New Balance’s Understated Sneaker Brings Restraint to Skate Shoes
Some skate shoes are all about looking like they could survive getting absolutely battered. Others seem to have forgotten that they’re supposed to be skate shoes in the first place.
The New Balance Numeric Franky Villani 417 Low lands somewhere in the middle.
Designed with pro skater Franky Villani, it has the low-profile shape and classic proportions you want from a skate sneaker without looking like a tank strapped to your feet.
The Black Cement and Black colorway keeps things pretty moody, with the mix of suede, canvas, and mesh giving the upper enough texture to stop all that black from feeling flat. It’s understated, but there’s still plenty going on if you actually look at it.
And that’s probably what makes it so easy to like. The 417 Low doesn’t scream “skate shoe” from across the street. It has a cleaner, more everyday feel that makes sense whether you’re actually skating or just happen to like the look.
Franky Villani’s influence is there without turning the sneaker into a walking billboard for his name. The result feels considered, but not overly designed.
Basically, it’s a skate shoe for people who want their skate shoes to look good before they’ve even touched a board. Which, frankly, seems like a pretty reasonable ask.
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