New Balance was founded in 1906 by English born William J. Riley. At first, New Balance’s main focus was orthopedic products and specializing in arch supports. In 1934, William Riley joined with Arthur Hall, who sold supports to people that had jobs that kept them on their feet all day, for example, police officers.
When the 1950s rolled around, there was high demand for New Balance products, so much that athletes were asking for the tailored sneakers. In 1954, Arthur Hall sold New Balance to his daughter and her husband Paul Kidd. When Paul Kidd and his wife took control, the demand and products produced both skyrocketed.
The second year in the new decade 1961, the New Balance Trackster released. The Trackster was the first high performance running shoe. The Trackster had a ripple sole for traction and was available in different widths.
In 1972, New Balance once again was sold, but this time to an outsider, Jim S. Davis. By 1976, New Balance was still small but made a global breakthrough with its 320 model which won first place in the Runner’s World Magazine award.
To date, New Balance has expanded their running shoe company to a full athletic shoe empire, including sneakers catering to basketball, tennis, and hiking.
