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Since its founding in Boston in 1906, the company has always provided the ultimate in comfort.
New Balance is a top brand that continues to pursue excellence.
Nowadays, sneakers are an essential part of our lifestyle.
It is well known, but how far do you go with New Balance?
Do you understand? So this time we will take a closer look at the long history.
A great New Balance test is being conducted.
From introductory classes that anyone can solve easily, to extremely difficult problems that will leave even experts groaning.
Please try to get all the questions right!
In 1976, he was an authority on running magazine.
Runner's World magazine
Which model took first place?
The numbering system was adopted for the first time.
Masterpiece Model
Forty years ago, when jogging was booming all over the US, the M320 was chosen as the No. 1 jogging shoe of the year by a jogging magazine. This was the catalyst for a local Boston company to become known around the world.
Used by New Balance
How many shades of grey?
Speaking of New Balance, the coloring that represents the brand
In addition to the classic color known as NB Gray, there are subtle variations ranging from light to dark.
Charcoal Gray
As the name Charcoal suggests, it is a chic, dark grey. It has been the standard color for the 2000 series since 2002.
SHOES : M2040v3
Cool Gray
The color has a clean and modern impression. Unlike other products, it is made of synthetic leather instead of leather on the inside.
SHOES : M1700
Steel Blue
The bluish gray that represents NB. It is also famous for the masterpiece M1300. It is also inherited by the successor model M1400.
SHOES : M1400
Warm Gray
It has a slightly yellowish hue, giving it a classical and warm feel. It is also used in the M996.
SHOES : M996
NB Gray
NB Gray is also used for the 990v4.
This is the grey that is considered the most classic at NB.
SHOES : M990v4
New Balance's representative
Midsole material name
Which one is correct?
Much more cushioning than EVA material
& A masterpiece sole with excellent durability
A midsole made entirely of EVA without using polyurethane. EVA will harden over time if left alone, but C-CAP compresses and molds EVA to significantly improve the durability of its cushioning performance. A lightweight type that achieves lighter weight can also be used depending on the shoe.
New Balance running shoe development
What animal was the inspiration?
New Balance originated from chickens
Get started with some tips!
One day, the founder, William J. Riley, noticed a chicken in his yard and noticed that it was standing firmly and stably with three claws. He was amazed by the perfect balance and used the "three-point support" in the design of the insole to develop the arch support insole.
The first model of the "99×" series
What was the price when it was released (1982)?
(At that time, 1 dollar = 280 yen)
At that time, $100 was
Approximately four times that of regular shoes!
Equipped with the latest technology, the 990 series was launched in 1982 as an on-road running shoe. In addition to being priced at $100 (1 dollar = 280 yen), which was extremely expensive at the time, the advertisement claiming that the shoe scored 990 points out of a possible 1000 points also attracted attention.
Exactly! What is this item number?
Continue to reign as the face of the brand,
Classic look is attractive
The M996 was born in 1988 as the third generation of the 900 series. Like its predecessor, the 995, the midsole uses ENCAP and C-CAP to provide high cushioning, and the upper shape has also undergone minor changes. It was a huge hit when it was released, and is still a popular model as a staple of the 900 series. 2023 will mark the 35th anniversary of its birth.
The unique aroma that permeates the Skohgen factory.
What is it called?
The craftsmen were like dogs.
Because he is devoted to making shoes.
Inside the factory in Skohgen, there is a unique smell of leather, glue, machine oil, etc. The craftsmen call this smell "shoe dog." This smell can only be found in places where the craftsmen are working on shoes with the same concentration as dogs, and it is a sign of the pride of the craftsmen, and is also used as a term to refer to skilled craftsmen.
The first racing shoes in 1978
COMP100 was released as a.
At that time it was called ●●Blue.
Vintage-like dullness
The blue is exquisite!
COMP100 debuted in 1978 and became a hot topic when many top runners wore them at the Boston Marathon the following year. The original pale blue color that exudes a retro atmosphere is called "Smoke Blue."
The colour symbolizes the brand.
What is the day and special event celebrating “gray”?
The brand's signature color
Global event themed around "gray"
To celebrate over a century of history since the brand was founded in 1906, a day called "Grey Day" is set aside every year, focusing on the color "gray," which is synonymous with the brand. To coincide with this, rare limited edition models are released and sell out immediately, making it a special event that NB fans cannot take their eyes off of.
