New Balance Footwear

The New Balance Story: From Arch Supports to Iconic Sneakers In 1906, a small company in Boston set out to change the way people walked. Founded by William J. Riley, New Balance started as a humble operation making arch supports to help workers stay comfortable on their feet. Inspired by the perfect balance of a chicken’s foot—yes, really—Riley designed flexible, supportive inserts that quickly gained a loyal following among laborers and athletes alike. For decades, New Balance remained a niche brand focused on orthopedic footwear, but in the 1960s, the company took a bold step forward. Under new leadership, it released its first running shoe, the Trackster, the world’s first sneaker with a ripple sole for better traction. Word spread fast, and soon, college track teams and marathoners were sporting New Balances on race day. By the 1980s, New Balance had solidified its reputation as a performance powerhouse. While competitors chased flashy endorsements, New Balance focused on innovation, quality, and a commitment to making shoes in the USA and UK. The iconic 990 debuted in 1982 with an unheard-of $100 price tag—proving that serious runners would pay for superior craftsmanship. As sneaker culture exploded, New Balance found an unexpected new audience. What started as a performance brand evolved into a streetwear staple. Models like the 574, 327, and 550 became must-haves for sneakerheads, fashion icons, and everyday wearers looking for the perfect mix of comfort and style. Today, New Balance continues to bridge the gap between heritage and modernity, never straying from its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and independence. From marathon runners to dads rocking the classic gray 990s to fashion-forward collaborations with designers, New Balance has proven that great shoes aren’t just about performance—they’re about a legacy built one step at a time.