Although the hype sneaker world looks to skateboarding and often hyper-focuses on Nike SB, there are plenty of others in this niche that make as significant an impact on the community. One of which is New Balance Numeric, as in recent years, we’ve seen New Balance invest heavily in its skateboarding division through collaborative efforts with various skateboarders and skate shops. Now, following up on Premier’s mushroom-themed project on the 480 Low, Brooklyn Projects injects heavy metal influences into the high-top version of the retro silhouette.
In an Instagram post announcing the collaboration, which comes months after a small teaser posted by the shop’s owner, Dom DeLuca, we’re given a breakdown of why the shop has chosen to work on the model. Dom would get a pair of 480s for himself in the ‘80s before the model was retooled for skateboarding, beating his pairs up at metal shows and while BMXing. Direct inspiration comes from the uniform of metal and thrash fans of the ‘80s, as the upper comes constructed out of a combo of denim and leather in a black shade.
Denim panels land on the toebox and collar, while premium leather covers the mudguard, midfoot panel, and heel overlay. Contrasting the primarily black look are hits of white on the stitching details, the lining of the black N logo, the lace set, and the New Balance branding along the collar and tongue. Brooklyn Projects appears along the tongue tag, with Projects placed below the NB Numeric logo and on the heel with the shop’s logo embedded into the leather paneling. Finishing the look is the cream midsole paired with a semi-translucent gum outsole.
The Brooklyn Projects x New Balance Numeric 480 will release sometime in January 2025 through New Balance and Brooklyn Projects online and in-store. As of this writing, the retail price has yet to be announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via New Balance
Image via Dom DeLuca
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