Placed on the original tongue of the M1300
How many NB logo bars are there?
There are also differences in the number of “N”s!
Those who got the answer right are quite experts!
The "M1300" was born in 1985. It is a masterpiece model that has had seven generations, including the original, and the number of NB logo bars on the tongue has actually changed slightly. The first generation had 14 bars, but the number was changed to 8 bars in the second to fourth generations. Then, from the fifth generation in 2010, it returned to 14 bars, following the original.
What is this hole used for?
Two holes for tying the heel lock
This technique improves the fit of the heel by passing the laces through these two side-by-side holes (double eyelets).
Pass it through the first hole on the inside "from the bottom",
Fold it back and pass it through the second outer hole from the top.
Do the same on the other side. If you don't want to hide the product number on the tongue, you can thread a string behind the tag.
Thread the string through the loop made in ① and ②.
Tighten firmly until there is no slack.
Do the same on the other side.
Once it's in this state, all you need to do is tie it in a bow and it's done!
The first model to adopt NB's innovative technology
They are listed in order of the year they were released. What goes in the blank?
What is N-ERGY?
This elastic material provides excellent shock absorption and energy return. It offers the best cushioning and response. It also has high durability, making it a truly innovative midsole material.
What is N-Durance?
This rubber material has excellent abrasion resistance and is an improved version of the rubber compound used in hiking boots, winter boots, etc. By placing it on the heel, which is prone to wear when running, it can also extend the life of the shoes.
What is ABZORB?
A cushioning material that uses uniformly foamed cushioning foam. It has almost 100% shock absorption and resilience, and boasts high running stability. The development of this material was apparently inspired by a high-tech material used to absorb shock from trains.
What is ENCAP?
A midsole structure that encloses different materials. The 1300 has a midsole structure that combines a highly durable PU material on the outside and an EVA material with excellent cushioning on the inside. This achieves both high shock absorption and stability.
What is C-CAP?
This material is made by compressing and molding EVA material to greatly improve its cushioning. Compressing it prevents deterioration. NB's honeymoon with Tsukihoshi Kasei, the Japanese licensee, is also well-known, and this sole is a hidden masterpiece developed under the leadership of Japan.
The M1300, released in 1985,
Since its revival in 1995,
How often has it been reissued?
Long-awaited by NB fans around the world
A big event that happens once every five years!
The first M1300 was released in 1985, and the second generation was reissued 10 years later in 1995. Since then, it has been reissued every five years, and the latest model is the seventh generation, which was released in 2020. The celebrations and battles that unfold every time a model is reissued have become a regular event in the sneaker world.
The building of the first NB store remains, but
What store is it currently operating as?
The memorable first store is still going strong
About a five-minute walk from NB's headquarters in Boston is a historic building that once housed NB's first store.
Unfortunately, it has now been transformed into a shop for a certain global car manufacturer. (Interviewed in 2019)
Standing tall at the Lawrence plant
What is the name of the clock tower?
Iconic of the city of Lawrence
An iconic clock tower of approximately 81m
The clock tower that stands above the Lawrence Mills is commonly known as the "Air Mills" and is the second largest four-sided mechanical clock in the world after Big Ben. It is still a beloved icon for locals.
Designed for New Balance shoes,
Derived from the pants collection
Is the apparel line MET○○?
Make your New Balance shoes look their best
Born with the concept of showing it off!
In 2019, the 5 silhouette pants collection "WAIST TO TOE" was released, and in 2021 the name of the collection was updated to "MET24". The concept is an apparel collection that is close to the lives of urban dwellers = METROPOLITAN CONSUMER 24 hours a day, and currently there is a wide variety of items such as pants, set-ups, denim, and women's lines.
A logo called "Ko-N"
What was the first model you used?
Elegant and understated
M1500 with "Little N" embroidery
The M1500, which was released in 1989, was the first shoe to use a one-piece molded midsole. It was also the first model to change the N logo to the so-called "small N", and the logo was sculpted entirely with embroidery, with the vertical line measuring approximately 2.7cm. It was the smallest logo in the 1000 series.
The number in the model name is
How do you decide?
