It's no secret: Adidas and Nike have dominated the market for sneakers for several years now. However, New Balance is a more than credible competitor. Their shoes are praised for their comfort and quality, and the brand remains one of the largest manufacturers of sports products in the world. Operating for over 100 years, New Balance has become essential in the world of fashion and sport. Whether you're a running enthusiast, a lifestyle lover, or simply looking for a pair of trendy sneakers, New Balance offers a wide range of models for men, women, and unisex. With its clean design, its varied colors ranging from white to black, including beige, gray, and suede, each shoe is designed to combine comfort, style, and performance. With free shipping on many items available from our partner retailers, these sneakers are more accessible than ever.
New Balance Shoes: how to choose among the different models?
Choosing the right pair of New Balance sneakers can seem complicated given the vast choice! Whether you're looking for a pair of sneakers for everyday use or for a sports session, New Balance offers models suitable for all situations. For a trendy and comfortable look, opt for lifestyle sneakers, often available in various colors or simply with the essential black & white. If you're looking for performance, New Balance running shoes with their innovative sole and ergonomic design are ideal. Finally, there is the Made in USA range that offers premium designs in leather or suede, however, the price of these shoes is higher.
The origin of New Balance sneakers
The company was founded in 1906 under the name New Balance Arch Support Company by William J. Riley, an Irish immigrant. For the creation of its first product, a rather popular anecdote tells that he was inspired after seeing chickens strutting in his garden. Indeed, fascinated by how these little creatures balanced perfectly on their three-pronged feet, Riley decided to design a flexible arch support with three points of contact. However, by 1934, New Balance had not yet manufactured any sneakers: the brand focused on selling arch supports for workers whose jobs required them to stand for long periods. In 1956, New Balance Arch Support Company was sold to the daughter of a partner salesman, Arthur Hall, and her husband (Eleanor and Paul Kidd).
The success of New Balance sneaker technology among athletes
It was in 1960 that everything began: New Balance arch supports became very popular among budding athletes, some of whom even approached the brand to request custom sneakers. Eleanor and Paul Kidd then embarked on designing the first New Balance sneaker, the Trackster. Released in 1961, this pair was the first running shoe in the world with a wavy sole for traction. New Balance decided to offer this revolutionary sneaker in a variety of widths to fit the feet of all athletes. The Trackster was quickly adopted as a track and cross-country shoe by schools and universities in Massachusetts.
New Balance's entry into the mainstream market
The Trackster was a success, but New Balance had not yet reached the mainstream sneaker market. Remaining a small company run by 6 people who manufactured, packaged, and shipped their New Balance sneakers directly to mail-order customers, their growth remained slow. On the day of the Boston Marathon in 1972, New Balance was bought by the current president of the brand, Jim Davis, who gave the company a fresh start: it would become one of the largest sneaker brands in the world. The hobby of running had continued to grow in the United States during this time, giving New Balance the momentum they needed to win the hearts of amateur joggers, in addition to athletes. By maintaining the company's traditional commitment to individual preferences and continuing to offer sneakers in a variety of widths, the brand also decided to use unique model numbers instead of names. Thus, the number defines the type of shoe, the activity for which it was designed, and whether it is suitable for stability or speed.
New Balance's global breakthrough with the 320 sneaker
In 1976, the brand launched the 320, the first New Balance sneaker to feature the now-famous 'N' logo. Made of nylon and suede, sales of the 320 skyrocketed when the sneaker was named number 1 running shoe by Runner’s World magazine. Riding on this success, in the 1980s, New Balance had a globally successful product range that now included walking shoes and clothing such as Gore-Tex running jackets. It was in 1988 that New Balance released its most famous pair of sneakers, the 574. Initially designed as a technical running shoe to provide a high level of comfort and stability, the 574 quickly found its place outside of the running tracks thanks to street style enthusiasts.
Since then, New Balance has experienced a resurgence in popularity with its famous New Balance 2002R and its Protection Pack which has seen real success! Not to mention the New Balance 1906 that followed closely, and its New Balance 550 revamped by Aimé Leon Dore.
Where are New Balance shoes made?
New Balance, as an iconic brand of running shoes, stands out for its commitment to quality and manufacturing. The brand has maintained a tradition of manufacturing in its factories, notably in England and the United States, thus prioritizing craftsmanship. These shoes are not just the result of standardized production; each pair is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, where details and comfort take precedence. New Balance has built a reputation as a brand committed to its roots, prioritizing quality and authenticity. Each production facility is an anchor point for the brand, ensuring high standards for every shoe that bears the famous 'N' logo. This approach has solidified New Balance's position as a renowned brand, combining innovation and tradition in the manufacturing of high-end running shoes.
What to expect from the future of NB?
New Balance continues to grow worldwide. With shoes produced locally in the UK and the USA, the brand remains true to its roots. Thanks to high-quality materials, comfort-based technology, and their various collaborations, such as with Norse Projects, New Balance stays on the radar of sneaker addicts. On the other hand, collaborations with other major clothing brands, new technologies, and the focus on sustainable materials like leather and suede suggest a promising future for the brand. Moreover, it fully embraces the current trend, combining fashion, comfort, and performance, all at competitive prices. The future of New Balance looks bright, driven by a passion for innovation and a respect for classic styles, while continuing to attract new followers with fashionable and sporty sneakers.
