New Balance :

The Evolution of Comfort and Innovation

Introduction

Welcome to the N-Hype blog! Today we will dive into the fascinating history of the New Balance brand, discover why their shoes are so popular, who chooses these shoes the most, share some interesting facts and present the 10 best models, including the two newest ones. We invite you to read!

History

New Balance , the world-renowned athletic footwear brand, has a rich and fascinating history behind it. From humble beginnings in Boston to global domination of the footwear industry, New Balance has continually strived for excellence in comfort and technology. In this article, we take a closer look at the brand’s history, development, and impact on the footwear market.

Beginnings: 1906-1950

Establishing a company

New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, an English immigrant who settled in Boston. Riley, inspired by the natural movement of a chicken, created the first New Balance products – orthopedic insoles that were intended to improve foot comfort and stability. The name " New Balance " refers to the "new balance" that the insoles were intended to provide to users.

Development and first shoes

Riley’s insoles quickly gained popularity among those who worked long hours standing, such as policemen and waiters. The success prompted Riley to expand the company’s offerings. In 1938, New Balance produced its first athletic shoes —a running shoe made of kangaroo leather. The model was handmade and cost $7.

Expansion and Innovation: 1950-1980

James Davis Takeover

In 1954, the company was taken over by James S. Davis, who invested in the technological and marketing development of the brand. Under his leadership, New Balance began to introduce innovative technologies, such as the "Trackster" system - the first running shoes with different widths, which were introduced to the market in 1960.

Popularity among runners

The 1970s saw a huge increase in the popularity of running, which contributed to the increased demand for New Balance shoes . The 320 model, introduced in 1976, won the first place in the "Runner's World" magazine ranking, which significantly increased the brand's recognition. During this period, New Balance became synonymous with quality and comfort among runners.

Global Domination: 1980-Present

Technological innovations

In the 80s and 90s, New Balance continued to develop technologically, introducing new materials and constructions. In 1988, the 574 model appeared, which is still one of the most iconic shoes of the brand. Further innovations, such as ENCAP technology (cushioning and stability) and Fresh Foam foam, allowed the company to maintain its leading position on the market.

International expansion

In the 1990s and 2000s, New Balance began to expand into international markets. The opening of factories in Ireland and the UK and investment in global marketing contributed to the growth of sales worldwide. The company also began to work with top athletes, which increased its prestige and credibility.

Social and ecological involvement

New Balance has been involved in local community and environmental protection activities for years. The company supports numerous charitable and sports initiatives, and also strives for sustainable production, introducing shoes made from recycled materials.

Why are New Balance so popular?

New Balance is one of the most recognizable and respected sports shoe brands in the world. Their popularity is not accidental – it is the result of many years of work on innovation, excellent quality, and the ability to adapt to changing trends and consumer needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at why New Balance shoes are so popular.

Comfort and ergonomics

One of the key factors that contributes to the popularity of New Balance shoes is their exceptional comfort. The company started out as a manufacturer of orthopedic insoles, which has established it as an expert in foot ergonomics. New Balance insoles are designed for maximum comfort and support, making the shoes ideal for long-term wear.

Technological innovations

New Balance has always focused on innovation. The company regularly introduces new technologies that improve the comfort and performance of shoes . Examples of such innovations include:

• ENCAP: Cushioning technology that combines a durable EVA foam layer with a soft polyurethane layer for excellent support and comfort.
• Fresh Foam: Foam that offers extremely light and soft cushioning, perfect for runners.
• FuelCell: Technology that provides increased responsiveness and energy return, which is especially important in running and training shoes .

Wide selection and customization

New Balance is one of the few brands that offers shoes in different widths, which allows for a better fit to the individual needs of users. Thanks to this, people with narrow, standard and wide feet can find perfectly fitting shoes , which significantly increases the comfort of use.

Style and design

New Balance shoes combine classic design with modern trends. Models such as the 574 , 990 or 327 have become icons of street fashion, valued for both appearance and comfort. The company also collaborates with leading designers and celebrities, creating limited edition shoes that quickly become objects of desire.

Popularity among athletes and celebrities

New Balance has gained immense popularity thanks to its collaboration with many famous athletes and celebrities. Runners, basketball players and other athletes choose New Balance for its reliability and performance. In addition, celebrities often wear shoes of this brand on a daily basis, which further increases its prestige and attractiveness in the eyes of consumers.