Part numbers may or may not have meaning
"Some models have numbers that have meaning, such as the M990, which is labeled "990 out of 1000 points," but there are no clear rules. The numbers are often decided by the production team in charge of NB design."
Global Design Director
Brad Lacey
(Interviewed in 2019)
The next model released after the M1700 was the M2000.
Why were the 1800 and 1900 part numbers skipped?
The transition from the 20th century to the 21st century
Because it was a big milestone
Considering the lineage of the past, the model number of the M2000 could have been "M1800". However, the M2000 was finally released in 2001, a major turning point from the 20th century to the 21st century. Therefore, it was named "M2000" in honor of the 21st century, and as a result, the 1800 and 1900 series were skipped in the model number. These became model numbers that did not exist in the NB line.
The M991.5 is a combination of masterpiece models.
The upper is M991, but what about the midsole?
Combining existing models
A rare model with a decimal point in the product number
The hybrid "***.5" (Ten 5) series combines the upper and sole units of two popular models. The M991.5, which combines the decorative upper of the M991 with the one-piece molded midsole of the M1500, became so popular that it sold out immediately after its release in 2019 due to its novelty.
New Balance was founded in 1906.
What kind of manufacturer did you start out as?
Unique to orthopedic shoe manufacturers
Ultimate walkability born from know-how
Founded in Boston in 1906 as a manufacturer of corrective shoes, New Balance Arch, the company began manufacturing custom running shoes in the 1960s, taking advantage of its expertise in corrective shoes, which are based on medical and exercise physiology.
First manufactured in 1938
What materials are the uppers of road running shoes made from?
Made for local running teams
In response to a request from a local running team, the company produced its first road running shoes. The upper was made of lightweight and durable black kangaroo leather, and the sole was made of crepe. The shoes gained a reputation for their comfortable fit.
What were your first women's shoes?
Suitable for women's feet
The ultimate in fit
The women's running shoes, which were launched in 1978, used a slimmer last developed after thorough research into the shape of a woman's foot. The heel fit and the size of the forefoot were also improved.
Where does the brand name New Balance come from?
The hint came from the three claws of a chicken
When New Balance was first founded, they developed an insole that supports three points of the foot to relieve foot pain for workers. The origin of the brand name was that putting this in shoes "creates a new sense of balance," but the inspiration for this was actually a chicken. The three claws of a chicken that create perfect balance are the roots of New Balance.
Currently on sale in the US
What widths (foot circumferences) are available for the M990GL6?
A wide range of options available
Fits any foot!
New Balance shoes include models that allow you to choose the width in addition to the foot length. The latest model in the 990 series, the M990GL6, is available in six different widths in the US, allowing you to choose the shoe that best fits your foot.
Currently in America
How many New Balance factories are there?
Made in the USA in five factories
New Balance has five factories in New England, U.S.A. The five factories in Lawrence, known for the production of the M990, Norridgewock, Norway, Masurian, and Skohagen, which has a production line for the M1300, incorporate the latest technology while still maintaining the craftsmanship of skilled artisans.
April 2022 across from our Boston headquarters
New Balance opened a sports facility
"The Track at New Balance"
Which ones aren't included?
A world-class sports hub with music and drinks also opens
The company has established "The Track at New Balance," a multi-sport facility where athletes can train and compete year-round. The goal is to turn the area around the company's headquarters in Boston Landing into a world-class sports hub through this facility. In addition to a sports research lab for New Balance product development, the facility will also house a music hall, "Roadrunner," and a beer hall, "Broken Records."
Born between the popular M990 and M996
The tragic hidden masterpiece M995. Its features
Which of the following is incorrect?
Production ended after just two years
A phantom masterpiece
Among the popular M990 series, the M995 is a rare model that was produced for an extremely short period of time. It was born right on the border between the M990, which was released in 1982 and became an explosive hit, and its successor, the M996. It features a voluminous form that combines the Vibram sole and ENCAP of the M990 with the upper design inherited from the M996, making it a hidden masterpiece known only to those in the know.
What is the name of the New Balance factory in the UK?
In fact, it is on par with Northampton.
A mecca for leather shoes
The only factory in the UK. It has long been a place for leather shoe making, and New Balance opened the factory here in search of leather shoe craftsmen. At the Flimby factory, where skilled leather shoe craftsmen and carefully selected leather from all over Europe gather, the main production is all-leather models such as the UK models M576 and M1500. By the way, it is important to remember the difference in form between the two countries, with the USA model being plump and the UK model being sharp.
