Civil is giving the New Balance Numeric 480 a Rhode Island spin with a collaboration built around one of New England’s most familiar coastal staples. The project takes inspiration from the quahog clam, tying the skate model back to the region and the people who have harvested shellfish there for generations.

That idea shows up right away across the upper. Grey suede covers much of the shoe, with a deeply grooved texture that looks similar to the ridges found on a clam shell. Lighter suede breaks things up around the toe box, quarter panels, and heel, while white laces and a white New Balance “N” keep the palette fairly muted.

Small hits of purple give the Civil x New Balance Numeric 480 more contrast without taking over the design. Purple appears around the tongue and along the edge of the midsole, while the semi-translucent outsole has a yellowed finish underneath. Pearlescent trim around the collar adds another material reference to the clam theme.

Civil branding is worked into several areas instead of being limited to one logo hit. The tongue carries a small “CIVIL” label below the Numeric 480 branding, while the heels split “new balance” and “CVL” embroidery between the left and right shoes.

The insoles bring in the most playful part of the collaboration. A cartoon clam is shown riding a skateboard, giving the interior a graphic that connects the seafood inspiration back to New Balance Numeric. The shoes also come with a special co-branded dust bag styled around a clam harvest.

The New Balance Numeric 480 has become one of the more familiar models in the brand’s skate lineup, sitting alongside signature footwear made for riders such as Tiago Lemos and Andrew Reynolds. Civil’s version keeps the 480’s low-profile skate shape intact while changing the materials and small details around a very specific piece of New England culture.

The Civil x New Balance Numeric 480 is available now through Civil and New Balance in select sizing. Retail is set at $120.

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