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.
From Boston to Buenos Aires, Toronto to Tokyo, Melbourne to Moscow, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. is increasingly recognized as a leader of high-performance athletic footwear and apparel around the globe. The company's objective is straightforward equip the serious athlete with footwear and apparel that provides the best performance, fit, quality and comfort.
Headquartered in Boston, MA, New Balance manufactures and markets technically innovative, width-sized, performance footwear and apparel for men, women and children. The range of product categories includes running, cross training, walking, basketball, tennis, golf, hiking, kids, casuals and outdoor.
As a privately held company, New Balance has remained committed to a core set of philosophies and strengths including technical superiority, width-sizing, U.S. manufacturing, grassroots promotions and strong partnerships with its retailers and suppliers.
A unique approach to athletic footwear the company maintains a steadfast commitment to the founding product ideals of performance, fit, technical superiority and superior manufacturing. New Balance shoes & products is the brand of choice for millions of people around the globe who are serious about their sport from elite athletes to weekend warriors.
Because feet don't come in one or two widths, and because shoes that fit better perform better, New Balance shoes takes pride in being the only athletic shoe company to offer a full range of width-sized athletic shoes from 2A to 4E, and sizes from 4 to 20 for adults, and 8 to 6 for pre-school and grade school children.
While the company's heritage is that of a strong running brand, over the years New Balance has branched into several other footwear categories, growing its consumer awareness and loyalty in athletic walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, outdoor, golf, casuals, and kids.
New Balance takes pride in addressing the needs of individual athletes with technologies and product innovations designed for people who are serious about their sport. New Balance's Suspension System a collection of technologies that have been developed to meet the diverse needs of athletes engaged in a variety of athletic activities is integrated throughout the product line.
New Balance's Suspension System To address shock absorption, an important need of performance athletic footwear, New Balance integrates Abzorb a shock attenuating, cushioning component in many styles across all categories. To control the angle and rate of pronation and supination, New Balance has developed the Rollbar Stability System. Consisting of a graphite plate and stabilized by a firm TPU medial post, the Rollbar keeps the foot in a neutral plane throughout the gait cycle.
To maintain torsional stability, New Balance designed the Stability WebTM, a web-like structure providing mid-foot stability in a lightweight design. The Walking Strike Path, designed specifically for walking, follows the center or pressure path that occurs during the walking gait cycle. N-ERGYTM is the company's newest technology. This lightweight midsole component provides the athlete with maximum energy efficiency. N-ERGY's durable structure of elliptical Hytrel pillars encapsulated in a cartridge provides a cushioned, yet stable, long-lasting ride.
The company's design philosophy is unique within a very fashion-oriented athletic footwear industry. At New Balance, function takes priority over fashion. Design is focused on enhancing performance and fit, and then integrating fashion elements to meet the expectations of today's consumer. The company firmly believes that this primary attention to design for function will help the brand achieve longevity and continued growth.
Making its mark in athletic apparel, New Balance has made significant strides, taking a more progressive approach with innovative fabrics and features, and attractive colors; and like its footwear, the company's apparel line features the New Balance hallmark of fit, performance and comfort. New Balance is dedicated to producing a collection of athletic clothing that has become legendary for its function and timeless design.
New Balance apparel features a collection of lightweight technical fabrics in the most functional designs. Engineered to be versatile and durable, NB apparel features advanced moisture management liners, breathable microfibers and water resistant coatings for the ultimate in comfort and weather protection.
Apparel and accessories , which now includes three categories, Elite, Athletics, and Fitness represent an increasing percentage of New Balance's total business.
Marketing the New Balance Way, New Balance also takes a unique approach to marketing and endorsements, focusing on developing superior performance-driven shoes, and taking pride in the shoe itself versus the athlete wearing them. World-class athletes certainly play an important role in the company's continued success. However, unlike most athletic footwear companies, New Balance's marketing approach and its relationship with its athletes centers around the design, development and testing of superior performance-driven product versus the use of celebrity endorsements as role models and image enhancers.
In support of grassroots athletics, New Balance sponsors many races, tournaments, teams, youth sports initiatives, track and field events, and track facilities around the globe including the LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon, the New Balance Maine Distance Festival, the Lilac Bloomsday Run, the New Balance Games, and the Great Cow Harbor 10K. New Balance extended its sponsorships to include basketball in 1997, becoming the presenting sponsor and the official shoe of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the largest and oldest series of 3-on-3 tournaments in the U.S.
In addition, New Balance shoes is the proud sponsor of numerous charitable organizations and events worldwide, including national sponsorship of The Race for the Cure, a annual of 100 runs and walks that benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
A formula for success as the horizon of a new millennium rapidly approaches; the growth of New Balance shoes & products significantly outpaces the industry. Worldwide sales have grown from $221 million in 1992 to $630 million in 1998. This represents an increase of more than 185% in an industry that has experienced only moderate growth over the same period of time. The company's projection for global 1999 revenue is $750 million. This growth, and an increase in demand for the New Balance brand, enabled the company to complete a $25 million manufacturing expansion, launch a $13 million print and television advertising campaign, and enter several new product categories, in 1998.
Teamwork, total customer satisfaction and integrity are the core values upon which New Balance operates, and the company's tremendous success can be credited to its unyielding commitment to these values.
Global Reach New Balance employs more than 1600 people around the globe, involved in every aspect of the business. New Balance shoes & products are sold in 63 countries on six continents virtually every corner of the world. New Balance has wholly-owned subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and Singapore.