New Balance

Founded in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts, by William J. Riley, New Balance began as the New Balance Arch Support Company. Riley was an Irish-born immigrant who sought to improve shoe comfort and balance using flexible arch supports inspired by the anatomical stability of a chicken’s foot. The company eventually transitioned into performance footwear, launching the 'Trackster' in 1960, the first running shoe available in multiple widths. In 1972, on the day of the Boston Marathon, Jim Davis purchased the company, transforming it from a small six-person operation into a multi-billion dollar global brand.

New Balance is unique among major athletic brands for its commitment to domestic manufacturing. While a large portion of its products is produced in Asia (China, Vietnam, and Indonesia), the brand maintains significant production facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom, specifically its famous factory in Flimby, England. Shoes made in these locations are often marketed under the premium 'Made in USA' and 'Made in UK' collections, emphasizing craftsmanship and local labor.

Today, New Balance remains a privately held, family-controlled corporation. It has resisted going public or selling to larger conglomerates, a decision that allows the Davis family to focus on long-term quality and strategic growth over short-term quarterly earnings. This independence has enabled the brand to cultivate a distinct dual identity: a technical powerhouse for serious athletes and a cultural icon in the lifestyle and streetwear segments.