The New Balance Numeric 508
The New Balance Numeric 508 is the signature skate shoe of Brandon Westgate, one of the fastest and most powerful skateboarders on the planet. Designed to handle the demands of Westgate's high-speed approach to skateboarding, the 508 delivers a unique combination of board feel, impact protection, durability, and comfort.
What makes the Numeric 508 stand out from many other skate shoes is its ability to bridge the gap between traditional vulcanized shoes and more supportive cupsole designs. It offers the board feel that many technical skaters love while providing the cushioning and protection needed for modern skateboarding.
For skaters who don't want to choose between feel and support, the 508 has become one of the most versatile shoes in the New Balance Numeric lineup.
The Brandon Westgate Influence
Brandon Westgate's skating is built on speed, power, and precision.
Whether he's charging through rough streets, launching over gaps, or skating transition at full speed, his footwear needs to provide confidence in every situation.
The Numeric 508 was designed with those demands in mind. It delivers excellent board control while offering enough protection to handle the heavy impacts associated with Westgate's style of skating.
The result is a shoe that's equally comfortable skating ledges, handrails, transition, and everyday street spots.
Built on a Soccer-Inspired Foundation
One of the most unique aspects of the Numeric 508 is its outsole design.
The shoe is built around a classic indoor soccer-inspired sole that delivers exceptional board feel while maintaining the support and protection of a cupsole skate shoe.
This design creates a ride that feels lower to the board than many traditional cupsoles while still providing the impact protection that modern skateboarders demand.
It's one of the reasons the 508 has become such a favorite among skaters who want the best of both worlds.
Key Features
Cupsole Protection with Vulcanized Feel
The 508 is often described as offering the board feel of a vulcanized shoe with the impact protection of a cupsole.
This balance is one of the biggest reasons the shoe has developed such a loyal following among skateboarders.
One-Piece Reinforced Toe
The upper features a reinforced one-piece toe construction designed to minimize blowouts and improve durability.
By eliminating unnecessary seams in high-wear areas, the 508 helps extend the lifespan of the shoe while maintaining a clean appearance.
Ortholite Insole
A premium Ortholite insole provides impact protection and all-day comfort.
The additional cushioning helps absorb repeated impacts while maintaining a responsive feel underfoot.
Foam-Backed Mesh Collar
The foam-backed mesh collar delivers a secure fit while remaining comfortable during extended skate sessions.
This construction helps reduce pressure points while providing additional support around the ankle.
Breathable Mesh Tongue
The mesh tongue improves airflow and breathability, helping keep your feet cooler during long days of skating.
Reflective Heel Detailing
One of the most distinctive features of the Numeric 508 is its reflective heel detailing.
While subtle, this feature improves visibility during night skating and gives the shoe a unique look.
Low-Profile Design
The 508 maintains a low-profile silhouette that keeps skaters connected to their board while preserving flexibility and control.
How the 508 Skates
The Numeric 508 feels different from most shoes in the New Balance lineup.
Compared to the highly cushioned 1010, 933, or 480, the 508 feels lower to the board and more responsive. It provides excellent board feel while still offering noticeably more support than a traditional vulcanized skate shoe.
The shoe excels in technical street skating, ledge skating, transition, and everyday sessions where control and comfort are equally important.
Many skaters find the 508 requires very little break-in time and feels natural almost immediately.
Why Skaters Love the 508
The Numeric 508 has become a favorite because it solves a common problem.
Many skaters love the board feel of vulcanized shoes but want more protection from impacts.
Others appreciate the comfort of cupsole shoes but don't want to sacrifice responsiveness.
The 508 sits directly between those categories, giving skaters the benefits of both without the drawbacks of either.
Who Should Skate the 508?
The New Balance Numeric 508 is ideal for:
- Street skaters
- Technical skaters
- Ledge skaters
- Transition skaters
- Fans of Brandon Westgate
- Skaters seeking more board feel
- Anyone looking for a versatile daily skate shoe
Its balanced design makes it one of the easiest shoes in the Numeric lineup to skate every day.
508 vs 480
The Numeric 508 and Numeric 480 are two of the most popular models in the New Balance lineup, but they offer very different experiences.
The 480 provides more cushioning, more support, and a basketball-inspired feel.
The 508 offers greater board feel, a lower-profile ride, and a more responsive feel underfoot.
Skaters focused on impact protection often choose the 480, while those prioritizing board control frequently gravitate toward the 508.
508 vs 306
The 306 is Jamie Foy's vulcanized signature model, while the 508 provides a more supportive cupsole-inspired platform.
The 306 delivers maximum board feel and flexibility.
The 508 provides a similar connected feel while adding additional cushioning and support.
For skaters transitioning away from traditional vulcanized shoes, the 508 often feels like a natural next step.
Why the 508 Is One of the Most Underrated New Balance Skate Shoes
While models like the 480 and 1010 often receive the most attention, many dedicated skaters consider the 508 one of the hidden gems of the Numeric lineup.
Its ability to combine:
- Excellent board feel
- Reliable impact protection
- Strong durability
- Lightweight construction
- Everyday comfort
makes it one of the most well-rounded skate shoes New Balance has ever produced.
For many skaters, the 508 quietly becomes their favorite shoe after just a few sessions.
Why Buy the New Balance Numeric 508 From LB Skate?
At LB Skate, we've always appreciated shoes that perform as well as they look, and the Numeric 508 is a perfect example.
The 508 has developed a loyal following among our customers because of its versatility, comfort, and durability. It's a shoe that appeals to a wide range of skating styles and skill levels.
As an independent skateboard shop founded by skateboarders, we only carry products we believe in. The Numeric 508 continues to prove itself as one of the strongest all-around skate shoes available today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New Balance Numeric 508 true to size?
Yes. Most skaters find the Numeric 508 fits true to size with a secure and comfortable fit.
Who skates the New Balance Numeric 508?
The Numeric 508 is the signature skate shoe of Brandon Westgate.
Is the 508 a cupsole skate shoe?
Yes, but it is designed to provide a board feel that many skaters compare to vulcanized footwear while still offering greater impact protection.
Is the 508 good for technical skating?
Absolutely. Its low-profile design and responsive feel make it an excellent option for technical street skating and ledge skating.
How does the 508 compare to the 480?
The 508 offers more board feel and responsiveness, while the 480 focuses more heavily on cushioning and support.
Learn About Other New Balance Numeric Shoes
Looking to learn about other New Balance Numeric models? Check out our in-depth guides on some of the most popular skate shoes in the Numeric lineup:
- New Balance Numeric 1010
- New Balance Numeric 933
- New Balance Numeric 600
- New Balance Numeric 480
- New Balance Numeric 440V2
- New Balance Numeric 417
- New Balance Numeric 340
- New Balance Numeric 306
- New Balance Numeric 306 Cup
Whether you're searching for maximum impact protection, classic vulcanized board feel, or an all-around daily skate shoe, New Balance Numeric offers a model built for every style of skating.
Shop New Balance Numeric at LB Skate
LB Skate carries one of the largest selections of New Balance Numeric skate shoes, apparel, and accessories. Whether you're skating the latest signature models from Andrew Reynolds, Tiago Lemos, Jamie Foy, Brandon Westgate, or Franky Villani, we've got the gear to keep you rolling.
Browse our complete collection of New Balance Numeric Footwear and find the perfect pair for your next session.