Welcome back to Tactics Shoe Reviews! This time, we're teaming up with our customer service experts, Chris and Caleb, to take a closer look at the NB Numeric 600, a pro skate shoe from popular technical skater Tom Knox, a collaboration with New Balance. The shoe was featured in a short video by Tom Knox with an October 2023 release date, and quickly became a hit among skaters. But why? Our experts thoroughly tested it in the basement of our Eugene shop. The question on everyone's mind is: are these NB# 600s really good for skating?
Board Feel
The shoes feature a cupsole design that emphasizes comfort and support while remaining lightweight and adaptable to a variety of foot shapes. While cupsoles are typically stiff and require break-in time, Chris and Caleb were surprised to find they were able to find the right fit within about 30 minutes of skating. Once broken in, the boardfeel and flick offer a good balance of protection and responsiveness.
FIT
It fits true to size and features a slightly wider toe box. For those with wider feet, this might be a good choice for your next purchase.
Durability and Protection
The NB 600 offers excellent impact protection. Chris and Caleb tested it on the steps in front of their shop and found the FuelCell foam midsole and OrthoLite® insole to combine comfort and protection. While there was some wear after a month of skating, the shoe felt sturdy, and the construction of the Tom Knox Pro model exceeded expectations.
Final evaluation
Overall, the New Balance 600 Tom Knox Pro is a top choice for skaters looking for comfort, style, and durability. Chris and Caleb highly praise this shoe as a reliable choice for skateboarding. With a great balance of construction, boardfeel, fit, and durability, the NB 600 is a shoe we recommend for skaters.
