New Balance Numeric 480 Black White

The 480: An 80s Basketball Silhouette Tuned for Skating by New Balance

Before skaters had shoes of their own, the 80s and 90s crowd went shopping elsewhere, often in the basketball aisle, for support and toughness. That's the wardrobe the New Balance Numeric 480 starts from. New Balance describes it as a shoe inspired by those skate styles, built for life on and off the board. Low profile, basketball volumes, reinforced toe: this black colorway on a gum sole keeps the original lines, no gimmicks.

The upper combines suede and mesh, with cow leather per the spec sheet. In the photos, black napped suede covers the toe, heel counter and side panels, while smooth, perforated black leather sits on top of the forefoot. A large pebbled-leather "N" outlined in white marks the sidewall. Thick white laces cut against the black upper, the tongue carries the NB# label with a gold "480", and the heel reads "new balance" in white. Underneath, a white midsole sits on a gum outsole.

On a board, the toe takes the beating: griptape chews through the ollie and flip zone first. The 480's reinforced toe cap is designed for exactly that. Underfoot, the FuelCell midsole runs the full length and, per the manufacturer, delivers a propulsive feel that helps drive you forward. An ABZORB-branded sockliner rounds it out, and the wavy gum tread gives grip on griptape and concrete alike. The manufacturer lists the weight at 500 g. Before your first session, a suede protector spray helps limit stains and nap wear.

FAQ

• Is the 480 built for skating or just for the street? Both. New Balance describes it as inspired by 80s and 90s skate styles, built for life on and off the board, with a toe cap designed for skating.
• What does FuelCell mean? It's the midsole foam, running the full length of the shoe. New Balance credits it with a propulsive feel that helps drive you forward.
• How do I care for the black suede? Brush it dry with a suede brush to lift the nap, protect it with a suitable spray before your first wears, and keep it out of the washing machine. The white laces can be washed separately.