Ecology and social responsibility

Nowadays, consumers increasingly pay attention to whether the brands they choose operate in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. New Balance is involved in various pro-ecological initiatives, such as manufacturing shoes from recycled materials and reducing CO2 emissions in the production process. The company also supports numerous charitable initiatives, which has a positive impact on its image.

Durability and quality

New Balance is known for producing high-quality shoes that are durable and reliable. Customers appreciate the fact that when they invest in shoes from this brand, they receive a product that will serve them for many years. Durable materials, solid construction and attention to detail make New Balance shoes some of the most durable on the market.

Adaptation to various activities

Whether you’re a runner, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking for comfortable everyday shoes , New Balance offers models tailored to different needs and activities. The company produces running shoes , training shoes, walking shoes, and lifestyle shoes , so there’s something for everyone.

Global availability

Thanks to its wide distribution network, New Balance shoes are available all over the world. The company has stores and points of sale in many countries, as well as a well-developed online sales. This makes New Balance products easily accessible to customers regardless of their location.

Marketing and Community Engagement

New Balance effectively uses marketing to build its brand and engage its community. Advertising campaigns, influencer collaborations, and social media activity help maintain high brand visibility and attract new customers.

Famous People Who Wear New Balance

New Balance has gained immense popularity not only among average users, but also among many famous people from different walks of life – from athletes to celebrities. Their support for the brand has significantly contributed to the growth of its prestige and recognition. Here are some famous names who are loyal fans of New Balance shoes .

Athletes

Kawhi Leonard - The famous NBA basketball player, playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a New Balance brand ambassador. Leonard collaborates with the company on a line of his signature shoes .

Sydney McLaughlin - A decorated 400m hurdler, McLaughlin is a New Balance ambassador and regularly wears their shoes in competition.

Raheem Sterling - A British footballer who plays for Chelsea FC and the England national team, Sterling signed with New Balance in 2021, becoming one of the main faces of the brand in the world of football.

Celebrities

Kanye West – While mostly known for his own Yeezy brand, Kanye West has been spotted wearing New Balance shoes numerous times, most notably the 990v4, which has helped boost the series' popularity among streetwear fans.

Steve Jobs - The Apple co-founder was known for wearing New Balance shoes , particularly the 991 model. His minimalist style, combining jeans, a black turtleneck, and New Balance shoes , has become iconic.

Jaden Smith - Actor and musician Jaden Smith not only wears New Balance shoes , but he also collaborated with the brand to create his own shoe line.

Influencers and fashion icons

Emily Ratajkowski - Model and actress, Emily Ratajkowski is often seen wearing New Balance shoes . Her fashion choices often include stylish sneakers from the brand.

Pharrell Williams - Musician, producer, and style icon Pharrell Williams is known for his unique approach to fashion, and New Balance shoes are a frequent fixture in his wardrobe.

A$AP Rocky – Rapper and street style trendsetter A$AP Rocky is known for wearing various New Balance models, attracting younger fans to the brand.

Actors

Ben Affleck - Actor and director Ben Affleck often chooses New Balance shoes for everyday wear, emphasizing their comfort and universal style.

Chris Evans – Known for his role as Captain America, Chris Evans is also seen wearing New Balance shoes , which adds an extra charm to them in the eyes of superhero movie fans.

Musicians

Liam Gallagher - Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher is known for his love of classic New Balance trainers, which perfectly complements his Britpop style.

Drake – Canadian rapper Drake, although often associated with the Jordan brand, also wears New Balance , demonstrating their versatility and popularity among music artists.

The presence of many famous people in New Balance shoes is evidence of their broad appeal and versatility. Thanks to the support of athletes, celebrities, influencers and musicians, the brand has gained prestige and has become one of the leaders in the sports and lifestyle footwear market.

Trivia

Lack of traditional advertising: For many years , New Balance avoided traditional television advertising. The company relied mainly on recommendations from satisfied customers and word-of-mouth marketing. This unique approach to marketing allowed the company to build an authentic image.

Social campaigns: New Balance regularly engages in social campaigns, such as initiatives supporting mental health and programs promoting physical activity among youth.

Iconic in Hip-Hop Culture: In the 80s and 90s, New Balance gained immense popularity among hip-hop artists. Models such as the 574 and 990 became a staple of many rappers and DJs, helping the brand gain a cult status in the street subculture.

