New Balance

New Balance was founded in 1906 and has been operating independently since then. The company focuses on empowering people through sport and craftsmanship to bring positive change to communities worldwide.

In 1927, Riley hired Arthur Hall to work as a salesman for the New Balance Arch Support Company. Hall's role as a travelling salesman helped the brand differentiate itself from competitors.

Arthur Hall, hired as a salesman in 1927, eventually became a partner in New Balance Arch Support Company in 1934.

By 1936, Arthur Hall had become a partner in the New Balance Arch Support Company. He focused on selling arch support products to specific groups like retail workers, firefighters, and police officers.

In 1938, New Balance designed their first running shoe for the Boston Brown Bag Harriers, featuring a crepe sole and made from kangaroo leather.

In 1941, New Balance expanded their product range to include specialist footwear for sports like tennis, boxing, and baseball, all produced in-house by a small team.

In 1956, Arthur Hall's daughter Eleanor and her husband Paul Kidd purchase New Balance. Initially focusing on selling orthopedic footwear, the Kidds later shift their attention to developing sports footwear for athletes.

In 1960, New Balance introduces the Trackster, the first running shoe with different width fittings. Originally crafted by the Kidds at home, the Trackster quickly becomes popular within the running community.

In 1961, New Balance introduced their first shoe, the Trackster, which featured an innovative ripple sole for traction. This marked the transition of New Balance from being solely an arch support provider to a sneaker manufacturer.

On the day of the 1972 Boston Marathon, New Balance's current chairman, Jim Davis, purchased the Trackster running shoe, leading to a shift in the company's focus towards the mainstream market.

In 1976, New Balance introduces the 320 shoe, which becomes the first to showcase the iconic 'N' logo. The brand also transitions to using unique model numbers instead of names, emphasizing the equal value of each model tailored for specific purposes.

In 1978, New Balance introduced nylon and mesh tops and shorts, along with innovative Gore-Tex running suits.

The New Balance 620 was launched in 1980, being the lightest and most advanced running shoe at the time. It was also the first sneaker to surpass the $50 retail price barrier.

The New Balance Foundation was established by Jim and Anne Davis in 1981 with a focus on responsible leadership, supporting communities, promoting good health, and preventing childhood obesity. The foundation has donated over $100 million to non-profit organizations.

In 1982, New Balance introduced the iconic 420 sneaker featuring a suede and nylon upper with a foam midsole. The shoe has been released in numerous color variations and continues to be popular today.

In 1984, the New Balance 670 model was first released, becoming extremely popular over the years. It has been the center of attention for various collaborations, such as the New Balance X Norse Projects edition in 2009.

In 1985, New Balance introduced the 1300 model, known for its advanced stability and incorporation of high-quality comfort technologies. Priced at $130, it was considered the most expensive running shoe at the time, with New Balance claiming it to be the best running shoe ever created.

The New Balance 995 was introduced in 1986, adding to the brand's line of premium shoes. This model further solidified New Balance's reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovative design in the footwear industry.

The ENCAP sole unit was introduced in 1988 by New Balance, featuring a moulded polyurethane shell beneath the heel that encapsulated an EVA wedge. This innovation provided stability, shock absorption, and maintained springiness over time.

In the 1990s, Anne and Jim Davis established the New Balance Foundation, showing their dedication to New Balance communities. They initially awarded $31,500 to local non-profits.

In 1993, New Balance released their 1500 model which gained popularity and high sales, partly attributed to U.S President Bill Clinton frequently wearing a pair of 1500 shoes during his runs. The shoes are currently manufactured in England at New Balance's factory in Flimby.

In 1994, New Balance finally released their delayed M1400 shoes, which were originally meant to be launched right after the M1300 in 1985. Despite the delay, the M1400 became a huge success and remains one of the longest-selling New Balance model ranges.

The New Balance 999, launched in 1996, incorporated ENCAP, C-Cap, and ABZORB technologies. It included a metatarsal pad for forefoot cushioning and exposed ABZORB under the heel. The redesigned midsole featured intricate sculpting, setting the stage for future editions.

In 1998, New Balance reissued the 576 model after it did not meet the expected popularity during its initial launch in 1988. The reissue of the 576 was featured on the cover of Elle Magazine, leading to a surge in popularity for the model within the fashion industry.

In 1999, New Balance Foundation received a significant boost with a $6.5 million contribution from the company, enhancing their ability to support youth development and healthy lifestyles for at-risk populations.

In 2000, the New Balance Foundation committed $250,000 to support the Oak Square YMCA's initiative to strengthen families by funding a new facility and enhancing opportunities for the diverse communities in Allston‑Brighton.

In 2001, New Balance acquired the renowned trainer brand, P.F. Flyers.

In 2003, New Balance Athletics commits $5 million to expand and renovate the Boston Children's Museum, incorporating green design elements and providing space for health and wellness exhibitions.

In 2006, New Balance released the 992 model to celebrate their 100th anniversary, featuring the new ABZORB SBS technology. This non-cellular elastomer cushioning material offered optimal cushioning under the heel and forefoot, ensuring a smooth transition throughout the stride.

In 2007, New Balance Foundation initiated Move More Kids program at Somerset Public Health to create a system for providing equipment, curriculum, programming, and implementing policy and cultural changes in the area.

In 2008, New Balance released the 997.5 model, which featured a radical Polyurethane shell with dual-density ENCAP inserts, pliable C-CAP cushioning, and removeable arch supports. This model marked a significant technological advancement in running shoe design.

In 2009, despite their philosophy of being 'Endorsed By No One', New Balance decided to break with tradition and started allowing professional athletes to endorse the brand. This included baseball players Miguel Cabrera and Curtis Granderson, as well as NBA star Matt Bonner.

In 2010, the New Balance Foundation donated $7 million to establish the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children's Hospital. The center focuses on combating the obesity epidemic through various initiatives such as research, clinical care, education, and outreach.

In 2011, the New Balance Foundation provided its first leadership grant to a national non-profit organization, Playworks, to promote learning and a positive school environment through healthy and inclusive play and physical activity.

In 2012, New Balance designed a special shoe for President Barack Obama ahead of the US Presidential Election. The 990 'Made In USA' shoes were created to highlight the significance of local industries in America during his re-election campaign.

In 2013, New Balance introduced New Balance Numeric, marking the brand's foray into the skate shoe market. These products blend skate and street styles with New Balance's renowned focus on quality and fit.

In 2014, New Balance introduced Fresh Foam technology, a new shock-absorption system that offers wearers a stable and high-performance shoe.

New Balance introduces the 247 model, blending modern and traditional styles for a versatile lifestyle. The 'Friends & Family' edition is released initially, gifted to key figures in the sneaker and fashion sectors.

In 2017, New Balance introduced the 365 model line on their 'NB Exclusives' platform, providing exclusive products for a limited time. Additionally, they launched the Fuelcore Sonic featuring a unique BOA lacing system controlled by a dial.

In 2022, New Balance introduced the 990v6 model with a much higher stacked sole than previous iterations, thanks to the addition of FuelCell foam on top of the ENCAP midsole cushioning. This model was influenced by ALD's Teddy Santis as the new creative director of their Made in USA line.

New Balance, a company founded on the idea of providing excellent foot support, has evolved over the last century into a multi-million dollar company. Their shoes continue to make waves in the industry today, ensuring support in every movement.