New Balance

New Balance (also known simply as NB) is an American sportswear company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1906 by English-born William J. Riley, the brand is known for its comfortable, high-quality products.

Over the past 115 years, the North American institution has made its shoes in both the U.S. (Massachusetts, Maine) and U.K. (England). Since its origins as a company specializing in arch supports, the brand has enjoyed widespread popularity among runners, which began with the New Balance Trackster, the first-ever running shoe with rippled soles (1961), and continued well into the subsequent decades thanks to the New Balance 320 (1976); New Balance 990 (1982); and New Balance 1500 (1993), among others. (President Bill Clinton famously wore the pair during his presidency, which led to high sales of the model.)

Several popular New Balance shoes are rooted in performance-needs, but they’ve also gained popularity within the lifestyle space. Special collaborations with Concepts, Ronnie Fieg and Aimé Leon Dore have helped it gain footing within highly sought-after sneaker collections.

Recent years have seen the Boston-based manufacturer’s widespread popularity sky-rocket thanks to the “dad” shoe trend. In 2020, the Steve Jobs-approved New Balance 992 from 2006 experienced its first retro run since 2010. New propositions like the New Balance 327 – which debuted April 2020 in collaboration with Casablanca – have quickly garnered praise for their equal-parts heritage and modern design.

Elsewhere, NBA Champion Kawhi Leonard, who signed to the brand in 2018, has brought the company further attention, especially in the performance-basketball space. Leonard’s own signature shoe – the KAWHI – launched Fall 2020. Leonard’s sneaker has been succeeded by the Jamal Murray-endorsed TWO WXY, but much more attention had been payed to NB’s vintage basketball shoes. With the help of Aimé Leon Dore’s Teddy Santis, who was appointed Creative Director of Made in USA in April 2021, the New Balance 550 has become extremely popular.

Away from sportswear, the North American company has supported Covid-19 relief efforts with general-use face masks and footwear for healthcare workers.

New Balance

The New Balance 530 Rounds Out The “Festivals” Pack

Friday is good indeed: A trio of New Balance lifestyle bangers will be launching exclusively at JD Sports & Finish Line, each decorated in a...

By Sneaker News March 28, 2024
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“Lightning” Strikes The New Balance WRPD Runner

Each successive look for the New Balance WRPD Runner allows us to hone in more and more on how New Balance views one of their...

By Matt Varga March 28, 2024
168

The New Balance 1000 “Silver Metallic” Is Officially Debuting In April

Though information has been meted out on a limited basis, one of this year’s biggest open secrets is the importance of the New Balance 1000....

By Matt Varga March 28, 2024
1105

Pink And Purple Accents Brighten Up A White New Balance 9060

The New Balance 9060 may not be the best selling model in New Balance’s catalog, but it’s certainly the most “viral” among current lifestyle offerings....

By Andrew Rizzo March 27, 2024
452

New Balance 993 MADE In USA “Purple Suede” Arrives In April

The New Balance MADE in USA preview was unveiled at the very start of February, igniting a lot of anticipation surrounding the tonal looks that...

By Matt Varga March 27, 2024
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New Balance 993 MADE In USA “Chive” Arrives In April

New Balance continues the release of seasonal MADE In USA footwear with the New Balance 993 “Chive” in April. Images shared by @justin_m930 offer a...

By Andrew Rizzo March 27, 2024
792

Navy & White Steer A Vintage New Balance 9060

The New Balance 9060 is slowly creeping towards being a defining shoe of the current era. It’s early, yes, but the shoe’s popularity and the...

By Matt Varga March 27, 2024
763

Radiant Purple & Pink Grace The New Balance 1906R

The New Balance 1906R continues to factor heavily into the Boston brand’s 2024 release plans. While an Action Bronson collaboration still looms, nothing is keeping...

By Matt Varga March 26, 2024
602

The New Balance 2002R “Protection Pack” Is Back, But As A Mule

One of the most popular New Balance 2002R Protection Pack colorways is coming back, only in mule form. Official retailer images reveal a “Rain Cloud”...

By Andrew Rizzo March 26, 2024
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