New Balance has launched a limited-edition skate shoe celebrating music history, specifically Roland’s TR-808 drum machine. This collaboration features a sleek design with black mesh, nubuck, and leather, along with a colorful gradient sole reminiscent of the 808’s palette. It also includes a mini drum machine charm, blending style and function. Built for durability and comfort, this exclusive shoe offers great support for skating. If you want to discover more about this unique release, keep going.
Key Takeaways
- New Balance collaborates with Roland to create a limited-edition skate shoe celebrating the TR-808’s 45th anniversary.
- The shoe features design elements inspired by the TR-808, including gradient colors and a drum machine charm.
- It blends music culture with skate performance, symbolizing the connection between sound and style.
- The collaboration’s focus is on aesthetic homage rather than functional beat-making capabilities in the shoe.
- Released on August 8 during Roland’s 808 Day, it targets collectors and fans of both music and skate culture.
Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Roland’s iconic TR-808 drum machine, New Balance Numeric has teamed up with Roland to create a limited-edition skate shoe that blends music culture with skate performance. This collaboration pays homage to the legendary drum machine with a sleek design featuring black mesh, nubuck, and leather layered on the upper. The milky translucent sole adds a modern touch, while gradient yellow and orange hues echo the TR-808’s recognizable palette. A miniature drum machine panel charm dangles on the side, acting as a stylish nod to music fans. Prominent Roland and New Balance logos grace the tongue and sides, emphasizing the crossover between music and skateboarding. The collaboration with Roland marks a special edition for the 45th birthday of the TR-808, further connecting the design to music history. Interestingly, color accuracy in skate shoe design can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, similar to how it impacts projector image quality.
Celebrating 45 years of the TR-808 with a sleek, limited-edition skate shoe blending music and skate culture.
Released on August 8 to coincide with Roland’s annual 808 Day, the shoe hit shelves at a retail price of about $114.99. Early access was granted through pre-release events, like the August 7 pre-release party, giving enthusiasts a chance to get their hands on this exclusive model ahead of the wider launch. You can find it through New Balance Numeric’s official channels and select retailers. Limited in number, the shoe’s design and details celebrate Tiago Lemos, a pro skater from Brazil, further connecting the culture of skateboarding with music.
Built for durability, this skate shoe features a full-length ABZORB midsole that absorbs shocks and supports impact from aggressive tricks. The NDurance outsole withstands skateboarding’s tough conditions, while the layered upper—combining pigskin suede and mesh—resists abrasion. Lace ghillies allow for customizable lacing, including internal and external pathways, providing a tailored fit. The overall design channels the bulky, stiff aesthetic of 90s skate shoes, optimized for performance and durability.
You’ll notice the shoe’s stiffness due to layered construction, which means it requires some break-in time but ensures long-lasting support. The impact cushioning and internal padding give you confidence when executing tricks, while the grippy sole offers excellent control. Slightly small sizing is recommended—size up if you’re between sizes—to ensure comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Beat Machine Feature Work?
You might wonder how the beat machine feature works. Well, it’s mostly an aesthetic element inspired by the iconic Roland TR-808, not a real electronic device.
You see a miniature drum machine charm attached to the shoe, with design details mimicking the original’s look and colors. It celebrates music culture and skateboarding heritage, but it doesn’t produce sounds or function as an actual beat machine—it’s purely a visual homage.
What Materials Are Used in the Skate Shoe?
Think of the materials in this skate shoe as a well-orchestrated symphony working in harmony. You’ll find a durable blend of reinforced suede and breathable mesh for comfort and resilience.
Synthetic supports strengthen the structure, while rubber outsoles provide grip and stability.
The midsole, made from EVA and phylon, cushions impacts, and extra reinforcement around the toe and forefoot resists tears.
This combination ensures your shoe performs at every trick and stride.
Is the Shoe Compatible With All Music Apps?
You might wonder if this shoe works with all music apps, but it doesn’t. The design is purely aesthetic, inspired by the Roland TR-808, and doesn’t include any technology to connect or control apps.
There are no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or MIDI features. So, you can’t sync it with music apps or use it as a digital beat controller.
It’s mainly a stylish skate shoe with a themed charm, not a tech device.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
You might wonder about the battery life of this innovative shoe. It lasts around 8 hours of continuous use, giving you plenty of time to create beats or skate without worrying about recharging.
When idle, the battery can last several days thanks to standby mode. A quick 2-3 hour charge via USB-C gets you back to full power.
Keep an eye on LED indicators to monitor your battery, ensuring you stay powered up during your sessions.
Can the Shoe Be Customized With Different Sounds?
You might wonder if you can customize the sounds on the shoe, but it doesn’t actually have built-in sound customization features.
The design pays homage to the Roland TR-808 with visual elements, but the actual beat-making happens on external equipment, like the drum machine itself.
Conclusion
Imagine you’re at a skate park, dropping into a grind while your shoes sync with your beats. This innovation from New Balance shows how blending style, sport, and music can inspire creativity. Just like a skater who crafts tunes on the go, you can turn everyday moments into artistic expressions. This shoe isn’t just footwear; it’s a reminder that blending passions can unlock new possibilities—making your world both more dynamic and expressive.
Emma is a culinary expert from New York City, USA, with extensive experience in gourmet cooking and food journalism. She collaborates with prestigious food publications and high-end restaurants, bringing exquisite taste and culinary insights to the A Luxury Lifestyle platform. Emma’s expertise elevates our gastronomic offerings.