Once upon a time, NB made high-quality shoes.
There was a select group of craftsmen.
What's the name?
Turning sneakers into art
The 33 Chosen
New Balance's American factory craft group, which carefully selects only skilled craftsmen, is the pride of the company. The limited collection, which attracts with New Balance's traditional quality and sophisticated art-like design, is so popular that it always sells out immediately.
The most worn shoes in the world
What model are you referring to?
Quality, convenience, and a wide range of colors
A classic that has all three elements
A masterpiece of the 500 series that stands on a par with the M576. Not only is it comfortable to wear due to its off-road lineage, but its affordable price is also attractive. Combined with the widest range of colors available from New Balance, it is loved by everyone as a classic that never changes.
NB's iconic grey colour
Why did it become popular?
If you're running on Boston's cobblestones,
It's definitely grey
There are various theories about the origin of the grey color, but the most popular is that it blends in with the scenery. Due to the global running boom in the 70s and 80s, colorful running shoes such as yellow and orange were popular at the time, but Boston, where New Balance originated, has a chic landscape with brick buildings and cobblestones. If you're running around town, surely grey shoes will blend in better than colorful running shoes? That's why they decided to adopt grey.
What is the correct order of appearance?
The order changed because it was shelved.
The M1400 was supposed to be sold after the first 1000 series model, the M1300. However, the technology at the time made mass production difficult, so it was shelved for a while... It was later commercialized, and the M1500 and M1400 were reversed. Six years after the release of the M1700 equipped with "ABZORB" and "N-Durance", the successor model to the M1400, the M1450, was released. In fact, since it is a model after the 2000 series such as the M2000 and M2001, it has a classical look but is equipped with cutting-edge technology. It became popular as a high-tech model.
Not available in 900 series models
The numbering is mixed up. Which one?
Equipped with the latest technology at launch
There are many classic models with beautiful functionality
Since the release of the M990, which was developed for on-road use, the 900 series has consistently been made in the USA and continues to inherit New Balance's craftsmanship as the face of the brand. By the way, the only M99● without a number is the 994, so here is the correct order of appearance.
M990→M995→M996→M997→M998→M999→M990v2→M991→M992→MR993→M990v3→M990v4→M990v5→M990v6
The "Track Star" model, which was released in 1960,
Because a person named Cooper wore them
It's a hot topic, but what is his occupation?
The fitness guru
I give it my stamp of approval!
The Track Star was the first shoe sold by New Balance to the general public. It helped many amateur runners and was especially popular when Dr. Cooper, a well-known fitness pioneer at the time, wore one.
The M670, which was released in 1985,
This is a hidden masterpiece that was adopted for the first time.
What is that “something”?
Comparable to that masterpiece
Providing a feeling of comfort above the clouds!
The reason it is a masterpiece is not only because it uses the "Steel Blue" color that continues on from the M1300, but also because it is equipped with a sole made in Japan. The comfort of the sole, which was developed in collaboration with Tsukihoshi Kasei (now Moonstar), was praised as being comparable to that of the M1300.
The fusion model "XC-72" was released in 2021.
What was the inspiration behind the square toe?
Was it designed based on that?
Painted in the 70s
The car of the future is the source of design!
This design, which has a retro yet futuristic feel, was actually inspired by concept cars from the 1970s. It was inspired by the streamlined shape of sports cars and the retro-futuristic square bonnet.
Among the 500 series, which has many off-road shoes,
550 is different from running
Made for sports. What sports?
Retro sporty look
Recent revival
This model was born in the early days when sneakers were becoming increasingly high-tech, and features a voluminous look with complex leather parts. It was recently reissued as the "BB550," an acronym for BasketBall, and has made a comeback on the streets.
The "327" was released in 2020.
The base model is the 1970s archive model.
What is the correct combination?
The famous machine that made NB history
A modern remix
The "327" features a large N logo on its retro form. It is a mix of elements from the "320", which first established the N logo design, the "355", which can be said to be the original trail shoe, and the "Super Comp", which was born as a road racing shoe.
It sticks to your feet
The upper is sewn for a comfortable fit.
