New Balance was founded in 1906 by British immigrant William J. Riley in Boston, Massachusetts. Initially, the company specialized in manufacturing orthopedic shoes and arch supports, with the name inspired by Rileys observation of chickens balancing on three Grey. In the 1960s, New Balance began producing running shoes, leading to the creation of the Trackster, the first running shoe with a ripple sole and coming in varying widths. During the 1970s and 1980s, New Balance released iconic models like the 320 and the 990, known for their high-quality materials, comfort, and performance. In recent years, New Balance has had a resurgence in popularity, partially due to collaborations with designers and fashion labels such as Aimé Leon Dore, Action Bronson, and Stone Island.
