NB# 440 V2

All skate shoe companies have that one team shoe that’s been adopted as one of the go-to choices for all-around durability, cushioning, grip and comfort. For NB#, that model is the 440; a retro 70’s inspired silhouette released six years ago that has seen many reiterations over the years including pro colorways by Tom Knox, Jake Darwen and Tyler Surrey in low, mid and high top silhouettes. Just a few months ago, Tom Knox released his first signature pro model shoe for NB#, the Tom Knox 600, leaving the 440 without a notable heir. With that, the New Balance product design team was one step ahead, and asked their skate team for feedback on revamping the 440. Fast forward to now, we have an updated 440 V2, that’s been redesigned with added technology, without sacrificing the tried and true characteristics of the shoe’s core. To get everyone more hyped, NB# released another exceptional team video of the 440, with Ronnie Kessler, Brian Reid, Tyler Surrey, Pedro Biagio, Jasper Dohrs and Patrick Praman skating the humid spots of Bangkok, directed by none other than Kyle Camarillo. The skating, editing, filming and music selection felt more like a SOTY trip video than any we’ve seen this year, and if it’s any indication of how well the revamped 440 skates as a team shoe, they’ve piqued our interest. We got our hands on a pair of the new 440’s and put them to the test; read on below to see how this team shoe performed.B# 440 V2 review

SIZING

The NB# 440 V2 fits true to size.

DURABILITY

Overall, the durability of the 440 V2 Hi and Lo were decent. Let’s get into it. The sole, heel collar, laces and the eyelets are usually the most critical areas regarding durability. When it came to these areas, the 440 V2 exceeded our expectations and the shoes didn’t show a lot of signs of wear. The design team added extra stitches to the panel that holds the eyelets, especially in the Ollie zone (in blue on the Lo version), which worked brilliantly and helped to increase the durability of the model. When it came to the toe box and the ollie area, NB# adjusted the toe area to have a slightly taller toe cap, which moved the stitching out of the high wear areas. For the original 440, the main toe suede piece followed the shape of the toe cap. For the V2, the main toe piece stretches further to the midfoot area with the New Balance “N” logo overlapping it. These were great changes. With that, during our 10-hour review, the suede toe cap still showed strong signs of wear in the Ollie and Kickflip area. Additionally, the sole in the forefoot area got worn down to the suede quite quickly. Thankfully, even with the toe cap worn down by the griptape, there was another layer of protection underneath the suede, AND when this ripped through, there was another sizable toe piece underneath it as well. In all, the 440 V2 Hi and Lo had some very positive features for a durable shoe, but the wear in the toe cap was still quite strong.

CUSHIONING

Although the 440 V2 Hi and Lo’s soles look similar to their predecessor, the internal construction was revamped. NB# updated the foam in the midsole heel wedge to their proven Abzorb material and switched to an EVA lasting board. Those internal changes coupled with a new Ortholite insert intend to make the shoe more comfortable and supportive. The sole can absorb medium impacts very well, but nothing more and nothing less. Flatground skating felt extremely comfortable, and the impact from small to middle sized gaps were easy to absorb. The insole is way thicker in the heel area compared to the toe area, and has the aim of offering a softer feeling of cushioning for the heel.

SHAPE

The 440 V2 Hi and Lo both have a clean and classic toe design, with the more subtle technical design elements found in the midfoot and heel area. Compared to the original 440, the V2’s toe box rounds out more than the V1.  The simple design of the outsole in the toe area provided a direct flick for flip tricks. The tongue and heel step-in are well padded but not overloaded, which lets the 440 V2 sit in the range of a cupsole silhouette (not too bulky and not too slim, the original 440 was rather on the slim side). The 440 V2 Hi version is quite an exact copy of the low top version, so there were no major differences between both toe and midfoot areas. If anything, the Hi version just rises up to the ankle in the same shape.

BOARDFEELI&IGRIP

The thickness between the front of the shoe and its heel area is essential for great boardfeel. Both the 440 V2 Hi and Lo silhouettes were thin in the frontal area, which maximized board feel and the feet had a close connection with the board, exactly where it was needed. The sole construction felt good from the beginning; it didn’t need a lot of time to break in and remained at a solid level throughout our 10-hour test. Overall, the 440 V2 had a good boardfeel.

The sole features the same thread pattern as its predecessor, but does differ with a NDurance rubber outsole compound, which provided solid grip. The grip of the shoe felt like a typical cupsole; it wasn’t extremely sticky with griptape as vulcanized soles come off, but instead was very well balanced.

COMFORTI&ISTABILITY

When it comes to comfort, the silhouette of the shoe provides an outstanding foothold. When worn and skated, the foot feels really secure and snug. This is true for both the Hi version and Lo versions. The 440 V2 doesn’t have any annoying stitching or have areas of the shoe that could cause hot spots. The tongue is fixed with two straps which helps to further increase a snug feeling. The cherry on top: the 440 V2 is really lightweight.

The stability of the shoe is very good as well. The Hi version has the advantage of wrapping the whole ankle, which gives a very stable feeling. However, it uses suede and mesh materials which do pose a risk of developing waves and wearing out, but throughout our weartest, the high version stayed in very great share. The Lo version is basically one synthetic material that stretches from the toe panel to the big N logo, which helped the shoe keep its strength and shape, despite the wear and tear within the toe cap.

SUMMARY

It’s not often companies make something good even better, but NB# achieved it with the 440 V2. The shoe is highlighted by great boardfeel, well balanced grip and really good stability. The only area for improvement would be better durability in the toe cap area.