New Balance sneakers combine excellent comfort and universal design, and have the appeal of having a depth of nostalgia that allows them to blend naturally with a wide range of styles from beautiful to casual. In this issue, we trace the history of the brand since its founding in 1906, and unravel the meanings of the numbers and letters in the model names that guide our selection of sneakers. Finally, we introduce the recommended models along with the hottest coordinates!
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For the first 50 years after its founding, a small group of craftsmen produced about 30 pairs a day by hand. The brand was favored by people who worked long hours on their feet, such as police officers and waiters, and the pursuit of comfort was placed at the center of the brand’s philosophy. Eventually, the company’s technical skills were recognized, and in 1938, it produced its first running shoes at the request of a local running club in Boston. This pair, with its kangaroo leather upper and crepe sole, was the company’s first competitive model and became the cornerstone of what would become New Balance.
CONTENTS
- From the 1960s to the 1980s, New Balance shifted to a system that continues to this day. | Transition to producing shoes for people who run, establishing an iconic design that is still loved today!
- 1990 From the 1990s to the 2000s, the brand became an unshakeable force. | Many classic models evolved along with technological innovations to become the leading functional sneakers for adults
- Many trend-leading models have appeared since the 2010s. | The brand evolves with the times while maintaining the philosophy of pursuing comfort
- Understanding Model Codes to Guide Your Shoe Selection! | What do the numbers and letters on New Balance sneakers mean?
- New Balance Sneakers Codes 1 | The gray 900 series goes well with any beautiful coordinate!
- New Balance Sneakers Codes 2 | If you want to be at the forefront of the trend, Snow Fur is the way to go!
- New Balance Sneakers Codes 3 | Practice American authentic style with martial blue jeans & New Balance sneakers!
- New Balance Sneakers Codes 4 | Add a futuristic model to your beautiful fall and winter outfits!
- New Balance Sneakers Codes 5 | American preppy interpreted in the Italian way, set on paninale style feet!
Transition to producing shoes for people who run, establishing an iconic design that is still loved today!
In the 1960s, based on the orthopedic shoe technology developed in the company’s early years, New Balance evolved from “shoes for people who walk” to “shoes for people who runThe “Trackster,” introduced in 1960, was the world’s first running shoe that allowed users to select not only the length of their foot but also the circumference of their foot. This innovation earned the Trackster a solid reputation in the track and field world.
In 1972, on the day of the Boston Marathon, business owner James S. Davis purchased New Balance. While maintaining the quality principle, he introduced new technologies such as the “Instep Lacing Structure” to promote the natural bending of the foot, and promoted the global expansion and modernization of the brand.
In 1976, New Balance introduced the “320” shoe. The brand’s name spread across the U.S., winning first place as the best sneaker in the U.S. magazine ‘ Runner’s World. The brand was widely supported by both competitive runners and the health-conscious general public, and became a model that symbolized the brand at the time.
Then in 1982, the “990” was introduced. The success of the 990 established New Balance’s position as synonymous with high-performance sneakers.
In 1985, the first model in the 1000 series, the ” 1300 ” was introduced. The “N logo” and the “STEEL BLUE” gray color, which was inspired by the asphalt of New York City, were used for this model, which was also known as the Rolls Royce of the sneaker world. It was an opportunity to establish the brand’s iconic design that continues to this day.
1990 From the 1990s to the 2000s, the brand became an unshakeable force.Many classic models evolved along with technological innovations to become the leading functional sneakers for adults
In the 1990s, New Balance entered a period of maturity as a brand. The brand gained people’s trust solely on the basis of comfort and quality, without resorting to flashy advertisements featuring stars. This was the result of the company’s philosophy of “staying close to the wearer’s feet,” a philosophy that has resonated with people throughout the ages.
The evolution of the standard series is symbolic of this era: the 990 series evolved into the “997” (1991), “998” (1993), and “999” (1996), followed by the improved “990v2” model in 1998, a return to the roots of the series. In 2001, the “991” introduced the latest technology, with ABZORB, a shock-absorbing material, visibly mounted on the heel. This model was widely supported for its comfort and high level of perfection. In 2006, the “992” series further improved cushioning and stability and evolved into the “993” series in 2009, and in 2012, the 990v3, v4, v5, and v6 series continued to be updated and remain the brand’s iconic series to this day.
At the same time, the popularity of the 1000 series was established. The ” 1300 ” was first reissued in 1995, and has been reissued in limited quantities every five years since. In Japan, in particular, many fans have been eagerly awaiting the reissue of the 1300, and every time they are released, they are sold out immediately, creating a frenzy. The 1300 has also enjoyed strong support from the industry, with Ralph Lauren describing it as “like walking on a cloud. The “1500,” the brand’s first model to use the small N logo, was manufactured at the Flimby factory in England, and the 1400 (1994), 1600 (1994), and 1700 (1999) were introduced in rapid succession. The brand’s high quality lineup and exquisite craftsmanship made it highly popular in the European market.
Thus, New Balance established a solid position in the market through word of mouth and high reputation in specialized magazines. The position of “functional, high-quality sneakers for adults,” supported by absolute trust in comfort, was established during this period.
Many trend-leading models have appeared since the 2010s.The brand evolves with the times while maintaining the philosophy of pursuing comfort
In the 2010s, the minimalist values of normcore that were trending at the time resonated with the philosophy of functional beauty and craftsmanship that New Balance has maintained. Symbolic of this is the attire of Apple founder Steve Jobs. Issey Miyake’s black turtleneck, Levi’s 501, and the gray 992. This intellectual style, devoid of ornamentation, became a timeless symbol of normcore.
In 2021, Teddy Santis, founder of Aimé Leon Dore, was appointed Creative Director of the ” Made in USA ” line. He redefined the brand’s heritage by blending American-made craft with a contemporary sensibility. His ability to traverse tradition and street, function and aesthetics, has pushed the Made in USA collection back to the forefront of fashion.
Today, the 990 series remains the core of the brand, while the early 2000s running model “1906” has been reimagined as a modern design.The “1906L,” a derivative model of the loafer-type sneaker that sold out instantly in collaboration with JUNYA WATANABE MAN in fall/winter 2024, is at the forefront of the trend.
In addition to the above collaborations, New Balance’s excellent collaboration strategies with leading brands such as JJJound, Kith, AURALEE, and COMME des GARÇONS are also indispensable in the current New Balance story.
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