New Balance’s fame spreads and by 1941, we have begun creating custom running, baseball, basketball, tennis, and boxing shoes.

William Riley retired in 1949 at the age of 78, and Arthur Hall took over management and sales. In 1953, the company was handed over to Hall’s daughter Eleanor and her husband Paul Kidd. (When Paul was around 20 years old, his shoes were too narrow and caused ingrown toenails, and in 1929, Arthur gifted him with a pair of New Balance shoes. He has been wearing our shoes ever since.)

William Riley passed away in 1956, after which the Kidds changed the company’s name to New Balance Orthopedic Laboratory. This change was to further emphasize New Balance’s belief in scientific research and our desire to offer a wide range of footwear options.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, who is also known as a fitness book author with numerous bestsellers, saw New Balance as “the first company to make shoes especially for running.”

Huge demands were fast outgrowing supply, which led to New Balance moving its headquarters to 176 Belmont Street in Massachusetts. This wonderful new location was spacious and full of familiar faces.

On January 1, 1970, the company changed its name from New Balance Orthopedic Laboratory to
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.

New Balance is purchased by Jim Davis, who is the current chairman. He kept the focus on the brand’s unique custom width options while continuing to develop our shoemaking process.

Designer Terry Heckler came up with the ‘N’ logo design and the idea of using a number system for each shoe model. This way, all the shoe models would be seen as equal and the emphasis would instead be on valuing the brand as a whole.

Tom Fleming wins the New York City Marathon while wearing our newly released 320 model.

This model was developed in the 70s, as not all runners ran on well-maintained roads. These shoes were a pioneer in the option of running shoes made for trails and cross country.

This model was created specifically for racing on roads and tracks and featured a slim design with unique soles, making it both functionally and visually appealing. These flats were known for being lightweight and for their traction.

Our first clothing products, which were nylon mesh singlets and nylon tricot shorts and shirts, used Gore-Tex®.

We acquired an office and factory at 61 and 65 North Beacon Street in Briton, MA.

This model of running shoes from the 1980s featured a suede upper by Tsuki Hoshi Kasei. Popular for its exceptional cost performance and cushioning, it made fans of all ages. The model was later rereleased as part of our “Made in USA” collection.

Our factory in Skowhegan, Maine was previously owned by Norwalk Shoe Company and this new location gave us more space and manpower capabilities.

These were the first hiking boots released by New Balance. They were developed together with Rainier Mountaineering’s Lou Whittaker, who led the first American expedition up the north face of Mt. Everest.

As the name implies, these are basketball shoes that New Balance made with pride. With the same shock absorption as our running shoes, they captivated NBA players as well.

These high-performance soccer shoes were developed together with Bryan Robson, the captain of England’s national team.

The first model in the 1000 series and a milestone that changed the value of the sneaker. They were praised for their comfortable combination of excellent cushioning, the brand’s iconic gray colorway, design, and overall quality.

Developed as off-road running shoes, this high-spec model features unique rounded midsoles with the stability of the SL-2 last. The materials and color options make it great for everyday use and turned it into a hit that continues to be a fan favorite.

The third release from the 99X series, which launched in 1982 with the 990 model, and the first Made in USA model. The shoes’ comfortable fit and design have made it one of our longest-selling and most beloved models for running and everyday use.

The upper’s design reflects a change of the times and this model features our high-quality three-dimensional Encap midsole, combining the latest technologies to become a symbol of status among running shoes.

In the past, midsoles were made separately for technical reasons, but this model featured the radical layered Encap midsoles. The innovated fusion of a thick upper with a great fit rocked the market when this monumental model was released in 1991.

The 998 model was the fifth installment in the 990 series. This model was the first to feature our Abzorb technology, with unparalleled shock absorption and a comfortable fit, making them loved by many runners.

Originally meant to be released right after the 1300 model, the shoes’ revolutionary design meant that they couldn’t be mass produced due to technological limits at the time and so had a delayed release in 1994.

The first model in our 1000 series to feature Abzorb shock absorption and rebound came out in 1994. They are marked by their unique futuristic upper design.

The 999 model was a reflection of fine craftsmanship, with its thick upper and hi-tech layered midsole. The shoes’ modern classic vibe was unique to the three-dimensional design trends of the mid-90s.

Our 580 model created a lot of buzz in 1996 for being at the forefront of trail running shoes. They inherited the unique wide sole DNA of the 500 series and demonstrated superb stability.

These shoes for running on trails were advertised as being an “all terrain” model that could handle off-road treks. They were characterized by their amazing traction and cushioned Abzorb midsoles.

