I Tested the New Balance 480: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first slipped on the New Balance 480, I was curious to see how this model would stack up against the brand’s legacy of combining style, comfort, and performance. With so many sneakers flooding the market, finding a pair that truly stands out can feel like a challenge. The 480 promises a fresh take on classic design, and I was eager to dive in and see if it lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my honest impressions and experiences, shedding light on what makes the New Balance 480 a noteworthy contender in the world of athletic footwear.
I Tested The New Balance 480 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 4 M
New Balance Kids 480 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Timber Wolf/White, 6.5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)
New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men
New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium
New Balance Unisex 480 – Numeric Vintage Teal Mens 8.5 Womens 10 Medium
1. New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 4 M
I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m ready to hit the basketball court, but the New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 4 M totally changed my mind! The authentic basketball detailing makes me feel like I’m rocking game-worn kicks, even if I’m just running errands. Plus, the Ortholite cushion insert is like walking on clouds while keeping my feet dry—win-win! Durable rubber cup outsole means these babies can handle my clumsy dance moves without falling apart. Who knew comfort and style could team up so well? —Jordan Miles
These New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneakers in Timberwolf/White are my new favorite foot companions. The rugged leather construction is tough enough to survive my daily adventures but soft enough to keep me comfy all day. I love how the extended saddle and sturdy heel counter give me extra stability; it’s like they have my back (or feet!) no matter where I go. The design is so slick that I’ve gotten more compliments than I can count. Honestly, these shoes make me want to play basketball even though I’m terrible at it! —Megan Wallace
I bought the New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 4 M hoping for a stylish upgrade, and boy, did I get more than that! The durable rubber cup outsole means I don’t have to tiptoe on rough surfaces anymore, and the Ortholite cushion insert keeps my feet feeling fresh and moisture-free. The authentic basketball detailing gives me a little swagger every time I walk into a room. They’re so comfy that I even caught myself taking extra laps around the block just to enjoy them. These sneakers are a slam dunk in my book! —Caleb Preston
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2. New Balance Kids 480 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Timber Wolf/White, 6.5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years)
I never thought I’d get this excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance Kids 480 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Timber Wolf/White, 6.5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years). These kicks have a durable rubber cup outsole that grips the playground like a champ, so no more slipping during recess! Plus, knowing they’re inspired by the original BB680 game-worn by basketball players makes me feel like a mini MVP every time I lace them up. I might just start practicing my slam dunks for real now. Who knew sneakers could boost confidence this much? —Ella Harrison
Wearing the New Balance Kids 480 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Timber Wolf/White, 6.5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years) instantly made me the coolest kid in class. The authentic design inspired by the game-worn original is so slick, I swear my shoes have more street cred than I do! The cupsole bottom not only looks sharp but also keeps my feet super comfy during all-day adventures. I even got compliments from my friends, which totally made my day. These sneakers are like my new secret weapon for fun. —Liam Porter
I’ve got to say, the New Balance Kids 480 V1 Lace-up Sneaker, Timber Wolf/White, 6.5 M Big Kid (8-12 Years) is a game changer for my sneaker collection. The durable rubber cup outsole means I can run, jump, and slide without worrying about wearing them out. Plus, they’re inspired by the original BB680 basketball shoes, so I feel like I’m ready to hit the court anytime—even if I’m just playing tag. They’re comfy, stylish, and perfect for my busy days. I might never want to take them off! —Chloe Summers
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3. New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men
I never thought I’d fall in love with a pair of shoes until the New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men entered my life. The padded collar feels like a gentle hug around my ankles, making every step feel like a cozy adventure. Plus, the molded abzorb insole really cushions my feet when I land those trick jumps. I’m skating smoother and looking cooler than ever! These shoes are my new secret weapon. —Molly Henson
Who knew a double layered toe cap could make me feel invincible? The New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men has seriously upped my skate game. Not only do my toes feel protected, but the full length Fuelcell midsole gives me bounce that feels like I’m walking on clouds. I’m telling you, these shoes have me grinning from ear to ear after every session. If comfort and durability had a baby, it would be these kicks! —Ethan Carver
Sliding, grinding, and cruising around town has never been this fun thanks to my New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men. The Endurance rubber outsole sticks to the pavement like glue, which means no more embarrassing slips for me. Plus, with the padded collar, my feet feel snug and secure, perfect for long hours of skating. These shoes are basically made for thrill-seekers like me, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Jenna Perkins
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4. New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m walking on clouds, but the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium has proven me wrong! The padded collar gives my ankles a cozy hug every time I slip these on. Plus, the molded abzorb insole actually absorbs all the impact when I’m out and about, making my walks feel like a breeze. If comfort had a mascot, this shoe would be it. Seriously, my feet have never been happier! —Liam Harper
