TL;DR
Get your wardrobe favorites delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
New Balance has added GORE-TEX waterproofing to its Numeric 480 skate shoe, in a Black/Charcoal Grey colorway. The version is scheduled for skate shops on Oct. 9 and New Balance’s website on Oct. 12 for $160; the standard 480 typically costs $100.
New Balance is adding GORE-TEX waterproofing to its Numeric 480 skate shoe, with the new Black/Charcoal Grey version scheduled to arrive at skate shops on Oct. 9 and on the brand’s website on Oct. 12 for $160. It is the first GORE-TEX version of the 480, according to Highsnobiety’s report.
The new model keeps the 480’s skate-shoe design while adding a GORE-TEX membrane. Highsnobiety describes the material as intended to keep feet dry while remaining breathable in wet conditions. That performance description comes from the report; independent testing results or technical specifications were not provided in the source material.
The announced color is Black/Charcoal Grey. The GORE-TEX shoe is priced at $160, compared with a typical $100 retail price for the non-waterproof 480. The $60 difference reflects the listed prices of the two versions, not a claim about the cost of the waterproofing itself.
The release schedule given in the report is split between retailers: skate shops are expected to receive the shoe on Oct. 9, followed by New Balance’s website on Oct. 12. The source does not identify the year, specific retailers, or whether availability will differ by region.
Waterproofing Adds a Wet-Weather Option
The release brings a weather-focused version of the Numeric 480 to a category where grip, fit and durability are central buying considerations. For skaters who want a shoe designed for skateboarding but also need protection from rain, GORE-TEX gives the model a stated wet-weather function beyond its standard counterpart.
The change also comes with a clear price premium: $160 versus a typical $100 for the regular 480. Buyers will have to weigh that added cost against their need for water resistance. The source does not provide comparative wear tests, details about how the membrane affects board feel, or evidence that the shoe is intended for prolonged exposure to water.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
The 480 Gets Its First GORE-TEX Build
New Balance Numeric is the brand’s skateboarding line, and the 480 is described in the source report as a skate-ready shoe with a simple design. Highsnobiety uses the nickname “NB Dunks” as a comparison for the shoe’s look; that is the publication’s shorthand, not an official New Balance model name.
New Balance has released other footwear with GORE-TEX, including versions of the 1906 and DynaSoft trail-running shoes, according to Highsnobiety. The report identifies this as the first time the 480 has received the membrane, marking an extension of the brand’s waterproof offerings into its skate line.
““New Balance has weatherproofed its 480 skate shoes, ensuring they stay dry and breathable even in unexpected wet conditions.””
— Highsnobiety
Release Details Still Need Confirmation
The source gives October release dates but does not state the year, and it does not link to an official New Balance product listing in the supplied material. The dates, regional availability and online stock status should be checked with the brand or individual retailers as release approaches.
Other details also remain unreported, including the shoe’s weight, construction specifications, care guidance and performance under sustained wet conditions. The source describes the model as breathable and weatherproof, but supplies no test data or warranty terms. It is also unclear whether additional colorways will follow the announced Black/Charcoal Grey version.
Watch for Retailer Listings
The next stated milestones are the expected Oct. 9 skate-shop release and Oct. 12 New Balance website release. Retailer listings should clarify which shops and regions will carry the shoe, while a brand product page may provide sizing, materials and care information not included in the report.
Until those details are available, shoppers can compare the announced $160 price with the standard 480’s typical $100 price and decide whether the added water protection fits their needs. No follow-up release date or broader rollout has been announced in the supplied source.
Key Questions
What is new about the Numeric 480?
The new version adds GORE-TEX waterproofing to New Balance’s Numeric 480 skate shoe. Highsnobiety reports that this is the first GORE-TEX 480.
When will the GORE-TEX 480 be available?
The source lists skate-shop availability starting Oct. 9, followed by New Balance’s website on Oct. 12. It does not specify the year.
How much does it cost?
The GORE-TEX version is listed at $160. The standard 480 typically retails for $100, according to the report.
What color is being released?
The announced colorway is Black/Charcoal Grey. The source does not confirm whether other colors will be released.
Is the waterproof performance independently verified?
The report describes the shoe as weatherproof and breathable, but the supplied source includes no independent test results or detailed performance specifications.
Source: rss
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day Picks
long weekend sales
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
