New Balance Numeric has joined forces with professional skateboarder Tiago Lemos and legendary music brand Roland to introduce a distinctive new iteration of the 808 sneaker. This collaborative effort, dubbed the 808 LRO, pays homage to Roland’s iconic TR-808 drum machine, a device that profoundly influenced various music genres, from early hip-hop to electronic music. The design masterfully incorporates visual cues from the TR-808, featuring a sleek black upper complemented by vibrant accents and translucent sole elements, mirroring the drum machine's colorful interface. This release, slated for August 8, 2025, not only celebrates the synergy between skateboarding and music but also marks a noteworthy convergence of performance footwear and nostalgic cultural design, retailing at ¥19,800 JPY (approximately $135 USD).
The partnership highlights New Balance Numeric's continuous innovation in skateboarding footwear, integrating aesthetic elements that resonate with a broader cultural audience. The 808 LRO symbolizes a bridge between distinct creative domains—skate culture's dynamic energy and music's rhythmic foundation. This sneaker is designed to deliver both the durability and functionality required by skateboarders, while simultaneously captivating enthusiasts with its unique design narrative. It stands as a testament to how footwear can transcend its primary purpose, becoming a canvas for artistic expression and a nod to historical influences that shape contemporary trends.
The Fusion of Skate and Sound Aesthetics
The latest offering from New Balance Numeric, the 808 LRO, is a remarkable collaboration featuring pro skater Tiago Lemos and the iconic music tech brand Roland. This unique sneaker is a direct nod to Roland's legendary TR-808 drum machine, an instrument that laid down the rhythmic foundations for countless tracks across genres like hip-hop and dance music. Its design elegantly channels the vintage appeal of the TR-808, showcasing striking accents, subtle paneling, and a translucent sole that mirrors the drum machine's vibrant LED display. Priced at ¥19,800 JPY (around $135 USD), this August 8, 2025 release exemplifies a creative blend of skate performance and musical nostalgia.
This collaboration embodies a fascinating intersection of cultures, bringing together the dynamic world of skateboarding with the influential legacy of electronic music. The 808 LRO is more than just a shoe; it's a wearable piece of art that reflects a shared spirit of innovation and expression. The choice of the TR-808 as inspiration is particularly apt, given its historical use in creating soundtracks for skate videos, further cementing the organic connection between Lemos's skating and the rhythmic beats of the machine. Every detail, from its color scheme to material choices, serves to evoke the aesthetic and functional aspects of the TR-808, making the 808 LRO a truly distinctive product for both sneaker enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs.
Performance Meets Cultural Homage
The upcoming 808 LRO model from New Balance Numeric represents a significant collaboration, intertwining the worlds of professional skateboarding, led by Tiago Lemos, and the rich heritage of music production, embodied by Roland. This sneaker, set to debut on August 8, 2025, is deeply inspired by Roland's seminal TR-808 drum machine. The design features a predominant black colorway accented with vivid highlights and an innovative translucent outsole, all thoughtfully integrated to echo the visual characteristics of the TR-808's interface. This special edition, available for ¥19,800 JPY (approximately $135 USD), is poised to captivate both skate aficionados and fans of musical heritage.
More than merely a footwear release, the 808 LRO is a celebration of interconnected subcultures. It fuses the rigorous demands of skateboarding performance with a profound respect for a musical instrument that has shaped modern soundscapes. The shoe’s construction is meticulously engineered to provide the durability and support essential for skateboarding, while its aesthetic elements are a direct homage to the TR-808. This thoughtful design ensures the sneaker resonates with those who appreciate its functional excellence and its deep cultural roots. It’s a compelling statement piece that merges utility with artistic homage, offering a fresh narrative within the competitive landscape of performance footwear.