The Making of the New Balance Numeric 933: A Signature Skate Shoe Designed With Andrew Reynolds and Jeff Mikut

The Making of the New Balance Numeric 933: A Signature Skate Shoe Designed With Andrew Reynolds and Jeff Mikut

Shop the Andrew Reynolds 933 HERE

The release of the New Balance Numeric Andrew Reynolds 933 represents a landmark moment in skateboarding footwear. For the first time in his career, legendary skateboarder Andrew Reynolds has collaborated with New Balance Numeric to create a signature skate shoe that blends performance engineering with personal storytelling and heritage design language. This collaboration—shaped over many months by Reynolds and New Balance designer Jeff Mikut—resulted in a silhouette that respects skateboarding’s culture while innovating technical features for modern performance.

From the beginning of the design process, Reynolds prioritized functionality for skateboarding first. As a professional with decades of experience—from turning pro in 1995 to founding Baker Skateboards—he knew the importance of comfort, durability, and board feel for skaters of all levels. Rather than simply branding a pre-existing model with his name, Reynolds worked closely with Jeff Mikut, the Creative Design Manager at New Balance Numeric, to ensure every part of the shoe served a purpose. The collaboration was rooted in Reynolds’ real skate sessions and feedback from rigorous wear tests, allowing the design team to innovate where necessary.

The 933’s aesthetic pays homage to New Balance’s storied runner heritage, especially the 99x series that Reynolds favored in his personal skating—particularly iconic models like the 990 and 993. Drawing from this lineage, the shoe incorporates layered suede and mesh paneling, a nostalgic “runner toe,” and a clean midsole silhouette that bridges classic style with skateboarding demands. This intentional blending of running shoe heritage with skate shoe practicality was a key design ambition for the pair.

Technically, the New Balance Numeric 933 is packed with performance features rarely seen in traditional skate shoes. It utilizes ABZORB cushioning in the midsole for impact absorption and rebound, and NDurance rubber on the outsole to enhance grip and durability against abrasive skate surfaces. A TPU midfoot shank plate provides arch support and stability, while a padded tongue offers comfort without sacrificing board feel. These elements reflect both New Balance’s decades of athletic shoe innovation and Reynolds’ skate-centric requirements.

Beyond performance, subtle personal touches make the shoe uniquely Reynolds’. Hidden beneath the insole are prototype codes, including “8055,” a nod to Reynolds’ longtime nickname “The Boss.” Tiny notches on the toe represent milestones in his life and career, and an artistic cloud graphic drawn by his daughter is debossed on the heel—details revealed only to those who look closely. These Easter eggs celebrate both his influence on skate culture and the personal investment he placed into the shoe’s creation.

The launch of the New Balance Numeric 933 in multiple colorways stamped one of the most anticipated skate shoe releases in recent years. Its thoughtful combination of skate performance, design heritage, and personal narrative illustrates how Andrew Reynolds and Jeff Mikut elevated the standard for what a pro model can be—not just a product, but a lasting symbol of creativity and collaboration in skateboarding.

Shop the Andrew Reynolds 933 HERE