Skateboarding has seen its fair share of collaborations over the years, but when a legend like Andrew Reynolds partners with an iconic brand like New Balance, it's bound to capture attention. The significance of this partnership doesn't just lie in the reputation of the collaborators but also in the story and the legacy behind it. With Andrew Reynolds' career and influence in the skateboarding world spanning over three decades, he has earned the respect and admiration of countless fans. Combining his expertise with New Balance's long-standing reputation in footwear promises an offering that bridges the old and the new.
While the New Balance 480 was initially designed in 1983 as a basketball shoe, the modern remix from New Balance Numeric elevates it to a skateboarding essential. The silhouette now boasts state-of-the-art features: a full-length FuelCell midsole for enhanced propulsion, an Ndurance rubber outsole for exceptional grip, and a molded Abzorb insole that offers maximum comfort while absorbing the impact from those tough landings. Durability hasn't been overlooked either, with features such as a reinforced eyerow, a double-layered toe cap, modified tread for added traction, and a solid heel counter that ensures stability. The visual aesthetics match the performance, with sophisticated brushed nubuck overlaying top-notch suede, leather details, and a unique "Reynolds" signature tag adorning the tongue. This is all doused in brown hues with creams accenting the “N” logo, laces, and tongue tag.
In Andrew Reynolds' own words from his meeting with New Balance Numeric: “During one of my first meetings with New Balance Numeric, the team showed me the 480 and asked, 'Would you skate this?' I was blown away because it's exactly what I had been wanting–a vintage cupsole shoe with a modernized foam midsole."
The Andrew Reynolds x New Balance Numeric 480 will release September 18, 2023, through New Balance and select skate shops both online and in stores. Available in men's sizing, the retail price is set at $100. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Andrew Reynolds x New Balance Numeric 480
Images via New Balance
