Discover the fascinating history of
New Balance
a brand born of a simple idea – to find the perfect balance between comfort, performance and independence – and which has become one of the pillars of running and lifestyle around the world.
The history of New Balance
The New Balance story began in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Originally, William R. Riley, an orthopedic shoemaker, dedicated himself to designing insoles to improve the comfort and stability of people with foot problems.
He got the idea by observing the hens in his garden: thanks to their three claws, they maintain perfect balance.
He then imagined a sole with three supports, symbolizing a “new balance” – a perfect balance between comfort and performance.
That’s how the brand name came about.
An independent brand conquering the world
A decisive turning point came in 1972, when Jim Davis bought New Balance on the day of the Boston Marathon.
Visionary and passionate, he made the brand a global benchmark without ever giving up his independence.
Four years later, in 1976, the New Balance 320 was voted the world’s best running shoe by Runner’s World magazine.
This success propelled the brand onto the international scene, with the first exports to Switzerland, Denmark and Japan.
In 1978, New Balance extended its know-how to textiles, launching a collection of technical garments in Gore-Tex, mesh and nylon, designed for demanding runners.
Then, in 1982, the brand opened its first production site outside the United States, in Flimby, UK – a factory that is still emblematic today, producing 28,000 pairs a week.
An icon of running and lifestyle
From the 2000s to the present day, New Balance has established itself as a brand with a dual identity: successful on the field and a must-have in urban culture.
Its retro silhouettes and bold color palettes appeal to athletes and fashion lovers alike.
In 2017, and again in 2018, the brand became an official sponsor of the New York and London marathons, once again affirming its roots in running culture.
Today: Tradition, innovation and independence
More than a century after its creation,
New Balance
has sales of around 4.2 billion dollars and is the world’s fourth-largest sporting goods manufacturer.
Still run by Jim Davis and his family, the brand remains one of the few players to still have its own production sites in the USA and Europe.
True to its roots, New Balance continues to champion a unique balance of technological innovation, responsible manufacturing and artisan heritage, inspiring runners, designers and enthusiasts around the world.