Artist Collaborations: New Balance has collaborated with many renowned artists and designers, such as Aimé Leon Dore , J.Crew, and Stone Island , creating unique collections that have become objects of desire among collectors.

Handcrafted in Maine: The New Balance factory in Skowhegan, Maine, is one of the few places in the U.S. where shoes are still handcrafted. Every employee undergoes extensive training to ensure the highest quality of workmanship.

Shoe personalization: New Balance offers a shoe personalization service, allowing customers to create unique pairs of shoes with their choice of colors and materials. This service is very popular with those looking for unique and personalized footwear .

Ndurance Technology: New Balance uses Ndurance technology in the soles of its shoes to increase their durability. This special rubber compound is particularly resistant to abrasion, making the shoes more durable.

ABZORB cushioning system: ABZORB is an innovative cushioning system used in many New Balance models. It provides excellent shock absorption, which protects the joints and improves running comfort.

New Balance Foundation Program: New Balance operates a foundation that supports various charitable initiatives. The foundation focuses on improving the health and well-being of children and supporting educational and sports programs.

Retro Shoes : New Balance regularly releases reissues of classic models that are popular with retro fashion enthusiasts. These models often reference 70s and 80s designs, combining classic looks with modern technology.

Top 10 models

1. New Balance 990v5 - One of the most iconic models, appreciated for its unique design.

2. New Balance 1080v11 - Perfect for runners, offering excellent cushioning and support.

3. New Balance 574 - A model combining retro design with modern comfort, popular among street fashion lovers.

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Roav - An innovative model with Fresh Foam technology, ensuring comfort at every step.

5. New Balance 860v11 - Shoes designed for long-distance runners, offering exceptional stability.

6. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2 - A light and dynamic model, perfect for fast runs and training.

7. New Balance Hierro v6 - Trail shoes , perfect for difficult terrain thanks to the durable Vibram sole.

8. New Balance 327 - A modern design inspired by the 70s, which gained recognition for its uniqueness.

9. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11- A newer model offering even better cushioning and comfort thanks to the improved Fresh Foam technology.

10. New Balance 57/40 - The brand's latest offering, combining retro elements with modern solutions, perfect for lovers of fashion experiments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the most popular New Balance shoe models?

New Balance offers a wide range of models that are very popular with both athletes and fashion lovers. The most popular models are:

• New Balance 990v5
• New Balance 1080v11
• New Balance 574
• New Balance Fresh Foam Roav
• New Balance 860v11

2. What technologies does New Balance use in its shoes ?

New Balance uses many advanced technologies that provide comfort, support and durability. Here are a few of them:

• ENCAP: Cushioning system that combines a durable EVA foam layer with a soft polyurethane layer for better stability and comfort.
• Fresh Foam: Foam offering lightweight, soft cushioning, ideal for runners.
• FuelCell: Technology for increased responsiveness and energy return.
• ABZORB: A cushioning system that absorbs shocks and protects the joints.
• Ndurance: A durable rubber compound used in soles that increases abrasion resistance.

3. Does New Balance offer shoes made from recycled materials?

Yes, New Balance is committed to environmentally friendly practices and offers a line of shoes made from recycled materials. The company aims to minimize its impact on the environment by implementing sustainable manufacturing practices and eco-friendly materials.

4. How to care for New Balance shoes to make them last as long as possible?

Here are some tips on how to care for your New Balance shoes to extend their life:

Cleaning: Clean your shoes regularly with a soft brush and mild soap. Avoid machine washing to avoid damaging the materials.

1. Drying: Dry your shoes naturally, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources that may deform the material.
2. Storage: Store your shoes in a dry and airy place. Use inserts or paper to keep the shape of the shoes .
3. Replacing insoles: Replace your insoles regularly to ensure the proper level of cushioning and support.

5. Where are New Balance shoes made?

New Balance is one of the few brands that still manufactures some of its shoes in the US and UK. The company has factories in Massachusetts and Maine in the US and in Flimby in the UK. Manufacturing in these locations helps maintain high quality standards and supports local communities. However, some manufacturing also takes place in other countries to meet global demand.

Conclusions

New Balance is a brand that combines tradition with modernity, comfort with innovation, and style with social responsibility. Thanks to this, it has gained recognition around the world and has become synonymous with quality and reliability. Whether you are an athlete, a fashion lover or just looking for comfortable everyday shoes , New Balance has something for you.