technical, athletic-driven skate shoes of the early 2000s. During that era, many skate shoes borrowed heavily from contemporary athletic footwear, resulting in designs that were technical, substantial, and highly engineered. Although New Balance didn’t have the Numeric® line at the time, I felt the brand could have naturally occupied that space alongside companies such as éS and other performance-focused skate brands.
I wanted to explore what that design language might look like through the lens of New Balance today. The concept combines the technical construction and craftsmanship associated with Numeric with a more understated, versatile aesthetic designed to work both on and off the board. Rather than relying on excessive details, the NB Numeric 411 uses proportion, layering, and material contrast to create a shoe that feels purposeful without being overly complicated.
The oversized “N” applique and layered detailing were influenced by New Balance models such as the NB 327, NB 471, and NB 965 hiking boot, while the overall profile draws heavily from the NB 480. For the sole, I developed a flexible cupsole inspired by the construction of the NB Numeric 600. Its proportions, specifically the vertical drop in the instep, were intentionally designed to evoke the visual language of vintage athletic footwear while maintaining a contemporary skate silhouette.
The result is a relatively understated design that I believe could occupy a strong position within the Numeric catalog—a shoe that draws from New Balance’s heritage silhouettes while offering the technical character, craftsmanship, and versatility expected from a modern skate shoe.
Project Brief
This design (NB#411) 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 a versatile skate shoe concept that demonstrated my proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, creative problem-solving, and a genuine passion for skateboarding and product design.
*I also designed a second shoe for my New Balance application that can be viewed – Click Here.
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.