New Balance began with a chicken, not a running track or a marathon.
In 1906, William J. Riley founded the New Balance Arch Support Company after observing the perfect balance of a chicken's three-pronged foot. Today, the Boston-based firm remains a global footwear titan, balancing its heritage of domestic manufacturing with a massive, multi-billion dollar international apparel and sports sponsorship empire.
The company’s origins are rooted in the humble pursuit of fit. Riley, an Irish immigrant, designed flexible arch supports intended to provide three-point stability. For decades, the business remained a niche operation, catering to baseball players and track athletes. It was not until 1960 that the company launched the Trackster, the first running shoe available in varying widths, which gained traction through YMCA programs and university cross-country teams.
A major turning point arrived in 1972 when Jim Davis purchased the company. At the time, the firm employed only six people and produced 30 pairs of shoes daily. Davis capitalized on the 1970s running boom, scaling the business into a global powerhouse. Unlike many competitors who shifted production entirely overseas, New Balance maintained manufacturing facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom. This commitment to domestic production often results in higher price points, which the company justifies through technical features like gel inserts and extensive sizing options.
The brand's growth has been marked by strategic acquisitions and high-profile sponsorships, ranging from the NBA to global football clubs. However, the company has not been without controversy. In 2012, it settled a class-action lawsuit for $2.3 million regarding claims about its toning footwear, after research suggested these shoes provided no significant exercise benefits. Despite such hurdles, the company continues to evolve, recently appointing Teddy Santis to lead its premium lines and committing to sustainability goals like 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
Today, New Balance operates as a privately held entity, reporting $6.5 billion in revenue in 2023. Its influence extends from the elite athletic stage to lifestyle fashion, bolstered by collaborations with figures like Kawhi Leonard and brands like Aimé Leon Dore. From a small office desk featuring a chicken foot to a global supply chain, the company has maintained a unique position in the footwear market by blending technical utility with a distinct, often contentious, corporate identity.
Source: New Balance
