New Balance 480

Given the decades-long legacy of the New Balance 480, we at JD Sports Australia think that the line doesn’t get enough attention. These retro-style sneakers continue to provide excellent value across the board, with stylish uppers (featuring clean lines, strong colour blocking, and the bold ‘N’ logo on the side) and an EVA sole to ensure a comfortable wearing experience. Browse the JD AU collection today to find the latest releases, including black, white, and pink colourways!

When Did the New Balance 480 Come Out?

The first New Balance 480s dropped in 1983, aiming to be the next court-changing basketball shoe. Before this pivotal moment, the Boston-based brand had stuck to creating running shoes—which they were very good at—but their design team had no intention of being complacent; they were as ambitious as they were innovative.

Fast forward past the development cycle, and we see the NB 480s worn by the likes of James Worthy of the Los Angeles Lakers and M.L. Carr of the Boston Celtics, true NBA celebrities. The original models were available in both Hi and Lo styles, emphasising performance and appearance equally. Unfortunately, the trainer was benched for a good while and didn’t return until 2021, one year after the 550 (another basketball shoe, whose design inspiration came from the 480).