For the first time, after decades of skateboarding reinterpreting basketball silhouettes, basketball is now looking to skateboarding for inspiration. The two worlds collide in an exciting way with the new Kawhi Leonard x Tiago Lemos collection from New Balance Numeric. This collaboration brings the best of both athletes’ signature styles to the skate park, delivering three performance-focused models: the KAWHI IV,1010 and 480.
The NM1010 represents Tiago Lemos’ dedication to skateboarding with a design that prioritizes both performance and durability. This shoe is built to handle long sessions, featuring a dual-density FuelCell midsole that delivers consistent cushioning and energy return, allowing for extended comfort on the board. The upper, crafted from a mix of suede and mesh, offers a combination of breathability and durability. It’s made to stand up to intense skate sessions while keeping things cool. The rubber outsole with its reinforced toe cap enhances grip and control, ensuring a solid connection to the board.
In contrast, the NM480 brings Kawhi Leonard’s court influence into the skate world, merging his refined style with features suited for skateboarding. The shoe’s leather upper, paired with suede overlays, creates a look that’s both classic and durable, offering solid support for aggressive tricks and hard landings. The C-CAP midsole technology provides impressive impact protection, absorbing shocks and maintaining stability. With a durable cupsole, the NM480 not only enhances board feel but also ensures traction that holds up to everyday wear, both on and off the court... or board.
In addition to the NM1010 and NM480, the Kawhi Leonard x Tiago Lemos collection also includes the Kawhi IV, a basketball shoe with skate-inspired elements. The Kawhi IV brings Leonard's signature precision and style to the forefront, featuring New Balance’s FuelCell cushioning for exceptional responsiveness on the court. The shoe’s unique blend of materials—including a durable mesh and synthetic upper—provides both support and flexibility, allowing for unrestricted movement. With a design that combines Kawhi’s on-court readiness with subtle nods to skateboarding, the Kawhi IV delivers an innovative look and feel that complements the rest of the collection.
The New Balance Kawhi IV's will not be available at Drift House.
This collaboration takes things full circle. After decades of skateboarding reimagining basketball styles, this time, basketball draws inspiration from skateboarding’s aesthetics and functionality. With the Kawhi Leonard x Tiago Lemos collection, New Balance Numeric continues to break new ground, showing how these two sports can inform and inspire each other. Check out the collection at Drift House and explore how Kawhi and Tiago’s worlds intersect in a way that’s never been done before. Available now, in-store and online.
Studio photos taken by Andrew Dutton (@ad__sneaks)
Skate photos courtesy of New Balance