Our 990 model came out in 1982, and the updated 990v2 version was released in 1998. The shoes used Abzorb, the latest in shock absorption technology at the time, and were our first model to visibly show part of the midsole, with great shock dispersion and rebound.

This model was developed to feel like it was an extension of the runner instead of simply a shoe. As the name implies, each shoe weighed a mere 150 grams, for a lightweight model made for speed.

Released in 1999, this was the last flagship model of our 1000 series. The outsole was fitted with our newly developed “N durance” rubber compound, for exceptional durability. These shoes were our last hi-tech model of the 90s, with superb quality that matched its high price tag.

Like other models from the 500 series, these shoes were designed for off-road running. This series is now loved around the world because of how easily they can be incorporated into everyday looks.

New Balance’s first racing shoes model to be made in Japan. The attention to detail classic of Japanese craftsmen stood out even among the many popular models of the Comp series.

In 2001, the 991 came out as the eighth installment in our 99X series as the next-generation version of the 990v2. These shoes were the first in the series to feature Abzorb in the toe and heel areas and a new midsole design.

A prestigious look made by using a raised ‘N’ logo and synthetic leather set the 2000 model apart. This flagship model was a fitting way to kick off the 21st century.

A runner from New Balance’s racing team set a new world record in the Chicago Marathon while wearing these lightweight racing shoes.

This model was inspired by the M2000 and could even be called the perfected version of the M2000 thanks to its evolved level of performance.

This model was the first to be available in all width options, for better performance even on the baseball field.

This lightweight model featured improved shock absorption and rebound. The smooth design of this flagship model along with its superior comfort and classic silhouette have made it a fan favorite.

A rerelease that stayed true to the original model, from 14 stripes going through the ‘N’ logo and Ⓡ mark at the bottom right to an outsole by Vibram. The text formatting on the back of the tongue even matched that of the original, as well as the rounded stitching on the ‘N’ logo.

New Balance’s numbering system is updated, and the last two digits represent the primary focus of the model. Designs from this model on begin to reflect a high level of quality akin to leather shoes. They also feature lightweight midsoles made from our REVlite foam compound.

This model stayed true to its predecessor released in 2010. The original model that came out in 1985 had two tongue designs, and this model incorporated a different label than the 2010 version but was made at just as high a standard.

These shoes feature an Encap midsole made of PU and Acteva Lite for improved support and cushioning. With 360-degree reflective material used on the toe box, heel, and ‘N’ logo, they supported safer running and evolved into a more sporty design.

These shoes feature a new last developed based on data collected by M. Lab over the years on countless runners’ foot shapes. The attention to detail, fit, support, and breathability of this model set it apart.

A flagship model with reliable functionality and comfort thanks to its simple yet quality pigskin suede and mesh design, TPU collar strap for better ankle support, newly incorporated Ortholite insole for improved cushioning, Encap for stability and shock absorption, and Abzorb material for rebound and shock absorption.

Our Waist to Toe pants collection, created to further highlight the beauty of New Balance shoes, launches with five pieces.

Our FuelCell 5280 is named after the fact that one mile equals 5,280 feet. A FuelCell midsole with excellent rebound was paired with a unidirectional carbon fiber plate and was designed with short-distance high-speed races in mind, making these shoes perfect for professional runners who need to move fast.

The rich design of these shoes was inspired by the MR2002 model and paired with high-performance soles to become an option for everyday wear. This model also featured the same hi-tech N-ergy and Abzorb materials as the M860.

The Pride 550 competitive basketball shoes released in the 80s were revamped as the BB550. This low-cut model featured soles with superior cushioning and stability and the same fitted quality leather upper as the original.

Our factories in the US halted shoe production due to COVID-19 and begin to develop and produce facemasks instead.

This model made an additional comeback after 2010 and 2015. These shoes pay homage to the original version with their attention to detail, from the Vibram sole to the stitching. Nubuck leather by Horween is newly incorporated for an even higher quality shoe.

The vintage design of the running shoes that defined New Balance during the 70s were given a modern update and rereleased as the MS327. Even with the new line’s differences in design, they became a popular model that continued to represent the brand.

This 1300 model was the first to be made in Japan, used domestic nubuck leather, and was crafted by M.Lab

This made-in-Japan 1300 model used Nume leather and was crafted by M.Lab.

Inspired by our 574 model from the 80s and the wave patterns of the 90s, the 5740 model was a next-generation sneaker that represented a change in the times.

Waist to Toe continued to evolve, was renamed MET24, and added tailored and activewear lines.

The new shape of the 90/60 was inspired by past 900 series models and our 860 performance model from the Y2K era.