Men’s new balance 272 The New Balance Numeric 272 is a vulcanized shoe built unlike anything we’ve made before. The all-new outsole provides incredible board feel in the forefoot and the vaulted design in the heel works to reduce the dreaded heel bruise. With design cues from some of NB’s classic running silhouettes, the 272 features a clean, one-piece toe that is reinforced for durability, as well as a rubberized heel counter to increase stability.