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The
story of New Balance began at the dawn of the 20th
century in Boston, Massachusetts when William J.
Riley, a 33-year-old English immigrant, committed
himself to helping people with problem feet by making
arch supports and prescription footwear to improve
shoe fit. In 1934, Mr. Riley went into partnership
with his leading salesman.
In 1954, Arthur Hall sold the business to his daughter
and son-in-law, Eleanor and Paul Kidd.
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Arch
supports and prescription footwear remained the cornerstone
of their business until 1961 when they manufactured The
Trackster, the world's first performance running shoe
made with a ripple sole and available in multiple widths.
The Trackster soon became the shoe of choice for college
running coaches and YMCA fitness directors.
During
the 1960s, New Balance's reputation for manufacturing
innovative performance footwear available in multiple
widths grew through word of mouth and grassroots promotions.
When Jim Davis bought the company from the Kidds on the
day of the Boston Marathon in 1972, he committed himself
to uphold the company's founding values of fit, performance,
and manufacturing.
At
New Balance we adhere to a unique set of philosophies.
We focus on function over fashion; make shoes in multiple
widths; continue to make many shoes in the US; nurture
strong retail partnerships; take an "endorsed by
no one" stance; and support grassroots initiatives.
Although we have grown substantially over the past five
years, we have not lost sight of who we are or from where
we came.
If
you would like to contact New Balance directly with a
query please go to their website at www.newbalance.co.uk
or email them on ukinfo@newbalance.co.uk
or 0800 389 1055.
