# Skate-Centric Collaborative Footwear Vu Skate Shop and New Balance Join on the 440v2 Shoe By Amy Duong | Published 2024-04-11 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/440v2 References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/new-balance-vu-skate-shop-collab/)  Baltimore-based brand Vu Skate Shop works in collaboration with New Balance Numeric, which is the Boston imprint's iconic skate sub-branch to create a new iteration of the 440v2 sneaker model. The 440v2 silhouette was first dropped back in February this year as the latest evolution of the signature design. The latest update brings it to new heights as it features a rubbed N logo on the tongue as a nod to the classic New Balance branding. Orange felt lines the tongue for a tonal contrast paired with a custom chess-inspired insole motif. The colorway is inspired by formstone for a greyscale look. It is rounded out by elements such as the robust midsole base, softly padded tongue, and patched upper made from mesh, pigskin, and suede. Image Credit: Vu Skate Shop ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 23% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Customized Insole Motifs:** Exploring unique designs on insoles can enhance sneaker branding and personalization. - **Formstone-inspired Colorways:** Drawing inspiration from architectural elements can bring a fresh aesthetic to footwear design. - **Collaborative Brand Partnerships:** Collaborating with skate shops can lead to innovative sneaker collections that resonate with niche audiences. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Incorporating varied materials like mesh, pigskin, and suede can elevate the quality and style of sneakers. - **Skateboarding Retail:** Partnering with established footwear brands can open up new avenues for skate shops to offer unique and limited-edition products. - **Fashion Design:** Reimagining traditional brand aesthetics through modern collaborations can rejuvenate brand identities and market appeal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Skate-Ready Practical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/574-sneaker-5.md) - [Bright Chunky Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/numeric-480.md) - [Collaborative Understated Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/numeric-480-1.md) - [Technical Bright Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiago-lemos-nm808.md) - [Icy-Tonal Hi-Top Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nm17.md) - [Neutral Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vk-design-works-x-new-balance.md) - [Wine-Inspired Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brut.md) - [VIbrant Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colors-be-the-palette.md) - [Panelled Dynamic Technical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/860v2-sneaker-1.md)