New Balance Numeric, the brand’s skateboarding division, has seen a ton of success both on and off the board since launching in 2012. They’ve employed an industry-leading skate team, offered a constant flow of new silhouettes, and acquired a deep roster of collaborators. The latest Numeric heat comes by way of Tokyo-based streetwear brand Challenger, which links with New Balance for their third shoe, this time collaborating on a cream suede colorway of the cupsole favorite 440v2.
Challenger, the Japanese clothing brand with a history of collaborating with everyone from Coca-Cola to skate staples like Huf and DC Shoes, has had its finger on the pulse of Tokyo skate culture for years. This is the second time Challenger has taken on a 440, redoing the first version of the shoe in a grey suede colorway back in 2022. This time around, the 440 silhouette has been updated, and so has the collab, bringing a brighter, cleaner design to the slim cupsole skate shoe.
The Challenger 440v2 features an upper constructed entirely from hairy suede in monochrome light cream, with the only hits of color coming from two strips of reinforced red stitching to prevent griptape tear next to the bottom two laces. An icy blue sole with a skeletal foot graphic covers the entire bottom of the shoe, while more graphics are added on the insole and special packaging.
The Challenger x New Balance Numeric 440v2 will release on August 15, 2025, exclusively through Challenger in-store and online. Releasing in men's sizes, the retail price is set at ¥15,950 (approx. $108). Make sure to download Sole Retriever's mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via New Balance/Challenger
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. zach.h@soleretriever.com
