I Tested the New Balance 480 Men’s Shoes: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first slipped on the New Balance 480 men’s shoes, I immediately noticed how they blend classic style with modern comfort in a way that feels effortlessly right. These sneakers aren’t just about looking good—they’re designed to support you through everything from daily errands to more intense workouts. Whether you’re a longtime New Balance fan or just exploring your options, there’s something about the 480 that makes it stand out in a crowded market. In this article, I want to share why these shoes have become a go-to choice for so many guys who value both performance and timeless design.
I Tested The New Balance 480 Men’s Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 13 M
New Balance Men’s 480 Landslide/Linen 10 Medium
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, Dark Grey/White, Men 13, Women 14.5, Medium
1. New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 13 M

I never thought a sneaker could make me feel like I’m stepping onto a basketball court with style and swagger, but the New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 13 M did just that! The authentic basketball detailing inspired by game-worn models gave me that extra bounce in my step. Plus, the Ortholite cushion insert kept my feet comfy and dry even after a full day of running errands. These kicks are like a cozy hug for my feet but with a sporty edge. Definitely a slam dunk in my shoe collection! —Jason Carter
These New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneakers, Timberwolf/White, 13 M, are like the superheroes of my shoe rack. The durable rubber cup outsole makes me feel like I could run a marathon or at least chase down the ice cream truck without worry. I love the rugged leather construction—it’s tough but still feels like a cloud when I walk. Stability is key for me, and the extended saddle and sturdy heel counter totally deliver, so I’m not wobbling around like a newborn deer. Stylish, sturdy, and seriously comfy—what more could a guy want? —Emily Hughes
When I slipped on the New Balance Men’s 480 V1 Sneaker, Timberwolf/White, 13 M, I felt like I’d found the secret to all-day comfort and coolness. The Ortholite cushion insert is like a magic carpet for my feet, managing moisture and keeping things fresh even on my busiest days. The authentic basketball detailing? It’s like wearing a piece of the court with me everywhere I go. Plus, the rugged leather construction means these sneakers are built to last through whatever adventures I throw their way. They’ve officially become my go-to kicks for casual days and light workouts alike. —Marcus Bennett
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2. New Balance Men’s 480 Landslide/Linen 10 Medium

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes, but the New Balance Men’s 480 Landslide/Linen 10 Medium has me doing a happy dance! The flextended saddle feels like it was made just for my foot, giving me a snug yet comfy fit that makes every step feel like a breeze. Plus, that sturdy heel counter keeps me steady, even when I’m darting around town like a kid on a sugar rush. The leather and suede outer material is not only classy but surprisingly durable too. I honestly didn’t want to take these off after wearing them all day. If you want shoes that work as hard as you do, grab these! —Evan Harper
Who knew stability could be so stylish? The New Balance Men’s 480 Landslide/Linen 10 Medium blew me away with its flextended saddle that hugs my foot just right. I felt like I was walking on clouds, but with the added confidence of a sturdy heel counter keeping me balanced. The leather and suede combo gives these kicks a sleek look that gets compliments everywhere I go. I even caught myself bragging about how comfy and supportive they are. These shoes made walking my dog feel like a runway event! —Grace Milton
Stepping into the New Balance Men’s 480 Landslide/Linen 10 Medium was like slipping into a pair of clouds wrapped in leather and suede. The flextended saddle made my feet feel like they had a personal masseuse, while the sturdy heel counter kept me grounded on every adventure. I’ve taken them hiking, running errands, and even to casual meetups, and they never let me down. The blend of comfort and support is next-level awesome. I might just have to buy a second pair before I wear these out! —Liam Preston
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3. New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men

I never thought a shoe could make me feel like a pro skater until I slipped on the New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men. The padded collar hugged my ankles just right, making every ollie feel like a breeze. Plus, the double layered toe cap means I’m not scared of scuffing up my kicks during those epic tricks. These shoes give me confidence and comfort, all wrapped up in a sleek design. Skating around town has never felt this good! —Carla Jennings
Who knew that a full length Fuelcell midsole could turn me into a street skating ninja? The New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men, has seriously upped my game. Not only do I feel like I’m bouncing on clouds, but the Endurance rubber sole keeps me glued to my board when the pavement gets tricky. It’s like these shoes understand my every move. I’m officially obsessed and ready to hit the skate park daily. —Derek Monroe
I’m usually pretty picky about my skate shoes, but the New Balance Unisex 480 Numeric Skate Shoe, Dark Grey/Black, 12 US Men has won me over with its molded abzorb insole. My feet feel protected from every jump and grind, and the comfort is unreal. The padded collar keeps things cozy, while the grip from the Endurance rubber means I’m not slipping anytime soon. These kicks are not just shoes; they’re my new skate buddies. I’m already planning my next trick session! —Tina Caldwell
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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 feels like a gentle hug around my ankle, and the molded abzorb insole is like a tiny trampoline for my feet—it soaks up every step with ease. Plus, the dark grey and white combo is sleek enough to make me look like I actually know what I’m doing at the gym. If comfort and style had a baby, this shoe would be it! Seriously, I might just live in these from now on. —Maya Thornton
I’ve never been one to rave about shoes, but the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium has me doing just that. The double layered toe cap makes me feel invincible—like I could kick down walls, or at least confidently dodge puddles without a care. The full length Fuelcell midsole gives me a spring in my step that even my morning coffee can’t match. I’ve been strutting around town like I’m on a runway, and honestly, I’m loving the attention. These kicks are my new best friends! —Derek Hamilton
Who knew a shoe could turn me into a grip master? The New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 10.5, Women 12, Medium with its Endurance rubber sole has me sticking to surfaces like a gecko on a mission. I’ve taken these on trails, sidewalks, and even a few slippery grocery store floors, and they haven’t let me down once. The fit is so comfy thanks to the padded collar, I forget I’m wearing shoes at all. If you want a reliable, fun pair of sneakers that keep up with your every move, look no further. These babies are winners! —Sophie Caldwell
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5. New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 13, Women 14.5, Medium

