The History of New Balance
New Balance was founded in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts by William J. Riley. The British immigrant originally focused on arch supports and orthopaedic footwear, founding the company as New Balance Arch Support Company. His initial concept was inspired by observing how chickens' three-clawed feet provided perfect balance, reflected in his design of a flexible arch support that improved comfort and stability.
For the next several decades, New Balance remained a niche enterprise, handcrafting orthopaedic shoes and custom-fitted footwear. Its reputation was built on fit and comfort long before athletics entered the picture.
The turning point came in 1956 when the company was sold to Eleanor and Paul Kidd, who transformed the small workshop into a proper manufacturer. A major breakthrough followed in 1960 with the release of the Trackster, the world’s first running shoe available in multiple widths. This was a revolutionary concept at the time, emphasising New Balance’s commitment to individualised fit. The Trackster featured a ripple sole for traction and quickly became popular with college track teams across America.
As the running boom took off in the 60s and 70s, New Balance positioned itself as a premium technical brand, making their shoes in small batches in the US with a focus on quality over quantity. It was in 1982 that the brand transformed from a niche running brand to a globally recognised company when it released the New Balance 990.
Proudly made in the USA, the NB990 retailed at $100, a staggering price for the time, and embodied the brand's high-performance ethos with dual-density midsoles and motion control. Its tagline, 'On a scale of 1000, this shoe is a 990' became legendary.
Following this, the New Balance 995, 996, 997 and 998 continued to refine cushioning, stability, and materials, becoming the hallmark of serious runners.
New Balance began to gain traction among everyday wearers during the 90s, with the understated aesthetic of their sneakers setting them apart from Nike and Reebok and becoming synonymous with function over fashion. In the 00s, sneaker culture began to embrace heritage and authenticity, and New Balance came back into the spotlight after previously being seen as unfashionable.
The 990 series, alongside the NB574, 1500 and 1300 became lifestyle staples, and as sneaker collaborations grew in popularity, New Balance began to work with designers and labels including Aimé Leon Dore, Kith, Junya Watanabe, COMME des GARÇONS and Concepts. The NB990 also birthed the popular 'dad shoe' aesthetic, worn by everyone from dads to marathoners to high-fashion circles.
Simultaneously, New Balance’s UK factory in Flimby, Cumbria, became known for its high-quality craftsmanship, producing limited runs of the 1500, 991, and 576.
The appointment of Teddy Santis, founder of Aime Leon Dore, as Creative Director of New Balance’s Made in USA line in 2021 marked a new chapter. His vision reinterpreted archival models with vintage-inspired palettes, premium materials, and contemporary storytelling. Key hits included the NB550, NB327, NB990v6, and collaborations with Joe Freshgoods, Salehe Bembury, JJJJound, Stone Island and Patta.
Meanwhile, New Balance maintained its elite status in professional sports, sponsoring world-class runners, the Boston Red Sox, and athletes across basketball and tennis.
What sets New Balance apart is its consistency - it has never abandoned its core principles of comfort, craftsmanship, and quality manufacturing. It remains one of the few athletic brands that still manufactures shoes in the US and UK, retaining its sense of integrity and heritage.
A Timeline of New Balance's Technology
- 1906 - Orthopaedic arch supports: inspired by a chicken's foot anatomy, designed to provide balance.
- 1960 - Ripple sole: improved traction and shock dispersion.
- 1972 - EVA midsoles: lightweight foam introduced exceptional cushioning.
- 1982 - ENCAP®: combines a soft EVA core with a polyurethane rim for stability, cushioning, durability and support.
- 1993 - ABZORB®: made from Dupont Engage® and isoprene rubber, providing superior shock absorption and energy return.
- 2001 - ABZORB SBS®: a dual-density material placed in the heel/forefoot for targeted cushioning.
- 2006 - N-ERGY®: a thermoplastic elastomer cushioning unit that provides responsive energy return and durability.
- 2011 - REVlite®: a lightweight foam compound 30% lighter than standard EVA.
- 2014 - Fresh Foam®: a single-piece midsole foam tuned for cushioning and precision geometry.
- 2019 - FuelCell®: a nitrogen-infused foam for high rebound and energy return.
New Balance: Answering Your Questions
When was New Balance founded?
New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley in Boston, Massachusetts, originally as the New Balance Arch Support Company.
How Many New Balance Models are there?
For a comprehensive overview of all New Balance Models, check out our article here!
Who owns New Balance?
New Balance is a privately held company. The current CEO is Joe Preston, who succeeded Rob DeMartini in 2018.
Where are New Balance shoes made?
New Balance continues to produce a small portion of their footwear in the USA and in the UK. However, the majority of their footwear is manufactured in Asia (Vietnam, China, Indonesia).
Are New Balance comfortable?
