New Balance -

Everyone knows New Balance as the manufacturer of sporting goods, shoes, clothing and fitness equipment, however not many people now the story of how New Balance began.

The story of New Balance stats at the beginning of the 20^th century in Boston Massachusetts when a man by the name of William J. Riley (a 33year old English Immigrant) committed himself to helping people with feet problems by making arch supports and prescription footwear to improve shoe fit.

Early on in 1934, William partnered with his top salesman, Arthur Hall, who was extremely successful in selling arch supports to policeman and other individuals who spent most of their day on their feet.

New Balances Empire continued to grow and in 1954 Arthur Hall sold his business to his daughter and son-in law- Paul Kidd and Eleanor. In 1961 they designed the world’s first performance running shoe the ‘trackster’. The Trackster soon became the shoe of choice for college running coaches and YMCA fitness directors.

Throughout the 60’s, New Balance’s reputation for manufacturing innovate performance footwear available in multiple widths grew through word of mouth and grassroots promotions.

In 1972, Jim Davis bought the company from the Kidd’s and to this day he and his wife have led New Balance with fidelity and on are on a mission to become the worlds leading manufacturer of high performance footwear and apparel.