New Balance Has a Collaboration With Roland: Here’s Where to Get a Pair of TR-808 Sneakers Online

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Japanese electronics company Roland manufactured the TR-808 Rhythm Composer drum machine — aka the 808 — in 1980. This iconic rhythm machine was instrumental (no pun intended) in the development of hip-hop, R&B, rock and dance music throughout the decade and beyond, including on hit songs such as “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston, “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child and others.

And now, nearly 45 years after its release, Roland is collaborating with sports footwear and apparel company New Balance and Brazilian pro skater Tiago Lemos on the new NB Numeric Lemos 808 sneakers — which retail for $119.99 and drop on 808 Day, which is on Thursday, Aug. 8 at, 12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT (Wednesday, Aug. 7).

Made from suede, mesh and synthetic pigskin, the NB Numeric Tiago Lemos 808 sneakers feature the company’s “REVlite” midsole for cushioning and bounce, with round white laces for stability and security.

Meanwhile, New Balance took inspiration from skateboarding sneakers from the late ’90s and early 2000s for style, with a black upper and pops of orange, red and white — like the 808 itself. In fact, the sneakers even come with a little 808 charm for additional flair.

“Hip-hop has been the soundtrack for my skating, and at the heart of many classics was the 808. To have a collaboration with the legendary Roland 808 on my shoe is an honor,” said Tiago Lemos in a press release.

Available on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 12 a.m. ET, the NB Numeric Tiago Lemos 808 sneakers come in various unisex sizes in black; a pair goes for $119.99 at New Balance.

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