Brand Story
New Balance Athletics, Inc. (NB), doing business as New Balance, is an American multinational footwear and apparel corporation. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, New Balance was founded in 1906 as the New Balance Arch Support Company. New Balance maintains a manufacturing presence in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom for the European market, where it produces some of its popular models. New Balance claims to differentiate its products with technical features, such as blended gel inserts, heel counters and a greater selection of sizes, particularly for very narrow or very wide widths. The company is privately held and totaled $6.5 billion in revenue in 2023.
Timeline
- 1906
Founded as the New Balance Arch Support Company
William J. Riley founds the company in Boston, making arch supports and orthopedic shoes.
- 1960
First running shoe released
The Trackster — the world's first running shoe with a ripple sole and multi-width sizing.
- 1972
Jim Davis acquires the company
23-year-old Jim Davis buys NB on the morning of the Boston Marathon for $100,000. Still owns it today.
- 1988
990 launches at $100
First mainstream running shoe with a triple-digit price. Defines premium running-shoe segment.
- 2014
990v4 reissue revival
Aimé Leon Dore collaboration on 990v2/v4 sparks the dad-shoe renaissance for NB.
- 2022
Teddy Santis appointed at MADE in USA
ALD founder takes creative direction of NB's American-made line. Concurrent with ALD's own continued growth.
