pic stolen from Weartested (link see below)
New Balance Numeric 868: All colourways are leather-free
Even though this shoe has already come out in Spring 2016 I had not known about it ... and it's still available. The New Balance 868 is completely leather-free. The upper is completely synthetic in all colourways. The very friendly (and fast) New Balance customer service stresses that New Balance cannot offer any information on whether the glue used might or might not contain substances of animal origin. I personally am not too fussed about the glue, and I consider any guarantee from any company that the glue in their shoes is certainly vegan at least semi-dodgy. The New Balance customer service wrote (May 2018): "the 868 does not contain leather. The upper is made of a synthetic. If we have leather in the shoe we will list that information as well." [!]
"Thank you for reaching back out to us in regard to leather free skateboard shoes [...] There is no guarantee that a given model with a synthetic upper will be completely vegan as we use different types of adhesives across all of our global manufacturing sites and these glues may or may not contain animal byproducts.
You can read more about our environmental sustainability efforts here:
http://www.newbalance.com/inside-nb-environment.html
[...] The 868 is a synthetic/mesh upper in all the colors. If there is leather, it will state under the description on the website." [!]
http://www.newbalance.com/inside-nb-environment.html
[...] The 868 is a synthetic/mesh upper in all the colors. If there is leather, it will state under the description on the website." [!]
Some reviewers from skate shops have mentioned that the 868 looks more like a running shoe than a traditional skate shoe. Looks a lot more similar to an Emerica Reynolds than an actual real running shoe to me. And proper running shoes are a lot better than skate shoes for running away (from the cops, neo nazis, or yourself).
New Balance Numeric 868: black with grey
New Balance Numeric 868: black with Moroccan blue
New Balance Numeric 868: chocolate cherry with black
New Balance Numeric 868: light grey with dark grey
New Balance Numeric 868: phantom with grey & red
"New Balance numeric introduces the 868, our most technically advanced shoe to date. After analyzing data collected by New Balance’s sports research lab, we designed the 868 with a dual-durometer C-Cap® midsole to provide cushioning in the high impact zones without sacrificing board feel. Fantom Tape is used to add support to the breathable mesh quarter panels.
Please Note: NB# are performance skate shoes and have a narrow fit. We recommend ordering 1/2 size bigger than you do in regular NB lifestyle shoes.
PRODUCT DETAILS
The heel of the 868 features N2, a New Balance running technology that provides stability and impact protection where skateboarders need it most.
- C-CAP® midsole provides cushioning and support
- Closed cell polyurethane (PU) insert protection provides super impact protection and consistent fit
- Fantom tape provides bonded lightweight strategic support
- FantomFit is a skeletally engineered upper that provides ultra-light support and fit. It is created by fusing two extremely thin materials with a no-sew process.
- Internal hidden toe protection for added durability
- N2® low-to-the-ground cushioning technology is a responsive, durable, sustainable cushioning system in a low-profile execution
- N-Durance® rubber compound for maximum outsole durability
- Synthetic/mesh upper"
New Balance Numeric Arto 358: Saddle/gum (ONLY THIS COLOURWAY IS LEATHER-FREE)
The New Balance website states:
"Please Note: NB# are performance skate shoes and have a narrow fit. We recommend ordering 1/2 size bigger than you do in regular NB lifestyle shoes.
Pro Skateboarder Arto Saari’s demands of a shoe culminate in the New Balance Numeric 358. A clean, asymmetric design with subtle details to enhance breathability, grip and board control, the 358 skate shoe sits on a modified version of our reliable vulcanized soles for superior board feel.
PRODUCT DETAILS
The 358 features a polyurethane insert for additional support and cushioning, and is constructed from premium suede.
- Closed cell polyurethane (PU) insert protection provides super impact protection and consistent fit
- Genuine Gum rubber or N-durance® rubber outsole for superior grip and durability
- Internal hidden toe protection for added durability
- N-Durance® rubber compound for maximum outsole durability
- Perforated N for ventilation on medial side
- Printed rubber toe cap
- Tapered crating in heel for weight reduction with pliable lasting board for support. Minimal forefoot rubber for enhanced board feel
- Style NM358BGU (Blackout) has a suede/synthetic upper
- Style NM358BRN (Saddle/Gum) has a synthetic upper"