New Balance continues to up its skateboarding shoe efforts through its Numeric line, having introduced a deck-ready version of its 480 sneaker. Fans are calling them the "New Balance Dunks" and with good reason.
The New Balance Numeric 480 shoe almost instantly reminds you of Nike SB's Dunks, except with the New Balance "N" replacing the famous Swoosh.
The Numeric 480 sneaker maintains most of the New Balance 480's look, simply plumping up the basketball shoe with skate-worthy features like a thicker platform sole and extra fluff for the tongue.
Between the standard skateboarding shoe elements plus classic colorblocking, the New Balance Numeric 480 shoe undoubtedly echoes the feel (and skate-friendly utility) of the Nike Dunk.
Regardless, New Balance Numeric's skate sneaker looks quite good all-around. And NB fans agree.
"They're cute, but it's giving DC/Dunks...let me get a pair," one Twitter user wrote in response to the New Balance Numeric 480 "Juniper" colorway making rounds online.
Another comment read, "These are hard ASF."
Truth be told, the shoes aren't just good-looking — they're also surprisingly affordable. Low-top pairs run a mere $90 on New Balance's website, though sizes are not too easy to come by.
Just another excuse to go shopping at your local skate shop.
First released in 2023, New Balance Numeric's 480 shoe had quite the introduction with Andrew Reynolds' chocolate brown pairs and even a strong debut "Navy White"' and "Rust" pack.
I mean, even Dunkin' Donuts dished out its own Numeric 480 sneaker, appropriately named the "Coffee & Donuts." These things proved popular enough that secondhand pairs are flipping for over $200 apiece.
I know Ben Affleck is a Nike man these days, but I can't help but wonder if Dunkin's biggest fan has his favorite coffee chain's NB Dunks stashed away in his closet.
The mystery remains.
The Numeric 480 "Juniper" came and naturally went in December 2023, but folks can't get enough of the pleasing green and beige combo. Can you blame them? The take is quite nice, as is the case with New Balance's other sneakers.
The Boston-based sneaker brand knows its way around the color wheel, and it shows in its rotation-ready colorways.
Following a launch just last year, the Numeric 480's run is just getting started, leaving a trail of beautiful skateboarding sneakers in its path.
