Baltimore’s Vu Skate Shop is the first business to put a collaborative spin on New Balance Numeric’s 440v2.
New Balance’s running models have long been a staple in the Baltimore community, so for this project, Vu decided to pay homage to that history. The 440v2 skate shoe has been given a makeover inspired by New Balance’s iconic 990v3, pulling details such as the diamond-patterned tongue, the ribbed ‘N’ logo on the side panels, and the square-shaped badge on the heels.
The primarily grey color scheme pays homage to OG 990 colorways, though it also represents the formstone architecture found throughout Baltimore. We also have some orange hits, which are undoubtedly a nod to Baltimore orioles.
The chess-themed graphics on the insoles continue the homages to Charm City, as Baltimore has a long history of being a chess town. The University of Maryland Baltimore County was one of the first colleges to give full scholarships for chess and has one of the strongest collegiate chess programs in the nation.
Even the launch date (4/10) is a nod to Baltimore’s 410 area code. Plus, the 440 branding on the left shoe is replaced with the number 410.
Vu Skate Shop has created a formstone-themed special box for this release and has also placed hidden details on the laces and insoles that are viewable under blacklight.
The special box version of the Vu x New Balance Numeric 440v2 is available now on the Vu Skate Shop website at Vu’s Parkville location for $100 USD. The standard edition will release April 15th on the New Balance website for $80 USD. Check out the images below.
Vu x New Balance Numeric 440v2
Style Code: NM440VS
Release Date: October 10, 2024 (Vu)
Release Date: October 15, 2024 (New Balance)
Price: $80 USD
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