New Balance 860 Fresh Foam running shoes

New Balance is a legendary American footwear brand that traces its roots back to 1906. Originally established as the New Balance Arch Support Company in Boston, Massachusetts, it has grown into one of the world's major sports footwear and apparel manufacturers. The brand is particularly well-known for its Fresh Foam technology, which is designed to provide high-level cushioning and support for runners, as seen in the 860 series.

While the brand maintains a strong heritage of manufacturing in the United States and the United Kingdom (specifically at its Flimby factory), the vast majority of its global production is handled through a diverse supply chain. Manufacturing primarily takes place in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, where specialized factories produce the technical synthetic and mesh components required for performance running shoes.

New Balance Athletics, Inc. remains a privately held company, allowing it to maintain a unique market position compared to its publicly traded competitors. It is owned by the Davis family, who have held the company since 1972, ensuring a consistent brand identity focused on performance, fit, and domestic manufacturing commitments in their primary Western markets.