It is called ○○ stitch. What is ○○?
Playing a part in the comfort of wearing shoes above the clouds
Special lining specifications
The sides of the upper are stretched to the sole of the foot and sewn vertically in a straight line at the center of the sole. This specification, which provides a snug, comfortable fit, is called bag stitching because it wraps around the foot like a bag. There are various manufacturing methods, such as bag stitching only the forefoot as shown in the photo, bag stitching the entire shoe, or combining it with a board.
New Balance shoes
The first time the grey colour was used
What shoes?
NBといえばなグレーの起源は意外と最近!?
In the long history of New Balance, grey first appeared in 1980, more than 70 years after the company was founded. It was first used on the 620, a model created at the time for running on paved roads other than on tracks.
New Balance uses environmentally friendly materials.
I am working on manufacturing,
ML574 has an upper of ○% or more,
Outsole is made from 5% recycled material
I am using it. What number goes in the circle?
For the future
Do what you can now!
New Balance is committed to sustainability, and the ML574 has set a standard of using more than 50% recycled materials for the upper.
In 2008, the 20th anniversary model of the 576 was released.
They are appearing one after another and are becoming a hot topic.
The first ever upper with XX specifications
Only 576 pairs were released. What were the specifications?
Far from sneakers
Achieve aging!
This commemorative model, which is also made in the UK and much coveted by enthusiasts, features a vegetable-tanned leather upper. The natural colored leather changes over time the more you wear it, making this the first shoe in history that allows you to enjoy your own unique aging process.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary, the box is specially designed with a gold foil-stamped logo.
Since the store uses limited edition rare leather, it also has a wide range of care products, such as shoe trees with the logo, shoe bags, and leather gloves.
The 2015 M1300 was released as a reissue.
What kind of model is the K1300JP?
The M1300 looks remain the same
Sizing down for kids
The "K1300JP" was released in Japan to coincide with the relaunch of the M1300. The iconic look was retained, but in a smaller size, making it a kids' shoe that was also highly sought after, just like the M1300.
Achieve the perfect New Balance fit
With sizing
What was the first shoe to be featured?
Revolutionary width sizing saves many runners
The first shoes that New Balance sold to the general public were the Track Star, released in 1960, and are said to have saved the feet of many runners as they were the first shoes that could be fitted with a choice of widths.
Mainly used for models distributed in Japan
The two last ones are "SL-1" and "SL-2".
Which is the most distinctive difference?
Use the last one differently
Supports natural running
The difference between the two lasts, which are designed to promote natural gait without compressing the toe, is the slimmer silhouette. The "SL-1" is used for the 990, 996, and 1500 and is slightly slimmer. In contrast, the "SL-2" is used for the M1300, M1400, M576, etc. and is slightly looser.
It was launched in 2013 and fully launched in 2015.
"New Balance Numeric".
A new line for what sport?
Pro riders also endorse
These are authentic skate shoes!
New Balance Numeric is New Balance's performance-focused skate line. It was launched in 2013 and was fully launched in 2015. It is a full-fledged skate line aimed at skaters.
Even with the same model
There are American and British versions.
What's the biggest difference?
同じモデルでもレザーで少し違ってくる!?
The difference between the two is often said to be that "the silhouette is different." This is largely due to the nature of the leather. "Pittard leather," which is often used in British-made products, is highly stretchable, and it cannot be denied that this may affect the silhouette.
Boston-based New Balance
From our long-standing relationship with Japan
A new design team has been formed consisting of members from the United States and Japan.
Which is that brand name?
Paving the way for the future
It's a global team!
Tokyo Design Studio (TDS) was established in 2012, and began development as part of the global in-line in late 2014. In the fall of 2018, the brand was launched as TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO New Balance, with its own unique branding that is different from the existing New Balance. Through the skilled craftsmanship and sensibility unique to Japan, the brand pursues truth and quality, and develops products that promote design and innovation.
The number of bars in the NB logo
In fact, it changes with age,
Which doesn't actually exist?
If you can answer this
A true New Balance freak!
The New Balance logo has changed over the years. It used to have 14 bars, but over time, the number has been gradually reduced for visibility reasons, and is now down to 5. Another point that tickles the fancy of connoisseurs is the change in the number of bars on the left side of the logo over the years.
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