Rukus is bringing us the most expressive New Balance Numeric 480 to date.
Opening in 2000, Rukus opened with a goal of providing support and offering growth for the skateboard community of Louisiana and beyond. Since then, Rukus has become a staple of the community- hosting skateboarding events, contests, and premieres.
Now, as part of their 25th anniversary celebration, they are shining a light on Louisiana tradition.
Louisiana is considered the Sportsman’s Paradise. After all, the state has breathed sports institutions since, well, since forever.
Rukus’ celebration of Louisiana sport, though, comes from a place that perhaps isn’t much known outside of the Bayou State. If you grew up in Louisiana, though, chances are you have been duck hunting at least once. As a nod to that shared experience, Rukus has created a full Mallard Duck color way of the New Balance Numeric 480. Rukus aims to give the customer a taste of the store’s Southern roots with this ‘Mallard Duck’ color way.
The colors of the shoe tie directly back to the Mallard Duck itself, with a premium brown suede meant to be reminiscent of feathers. The tumbled yellow leather throughout the upper is meant to resemble a duck’s beak, while the orange accents represent their feet. Finally, the iridescent ’N’ logo on the side mimics the duck’s feathers when wet.
The color palette directly ties into the sought-after game duck, and every special box pair comes with goodies to reflect a duck hunt itself. The special packaging will be exclusive to Rukus.
Though the Rukus Numeric 480 is expected to see a wider release, the special box and accessories will only be available via Rukus.
Rukus’ roll-out for this special project has found the humor in the sport of launching a sneaker. Their campaign announcement features an employee uncovering the beloved Super Nintendo ‘Duck Hunt’ in the shop’s supply closet. Their activation at ComplexCon immersed visitors in a world of Duck Camo- with the sneaker and matching merch at the center.
All in all, Rukus has put forth an effort to bring this sneaker to life. The vibrancy that is found throughout the sneaker is the same vibrancy that the sneaker’s release preparation has experienced. And that, frankly, is a nice change of pace.
In a world full of collaborative sneakers, Rukus’ 480 stands out. Not only because of the sneaker’s color-blocking, but also because the sense of care for their community and for Louisiana traditions can be felt throughout this Numeric 480 collaboration.
The Rukus x New Balance Numeric 480 ‘Mallard Duck’ releases on December 6th via rukus103.com. A wider release at additional retailers will soon follow.
Photos courtesy of Rukus