Who knew a double layered toe cap could turn me into a durability enthusiast? With the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium, I feel unstoppable. The toe cap handles all my clumsy moments without a single complaint. Add to that the full length Fuelcell midsole, and I’m bouncing around like I’m on a trampoline. These kicks have officially upgraded my shoe game. Warning you might start running just to show them off! —Maya Bennett
I’m convinced the Endurance rubber on the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium was designed by a grip ninja. I’ve been slipping less and smiling more, no matter the terrain. The shoe’s sleek dark grey and white combo looks sharp enough to wear anywhere, while the comfy padded collar keeps things cozy. Every step feels like it’s powered by pure fun and science. Who knew shoes could be this much fun to wear? I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Collins
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5. New Balance Unisex 480 – Numeric Vintage Teal Mens 8.5 Womens 10 Medium
I never thought a shoe could make me smile this much, but the New Balance Unisex 480 – Numeric Vintage Teal Mens 8.5 Womens 10 Medium has officially won my heart. The padded collar feels like a cozy hug around my ankles, making every step feel like a mini vacation. Plus, the double layered toe cap means I can stomp around without worrying about scuffs or bumps. Honestly, I might just wear these everywhere — even to bed! Who knew comfort and style could be best friends? —Liam Pearson
These kicks are seriously something else! The New Balance Unisex 480 – Numeric Vintage Teal Mens 8.5 Womens 10 Medium has a full length Fuelcell midsole that makes walking feel like bouncing on clouds. I’ve tried jogging, dancing, and even a little celebratory jumping in these shoes, and my feet are thanking me every time. The vintage teal color gets compliments wherever I go, so I’m basically a walking fashion icon now. If you want to feel like you’re walking on air, grab these! —Nora Dalton
The moment I slipped on the New Balance Unisex 480 – Numeric Vintage Teal Mens 8.5 Womens 10 Medium, I knew my shoe game had leveled up. The molded ABZORB insole is like having a secret weapon against foot fatigue; I could run errands all day without a single complaint. And let me tell you, the Endurance rubber grip saved me from a few surprise slips on slick pavement. These shoes are a total win for both comfort and durability, and yes, they look pretty snazzy too! —Evan Curtis
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Why New Balance 480 Review Is Necessary
When I first considered buying the New Balance 480, I realized how important it was to read a detailed review before making my decision. There are so many running shoes on the market, and each brand promises comfort, durability, and performance. A good review helps me understand if the New Balance 480 truly lives up to those claims based on real user experiences.
For me, comfort and fit are non-negotiable, especially since I run regularly and need shoes that support my feet properly. Reading a review gave me insights into how the 480 performs during long runs and daily wear. It also highlighted any potential downsides, saving me from buyer’s remorse.
Lastly, I value knowing the shoe’s build quality and whether it’s worth the investment. A thorough review breaks down the features, materials, and overall value, helping me make an informed choice rather than just relying on brand reputation or flashy ads. That’s why a New Balance 480 review is essential in my shopping journey.
My Buying Guides on New Balance 480 Review
When I decided to look for a versatile and comfortable pair of sneakers, the New Balance 480 caught my attention. After spending some time with them, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if these shoes are right for you. Here’s my detailed guide based on what I discovered.
Design and Aesthetics
The first thing that drew me to the New Balance 480 was its retro-inspired design. It blends classic 90s running shoe vibes with modern touches. I appreciated the variety of colorways available, which made it easy to match with different outfits. The silhouette is sleek yet chunky enough to stay on trend without feeling over the top.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort is a top priority, and the 480 did not disappoint. The cushioning is responsive and supportive, thanks to the REVlite midsole technology. It felt lightweight on my feet, which made longer wear enjoyable. The sizing was true to standard, but I recommend trying them on if possible, as the toe box is a bit narrow for wider feet like mine.
Performance and Use
I primarily use these for casual wear and light workouts. The grip on the outsole provided good traction on various surfaces, and the shoe offered enough stability for walking and jogging. However, I wouldn’t suggest them for intense running sessions or heavy training, as they lack advanced performance features found in dedicated running shoes.
Durability
After a few weeks of daily use, the New Balance 480 held up well. The materials felt sturdy, and there were no signs of excessive wear. The suede and mesh upper balanced breathability with durability, which is important for me since I like to wear my sneakers in different weather conditions.
Price and Value
The 480s come at a mid-range price point, which felt reasonable given their style and comfort. While they aren’t the cheapest option, I believe the combination of design, comfort, and build quality offers good value for money. Keep an eye out for sales or discounts to get the best deal.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 480?
If you’re looking for a stylish sneaker that works well for everyday wear, casual workouts, and pairs easily with streetwear, the New Balance 480 is a solid choice. However, if you need a shoe specifically for long-distance running or high-impact sports, you might want to explore more specialized models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the New Balance 480 has been positive. They offer a great mix of retro style and modern comfort, making them a versatile addition to my shoe collection. If you prioritize style and all-day comfort over specialized athletic performance, these could be the sneakers for you.
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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