First things first: following various interviews with Reynolds and the boffins behind the shoe, we've been given a fresh insight into some of the shoe's inspirations and the meaning behind the number, 933. Following our previous predictions, we can now confirm that the Reynolds 933 takes inspiration from the iconic New Balance 990 running shoes series, with Reynolds himself stating that he wanted his shoe to start with a '9' in honour of the series' elite status. Likewise, as many people guessed, the '33' references Reynolds obsession with doing things three times - like tapping his deck three times before trying a trick - as revealed in his Epicly Later'd.
Alongside this numerical reference, the New Balance Numeric Reynolds 933 also features a load of other hidden easter eggs and references to the Boss. Ranging from ten notches in the toe to represent significant milestones in his life - including when he won SOTY, when he started Baker, when he met his long-term partner and when he signed to New Balance - to a debossed outline of a cloud that his daughter drew on the rear of the shoe, it's not just the technical details that New Balance have nerded out on as they've put the same level of effort into these unique personal touches.
Doubling down on the 990 inspiration, the 933 features an almost identical upper to the iconic runners. According to Reynolds, the 933's upper features the same panels as the legendary New Balance 993 with some extra skateboard-focussed adaptations, like the triple-stitched toe-box and adhered toe-cap underneath the suede for maximum durability and flick. The Reynolds 933 may look like a classic New Balance runner - even featuring a runner toe for those OG Dadcore vibes - but don't let that deceive you, they've loaded it up with all of the finest technology their team of boffins has to offer for next-level skating performance.
One of the most exciting new features that New Balance have developed for the shoe has to be the groundbreaking Abzorb midsole, which offers high rates of absorption with minimal thickness for optimal boardfeel. Taking inspiration from their latest basketball shoe technology, the New Balance Numeric Andrew Reynolds 933 features a midfoot shank plate for added stability and extra protection when landing primo alongside a unique full-length midsole with two different densities of foam: a softer foam through the centre to ensure boardfeel and a more comfortable underfoot feel, and stiffer foam around the sidewalls to help support your foot and prevent it rolling when landing awkwardly. Pushing the boundaries even further, they've managed to achieve this construction without the use of glue, allowing the two different densities to fuse together for unparalleled comfort.
Given everything that's gone into the shoe, it should come as no surprise that the New Balance Numeric Andrew Reynolds 933 will be the most expensive shoe in their range, coming in at £120 for this first drop. While this may sound like a lot, it's worth bearing in mind that you're basically buying a New Balance running shoe - with the same level of care and technology being put into the shoe, alongside some extra skateboarding tweaks of course - which usually retail for way more than this. It's clear just how much work and innovation has gone into making the shoe, especially given Reynolds' extremely high standards, and if there's anyone we trust to deliver, it's The Boss.
For this first drop, New Balance Numeric have got things off to a strong start with two bangin' colourways in the Reynolds 933. As you can probably expect, one of these colourways is of course the flagship Camel / Dark Brown colourway we've seen so much of - like in Reynolds' recent Thrasher and Living Proof covers - which has been officially dubbed the Reynolds 933 MNO. Alongside this, we've also got the equally stylish Reynolds 933 BST with its unique Black and Olivine colourway, featuring a Black upper with an Olive side panel, which you may recognise from the leaked image of the first four colourways. However, if you missed the leak, you can check out a much better-quality image of the first four Reynolds 933 colourways below!