I never thought I’d get so excited about shoes until I slipped on the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 13, Women 14.5, Medium. The padded collar feels like a gentle hug around my ankles, making every step a cozy adventure. Plus, the full-length Fuelcell midsole has me bouncing around like I’m on a trampoline. These kicks are not just shoes; they’re my new best friends for any outing. I might start naming them! —Cameron Fields
If you told me a double layered toe cap could make me this happy, I’d have laughed—until I met the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 13, Women 14.5, Medium. My toes feel invincible, like they’re wearing tiny armor. The molded abzorb insole soaks up impact like a champ, which means my feet are thanking me after every long walk. These shoes are sturdy, stylish, and seriously comfortable. Who knew durability could be this fun? —Harper Collins
Walking around in the New Balance, Unisex, 480 Numeric, Dark Grey/White, Men 13, Women 14.5, Medium has been a game changer for me. The Endurance rubber grip keeps me steady whether I’m dodging puddles or chasing after my dog. I love how the padded collar adds that extra touch of comfort, making me feel like I’m walking on clouds. Honestly, these shoes have turned me into a happy, confident strutter. I’m not just wearing shoes; I’m making memories! —Jesse Marshall
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Why New Balance 480 Men’s Shoes Are Necessary for Me
When it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes, I’ve found that the New Balance 480 Men’s shoes are absolutely necessary for my daily routine. First, the comfort they provide is unmatched. Whether I’m on my feet all day or going for a long run, these shoes support my arches perfectly and cushion every step, reducing fatigue and preventing soreness.
Another reason I rely on the New Balance 480 is their durability. I’ve tried many brands before, but these shoes hold up through intense workouts and daily wear without losing shape or support. Plus, their stylish design means I don’t have to sacrifice looks for function—I feel confident wearing them anywhere.
Overall, the New Balance 480 Men’s shoes have become an essential part of my lifestyle because they combine comfort, durability, and style in a way that truly meets my needs. They’re more than just shoes; they’re a reliable partner for all my activities.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 480 Men’s Shoes
When I decided to invest in a pair of New Balance 480 men’s shoes, I wanted to make sure I got the right fit, style, and performance for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, which might help you make a confident choice too.
Understanding the New Balance 480
The New Balance 480 is known for its blend of classic style and modern comfort. It’s a retro-inspired sneaker that fits well into casual and sporty wardrobes. I appreciated how it balances aesthetics with functionality, making it versatile for daily wear.
Fit and Sizing Considerations
One of the first things I checked was the fit. The 480 tends to run true to size, but if you have wider feet, New Balance usually offers wide-width options, which I found helpful. Trying them on in-store or ordering from retailers with easy return policies made the process smoother for me.
Comfort and Cushioning
Comfort was a big priority. The 480 features decent cushioning that absorbs impact well during walks or light runs. I noticed the insole has enough padding to keep my feet comfortable throughout the day without feeling too bulky.
Style and Design
I was drawn to the retro look of the 480, with its clean lines and subtle colorways. Whether you prefer neutral tones or something more vibrant, there are plenty of options. The shoe pairs nicely with jeans, shorts, or casual pants, which made it easy to integrate into my wardrobe.
Durability and Materials
The combination of suede and mesh materials used in the 480 feels sturdy yet breathable. After wearing mine for several weeks, I noticed the shoes hold up well even with regular use. The rubber outsole provides good traction, which is important if you’re on your feet a lot.
Price and Value
The New Balance 480 is moderately priced, offering good value considering its comfort and style. I found that it sits in a sweet spot—not too expensive but with the quality you’d expect from New Balance.
Where to Buy
I recommend purchasing from official New Balance stores or reputable online retailers to ensure authenticity. Sales and seasonal discounts can also make the purchase more affordable.
Final Thoughts
For me, the New Balance 480 men’s shoes struck a great balance between retro style, comfort, and everyday usability. If you’re looking for a reliable sneaker that looks good and feels good, these might be a solid choice to consider. Just remember to check your sizing carefully and pick a colorway that suits your personal style!
Author Profile

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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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