They’re Not Flashy, but There’s a Lot to These Shoes
New Balance is a popular shoe, but it lacks the razzle-dazzle of many other shoe brands. That said, the shoes themselves and the company that produces them are far more interesting than you could ever imagine. Here are 20 interesting facts about New Balance.
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1. Inspired by Chicken Feet
New Balance was founded in 1906 as the New Balance Arch Support Company. The goal was to improve the fit and balance of shoes and was inspired by the founder observing the three-toed feet of chickens.
2. Its Iconic “N” was Launched in 1976
Everyone knows the “N” logo that is draped on the side of New Balance shoes. This logo was launched in 1976 on the 320 shoe model, and would grow to become a favorite among runners.
3. Mostly Manufactured in the U.S.
Despite a lot of shoe manufacturers moving operations overseas, New Balance kept its manufacturing at its factories in Maine and Massachusetts. It produces over four million shoes domestically, an accomplishment not shared by most footwear and clothing companies. It also proved to be a shrewd branding move on the part of New Balance.
4. It was Acquired in 1972
Jim Davis acquired New Balance in 1972. At the time of acquisition, it only had six employees and produced a meager 30 pairs of shoes daily. This acquisition was monumental as Davis increased production during the running boom that occurred in Boston and grew the company to be a recognizable brand worldwide.
5. The Success of New Balance 990
In 1982, the New Balance 990 was launched at the retail price of $100, which was extremely expensive for the time. Its success helped propel the brand to a new stratosphere and cemented its market share and place among running enthusiasts and athletes.
6. New Balance Opens the World’s Fastest Track
In 2022, New Balance opened The Track at Boston Landing. The Track is a 455,000-sq-ft sports complex with a 200-meter hydraulically banked indoor track, and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. There is also a 24,000-sq-ft warm-up area for athletes.
7. New Balance Launches Resale Platform
Reconsidered, a New Balance-owned resale platform, was brought to market in 2024. This platform gave consumers the chance to buy pre-worn shoes as part of its sustainability efforts and to contribute to the idea of a circular economy.
8. Revenue Reaches $6.5B
In 2023 and under the leadership of Joe Preston, New Balance’s revenues reached the astronomical height of $6.5B. This proved the popularity of New Balance and its distinct place in the shoe market and the power of its brand among runners.
9. A Bold HQ Redesign
New Balance cut the ribbon on a brand new headquarters in Boston in 2015. This HQ is a 250,000-sq-ft facility that was designed in the shape of a chicken’s foot, harkening back to the company’s inception. It features a museum to celebrate its legacy and achievements.
10. The Popularity of the “Dad Shoe”
The design of a pair of New Balance shoes is geared toward minimalism, and its appeal is that of a “dad shoe”. It’s about function over style, and its brand has grown thanks to collaborations with popular designers such as Salehe Bembury.
11. Commitment to Environmental Issues
New Balance has dedicated itself to minimizing, and even eliminating, its hazardous chemical discharge and diverts a large portion of its factory waste from landfills. They are one of the few shoe brands fully committed to being environmentally conscious, and this has positively impacted their bottom line.
12. Dedicated Philanthropists
The New Balance Foundation was established in 1981 and supports causes for education, health, and physical activity. In 2010, the foundation donated close to $7 million to the Boston Children’s Hospital.
13. Big Name Sponsorship
New Balance has collaborated with global sports stars like Kawhi Leonard and Shohei Ohtani. These sponsorships have expanded the brand’s appeal beyond running and athletics, helping it transform into more of a lifestyle and culture brand.
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14. A Dominant Figure in Sports
New Balance has sponsored major sporting events and sports organizations, including the Sacramento Kings and the New York City Marathon. They have also dabbled in international sports, which has expanded their global sales and influence. Their branding acumen has long been overlooked, but for decades, they have grown their brand, expanded their reach, and taken a greater market share.
15. Specialized Shoe Manufacturing
Since the 1940s, New Balance has manufactured specialized shoes for boxing, tennis, and baseball. This production has helped maintain their stance toward precision manufacturing done in-house and in lower quantities to safeguard their standards. Furthermore, they have proven their ability to produce shoes for athletes regardless of their sport of choice.
16. Obama’s a Fan
In 2012, New Balance introduced a “Made-in-USA” version of its 990 shoes in honor of Barack Obama. This shoe was not only popular but also acted as a statement toward their commitment to U.S. manufacturing and employing American workers for their factories.
17. New Balance Rolls into Skateboarding
In 2013, New Balance launched a skateboarding line, New Balance Numeric. These shoes were made for performance and fit, and were a risky expansion into the skateboarding world. It was ultimately a successful endeavor and showcased New Balance’s ability to expand into new markets and cultures.
18. New Balance Reduces Its Carbon Emissions
According to sources, since 2019, New Balance has cut its emissions by more than half and sourced a lot of its electricity from renewable energy companies. These initiatives have further cemented the company’s vision to be more environmentally friendly.
19. Being Privately-Owned Pays Off
New Balance is a privately owned company, allowing it to be more agile and flexible than some of its competitors. They have been able to take greater marketing and product risks, many of which have paid off over the years. It’s the only major footwear manufacturer that is not publicly traded, an impressive feat.
20. PF Flyers Acquisition
New Balance acquired PF Flyers in 2001 and relaunched the brand a few years later in 2003. The company took it a step further by incorporating the classic canvas silhouette and dipping into the popularity of vintage footwear.
