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.
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New Balance
Baltimore’s Vu Skateshop Gives The New Balance Numeric 440v2 A 990 Makeover
New Balance skate shoes don’t make headlines often, but that’s set to change. The Boston brand is releasing its first ever collaborative Numeric 440v2 on...
The New Balance 1906R Gets Another Grey Makeover
New Balance hasn’t pulled any punches when it comes to 1906R collaborations, nor has it relented in its commitment to well-designed general releases. With buzz...
The New Balance 2002R Lightens Up For Spring In “Sandstone”
For as much attention as colorful editions of shoes like the New Balance 1906R or New Balance 550 may rightfully warrant, the Boston brand will...
New Balance Floods Pastels On Two Women’s Exclusive 1906Rs
The New Balance 1906R just can’t seem to miss. Given the intricate layering that starts with a the sport mesh at the base, the skeletal...
Gum Soles And Wide Mesh Treat A Sporty New Balance 550 In “Slate Grey”
The New Balance 550 has worn countless looks ranging from animal print to Bapesta-inspired patent leather, but its core ethos will always be rooted in...
“True Camo” Dresses An Classic Pair Of New Balance 990v6
The New Balance 990v6 has been in the spotlight essentially since its introduction, with an additional bit of heat coming from its multiple inclusions in...
New Balance Dives Deeper Into The 2000s With The 580 “Patent Pack”
Fans of colorful early 2000s footwear have it good in 2024, particularly when it comes to new and upcoming New Balance deliveries. The Boston brand...
New Balance WRPD Runner “Clay Ash” Settles On April 12th
The push for the New Balance WRPD Runner continues. It’s received as many new colorways in the past month as arguably any of their other...
The New Balance 610 “Licorice Pack” Brings Plush Detail To The Trail
Given the dominant presence of the company’s other models, the New Balance 610 is sometimes forgotten in the modern NB canon. However, while the lifestyle/tech...