New Balance Numeric 340 Sea Salt Black

The 340: Cream Suede, Big Black N, Vulcanized Gum Sole

A skate shoe is judged by what it takes. The Numeric 340 is built around that idea: vulcanized sole, reinforced toe cap for durability, heel wedge against impact. Nothing more, nothing extra. It carries the Numeric line, New Balance's skate range: low profile, clean cuts, big N on the sidewall. This is a pair made for the session before it's made for the shelf.

The cream suede does all the visual work. Two finishes share the upper: a long-nap suede on the sidewalls and collar, a flatter suede on the toe and heel. The big pebbled black N and the black heel overlay cut sharply against the light base. The tongue switches to mesh in the same tone, with the 340 label on a green ground, and the green shows up again inside the heel. The thick flat laces stay cream, and the gum sole wraps it up. The upper mixes suede, mesh, synthetic and pigskin.

Griptape chews through the toe first, ollie after ollie: the reinforced toe cap is there for that. On landings, the heel wedge protects against impact. Underfoot, the Ortholite insole handles comfort, and the vulcanized gum sole runs a tight herringbone tread, split by a green strip stamped NB#. The mesh tongue keeps the top of the foot ventilated. A vulc sole needs breaking in: give it a few sessions before the sole loosens up. And on light suede, a protector spray before you head out is worth it.

FAQ

• What does "vulcanized" mean? The rubber sole is bonded to the upper and cured with heat. It's the classic skate construction: flat, flexible, close to the board.
• What does the heel wedge do? It protects the heel from impact, especially when landing off a drop or a set of stairs.
• How do I care for cream suede? Protector spray before your first wear, a dry suede brush to lift the nap, a suede eraser for light marks. Keep it out of the washing machine and away from direct water.