New Balance 480

White

Founded by William J. Riley in 1906, New Balance started small, producing highly flexible, three-point arch supports for those that suffered discomfort wearing shoes, all inspired by the daily balancing acts performed by Williams’ own backyard chickens as they nimbly navigated the coop. Chasing supportive, innovative comfort from the moment it was born over a century ago, New Balance would become a sporting shoe manufacturer of import among both athletes and basketballers, loved for its specialist footwear.

Rolling on to 1972, under new owner Jim Davis, New Balance foresaw a shift in the market. Hoping to ride the wave of casual style and streetwear, they began a push for leisure time products and comfy, all-day pieces that would eventually be sought-after from coast to coast and beyond, all renowned for their quality and comfort. From retro-inspired icons such as the 327 and 420 to the newer Fresh Foam cushioning technology pieces of today, New Balance has never stopped developing and has a deep collection of classic leather and suede silhouettes that will always look and feel superb.

The 480 was a first for New Balance. The Boston-based footwear masters had an extensive catalogue of sporting and running shoes, and in 1983 they produced the Pride 480 – their first ever basketball piece, designed as a high-top for performance and comfort on the court. Breathable and grippy owing to their existing expertise, the Pride 480 was just the start of NB’s long relationship with basketball, and would be re-released in 2021 as the 480, a nostalgic lifestyle shoe. Now with more colourways and releases than ever before, this comfy everyday shoe is a reminder of the history New Balance has on the blacktop.