New Balance

About New Balance

New Balance Athletics, Inc. (NB), doing business as New Balance, is one of the world's major sports footwear and apparel manufacturers. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the multinational corporation was founded in 1906 as the New Balance Arch Support Company. The company had its best year ever in 2024, with global annual sales reaching $7.8 billion — a 20% increase from 2023. The company is privately held and totaled $6.5 billion in revenue in 2023.

What is New Balance's Company History?

In 1906, William J. Riley, an Irish immigrant, founded the New Balance Arch Support Company in the Boston area, manufacturing arch supports and other accessories designed to improve shoe fit. His first product, a flexible arch support, was designed with three support points to provide greater balance and comfort in the shoe. It is believed that Riley came up with the name "New Balance" by observing chickens in his yard and demonstrated the way his arch supports worked by keeping a chicken foot on his office desk. He explained to customers that the chicken's three-pronged foot resulted in perfect balance.

In 1972, 28-year-old Jim Davis bought the company, feeling that "leisure-time products would be a high-growth market." At the time, the company consisted of six people making 30 pairs of shoes daily and selling products primarily through mail-order with a few U.S. retailers. New Balance is a privately owned company by Jim Davis and his family. It's estimated that the Davis family owns as much as 95% of the shares.

Where Are New Balance Shoes Made?

New Balance shoes are made in many countries, including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. New Balance has five factories in the United States, and they are very open about exactly which shoe models are made in the USA. The company is proud to be the only major company to make or assemble more than 4 million pairs of athletic footwear per year in the USA, which represents a limited portion of their US sales. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, they label their shoes Made in the USA.

What Product Categories Does New Balance Offer?

New Balance manufactures, markets and sells shoes, apparels and accessories for men, women and children. The company's product portfolio comprises running shoes, walking shoes, work shoes, sandals, sport shoes, shirts, jackets and hoodies, shorts, pants, and other fashion related accessories. Their product categories include Running & Outdoor, Training, Lifestyle, Lacrosse, Tennis & Court, Kids, Apparel, Baseball, Track & Field, Soccer, Skateboarding, Softball, Golf, Cycling, and Hiking.

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's footwear platforms include Fresh Foam and Fuel Cell, as well as franchises like the Rebel.

What Are New Balance's Most Popular Shoe Models?

The startling 9060 was New Balance's most sought-after shoe in 2024. Newer releases of older running shoes, such as the 990, have also generated heat, which is credited to the brand's history in running. With a long history of over 100 years, New Balance is a brand that has found itself in the top echelon of sneakerwear, thanks to its focus on quality. NB sneakers hardly ever receive hate or negative comments about their quality or durability.

What Makes New Balance Different From Other Brands?

As the only privately held major footwear company in the world, they're free to do things their way, pushing limits and testing boundaries as they continually reimagine what could be. New Balance focuses on comfort and fit, with many models offering wide-width options. Both brands excel in performance footwear, but New Balance tends to cater more to those looking for comfortable, everyday athletic shoes.

Grey has long become New Balance's signature color. It's classic, it's muted, it's versatile and it is often overlooked. That's why the brand announced an annual "Grey Day" back in 2018.

What Are New Balance's Sustainability Efforts?

New Balance committed to the Science Based Targets initiative, the United Nations' emissions reduction plan that seeks to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius. The brand also aims to reach 100% renewable electricity for its operations by 2025. In February 2024, New Balance introduced its resale program 'Reconsidered'. According to this plan, pre-worn shoes are sold on New Balance's online store in a new section of the website.

How Does New Balance Support Athletes?

International baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani wore the brand en route to a 2024 World Series Championship, and tennis phenom Coco Gauff has maintained a years-long relationship with the brand, sporting the "N" logo on her way to multiple singles titles over her six-year career. Eighty four New Balance athletes, including gold medalists Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, competed at the Olympic Games in 2024.

Where Can I Buy New Balance Products?

The company sells products through various specialty retailers including licensed and owned retail and factory stores of New Balance, department stores, and online e-commerce portals. On Droppe.com, customers can browse and purchase New Balance footwear from this trusted athletic brand. The company practices selective distribution and works with retailers to make sure that the brand is coming to life whether that's in-store or online, doing business with retailers that position the brand premium and are not just in it to try to discount it.

What Price Range Does New Balance Offer?

No matter what your sneaker budget is, there is a New Balance shoe to match it. The brand offers affordable kicks in the $75-$100 range as well as premium options that cost up to $260. The company positions itself as a premium brand in the athletic footwear market.