New Balance shoes are known for their commitment to comfort, and offer a wide range of sizes and widths to accommodate various foot shapes. Their various technologies including ENCAP®, ABZORB® and N-ERGY® provide exceptional cushioning, energy return, stability and support.
Are New Balance good running shoes?
New Balance is renowned for producing high-quality running shoes that cater to a wide range of runners, from casual joggers to competitive athletes. Their comfortable, durable, and performance-focused footwear is a popular choice among runners worldwide. Some recommended models for running are the Fresh Foam X 1080v14, 860v14 and 880v15, and the FuelCell Rebel v5 and SuperComp Elite v5.
Which New Balance shoes are good for plantar fasciitis?
Many New Balance models are specifically designed to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. They typically feature enhanced arch support, cushioning, and stability features to reduce strain. In particular, the 990 series is often recommended.
Do New Balance shoes fit true to size?
For information on how different New Balance models fit, head to our dedicated New Balance Sizing Guide here.
How do you tie New Balance sneakers?
For guidance on tying your New Balance laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do you clean New Balance?
Cleaning sneakers should always be done by hand. Here's how:
- Remove the laces and use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to get rid of loose dirt.
- Mix a bit of mild detergent with water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away marks.
- For suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede).
- Wipe down with a damp cloth and allow the sneakers to air-dry.
If your sneakers have an odour, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside and leave it overnight. Shake it out the next day. Alternatively, silica gel or activated charcoal bags work just as well to absorb moisture and neutralise odour.
Laces can be washed separately using detergent, or bright white laces can be soaked briefly in a 1:5 bleach-to-water solution - just rinse thoroughly afterward.
Avoid using the washing machine, especially for leather or suede models, as this can cause damage. Even canvas or fabric versions are at risk, so stick to hand-cleaning where possible.
Where can I buy New Balance?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse New Balance at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on New Balance restocks and new releases!
Popular New Balance Models
New Balance 1906R
Originally released in 2009 and reintroduced in 2022, the 1906R blends early 2000s running aesthetics with modern comfort. Its stylish, retro-inspired design and versatile colorways make it suitable for casual wear and light running.
Collaborations with fashion brands and limited-edition releases have cemented its status among sneaker collectors.
New Balance 990
Debuting in 1982, the 990 set a benchmark for performance and quality. Known for its premium construction and cushioning, it has maintained enduring popularity among runners and lifestyle users alike.
Over the decades, it has become an icon in streetwear and sneaker culture, with each new iteration building on the series’ legacy.
New Balance 90/60
A modern reinterpretation of the 990 series, the 90/60 merges classic New Balance heritage with contemporary materials. It has gained traction in the fashion community for its bold design and versatility, suitable for both casual outfits and athleisure styling.
Its innovative midsole technology ensures a comfortable ride, bridging lifestyle appeal with functional comfort.
New Balance 574
Introduced in 1988, the 574 quickly became a classic thanks to its simple, versatile design and dependable performance. Its retro style and wide range of colorways have made it a favourite for casual wear and sneaker enthusiasts.
The 574 remains one of New Balance’s best-selling models due to its combination of comfort, durability, and timeless appeal.
New Balance 327
Launched in 2020, the 327 draws inspiration from 1970s running shoes with a distinctive oversized “N” logo and sleek silhouette. Its retro-modern aesthetic has resonated with the fashion-forward crowd, making it a staple in streetwear and lifestyle collections.
Lightweight materials and bold colorways contribute to both comfort and visual appeal.
New Balance 2002R
Originally released in 2010 and revived in 2020, the 2002R mixes comfort and style with premium materials and updated colorways. Its smooth silhouette and cushioned ride have made it a popular lifestyle model.
Limited editions and collaborations with brands like Aimé Leon Dore have further elevated its fashion status.
New Balance 530
Introduced in 1992 as a high-performance running shoe, the 530 is praised for its lightweight design and cushioning. Over the years, it has become a go-to model for casual wear, balancing retro styling with modern comfort.
Its durability and support make it suitable for both everyday use and light running sessions.
New Balance 740
Originally a daily running shoe, the 740 gained popularity as a 'dad shoe' with its chunky design. Its retro styling and comfortable cushioning have made it a favourite for streetwear enthusiasts.
Bold colorways and collaborations have enhanced its appeal beyond running into lifestyle and fashion markets.
New Balance 1500
Debuting in 1989, the 1500 was designed for multi-sport use, including running, tennis, and casual wear. Its technical design features and premium materials made it stand out as a high-performance shoe.
Over time, it has become a sought-after model for collectors, with limited editions and collaborations increasing its popularity.
New Balance 204L
The New Balance 204L, released in 2025, is a lifestyle sneaker that blends a sleek 1970s silhouette with modern materials. It has gained popularity for its versatile, retro-futuristic aesthetic.
Constructed from suede, mesh, and patent leather, the 204L offers both comfort and durability and is ideal for everyday wear.
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