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

New Balance Brings The Striking Toe Colorblocking Style To The 2002R

Kith defined one of the sneaker world’s most favored color blocking schemes with the debut of its collaborative “Salmon Toe” Asics in 2011, a look...

By Andrew Rizzo March 1, 2024
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These Three New Balance Icons Will Bring Even More Record-Breaking Success In 2024

New Balance New Balance has risen to become one of today’s hottest sneaker brands, reporting record earnings in 2023 while introducing itself...

By Sneaker News March 1, 2024
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Cherry Blossom Hues Hit The New Balance WRPD Runner “Licorice”

The New Balance WRPD Runner first emerged in the middle of 2023 and has continued its steady introduction to begin this year. Combining an oversized,...

By Matt Varga March 1, 2024
622

Spruce And Tamarind Hits Appear On The New Balance 1906R “Phantom”

New Balance has carved out a strong foothold in the ongoing Y2K shoe trend, with models like the 2002R and 1906R battling for the title...

By Andrew Rizzo March 1, 2024
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Where To Buy The Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone x New Balance 9060

The Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone x New Balance 9060 releases on March 7th for $150 on newbalance.com and select retailers, available via the official purchase links below....

By Sneaker News March 1, 2024
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The New Balance 2002R Appears In The Timeless “Steel Blue”

There’s much to be excited about for New Balance as they’ve recently reported some incredible record-setting numbers in 2023. Needless to say, they’re looking to...

By Sneaker News February 29, 2024
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The New Balance 550 Goes Wild With “Leopard Print” Pack

As the New Balance 550 crosses out more conservative colorways with each new season’s offerings, the shoe has started to get more creative with its...

By Matt Varga February 29, 2024
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The New Balance 9060 Continues Its Contemporary Approach In “Driftwood/Castlerock”

In a market crowded with Y2K-inspired lifestyle shoes, the New Balance 9060 manages to stand out. Much of that claim can be attributed to its...

By Andrew Rizzo February 29, 2024
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This New Balance 650 “Teal” Is Adjacent To Aimé Leon Dore Collabs

Any sneakerhead knows- the New Balance 650 and the closely-related New Balance 550 have done truly astounding things for New Balance, both helping bring the...

By Matt Varga February 29, 2024
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