Rukus Channel Louisiana Spirit For Their New Balance Numeric 4400 'Voodoo Doll'
The Louisiana brand have revealed their much anticipated colab with , NB’s dedicated skate line. The colab takes on the New Balance Numeric 440 silhouette and is dubbed the ‘Voodoo Doll’ - an homage to the culture and traditions of Rukus’ home state. Owned by Ronnie Saurage, Rukus was founded in 2000 and is a staple of the local skate community. The store has previously collaborated with and , with their designs often saluting their Louisiana pride. The in 2014 was a tasty tribute to the southern city’s local cuisine.
The design of this Numeric 440 is imbued with Louisiana Voodoo elements. The shoe is constructed with a woven burlap body complemented by a coarse suede upper. For the New Balance logo, there is a slight mismatch motif spotlighting the Voodoo doll feature of tack-stitching. The lateral side ‘N’ logo is adorned in red pebble leather, meanwhile the medial side is merely an outline of the letter. Continuing the mystic aesthetic, sewed ‘button eyes’ can be found peeking out from the medial heel counter, and a throwback 103 is etched on the inside tag and heels. For the finishing touch, wood grain textured insoles feature a custom Voodoo symbol. Making the pair a unique collectible element is a special burlap bag containing a plush Voodoo doll.
The Rukus x New Balance 440 ‘Voodoo Doll’ is set for release on December 1 at the Rukus pop-up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.