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.
Shopping Links
New Balance
New Balance Goes The Multi-Color Route With The 1906L
Some might say that the viral sneaker-loafer (or “snoafer”) trend would be best left in 2025. Not New Balance, though. The brand that pioneered the...
New Balance Kicks Off 2026 With A 204L “Suede Pack”
The New Balance 204L did a solid job laying the groundwork in 2025, debuting through a collaborative collection with Kith, a healthy run of mainline...
The New Balance 9060 Sips Down A “Cortado” Colorway
The New Balance 9060 may have burst onto the scene through a Joe Freshgoods collaboration, but clean inline styles are what’s made the model a...
“Metallic Alkaline” Electrifies The New Balance 1906R
Could anyone have predicted the dominance of the New Balance 1906R upon its return to shelves? Not only is the model now one of the...
The New Balance 991 Continues Its Unexpected Comeback In “Chocolate Plum”
On paper, the New Balance 991 shouldn’t be getting much of spotlight right now. The New Balance 991v2, first introduced in late 2023, has done...
Nike Keeps The Stitches Exposed On This Leather Cortez
Forrest Gump and Oregon track stars may have taken the first crack at the Nike Cortez, but the throwback silhouette has long sprinted past its...
Detailed Pics Of Action Bronson’s New Balance 1890 Collab
Updated January 13, 2026: More images of the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 collection have surfaced. No release info has been announced yet, but...
We Got JJJJound At Home: The New Balance 2002R Takes Up A Familiar Brown Style
JJJJound’s minimalist approach often prompts comparisons to general releases, sometimes as a way to throw shade, sure, but no one can deny that it’s a...
New Balance Revamps The 1000 With Trail Styling
New Balance has already proven its ability to successfully branch out its retro running/lifestyle franchises. The 2002R, 9060, and particularly the 1906 all feature multiple...