Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 106 views

Introduction

New Balance is a renowned American footwear and apparel company that has been a staple in the athletic industry for over a century. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, the company has grown from a small workshop in Boston to a global brand with a presence in over 70 countries. Known for its high-quality products and commitment to innovation, New Balance has become a favorite among athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the history of New Balance, its product offerings, and its impact on the athletic industry.

History of New Balance

New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, a skilled archer and shoe enthusiast. Riley's vision was to create a shoe that would provide superior support and comfort for athletes. He began by making arch support shoes, which were designed to provide additional support and stability for the foot. The company's early success was largely due to its innovative approach to shoe design and its commitment to quality.

In the 1920s, New Balance began to expand its product line to include athletic shoes. The company's first athletic shoe, the 696, was introduced in 1934 and quickly gained popularity among athletes. The 696 was designed to provide superior support and stability for the foot, and its innovative design helped to establish New Balance as a leader in the athletic industry.

Throughout the 20th century, New Balance continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company introduced its first running shoe, the 320, in 1961, and its first basketball shoe, the 550, in 1972. New Balance also began to focus on sustainability and social responsibility, introducing its first environmentally friendly shoe, the 574, in 1988.

Product Offerings

New Balance is known for its wide range of products, including athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The company's product line includes:

Athletic Shoes: New Balance offers a wide range of athletic shoes, including running shoes, basketball shoes, and cross-training shoes. The company's shoes are designed to provide superior support and comfort for athletes, and are available in a variety of styles and colors.
Apparel: New Balance offers a wide range of apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants. The company's apparel is designed to provide comfort and style for athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Accessories: New Balance offers a wide range of accessories, including hats, bags, and socks. The company's accessories are designed to provide style and functionality for athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Innovation and Technology

New Balance is committed to innovation and technology, and has introduced several groundbreaking products in recent years. Some of the company's most notable innovations include:

Fresh Foam Technology: New Balance introduced its Fresh Foam technology in 2013, which provides superior cushioning and support for the foot. Fresh Foam technology is used in a variety of New Balance shoes, including running shoes and cross-training shoes.
Blown Rubber Technology: New Balance introduced its Blown Rubber technology in 2015, which provides superior cushioning and support for the foot. Blown Rubber technology is used in a variety of New Balance shoes, including running shoes and cross-training shoes.
3D Printing Technology: New Balance has begun to use 3D printing technology to create custom insoles and other products. 3D printing technology allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

New Balance is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and has introduced several initiatives in recent years to reduce its environmental impact. Some of the company's most notable sustainability initiatives include:

Environmental Sustainability: New Balance has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025. The company has also introduced a number of initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling, including the use of recycled materials in its products.
Social Responsibility: New Balance is committed to social responsibility, and has introduced several initiatives to support local communities and promote social justice. The company has also established a number of charitable programs, including the New Balance Foundation, which provides funding and support for local charities and non-profit organizations.

Impact on the Athletic Industry

New Balance has had a significant impact on the athletic industry, and has helped to shape the way that athletes train and compete. The company's innovative approach to shoe design and its commitment to quality have made it a favorite among athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

New Balance has also been at the forefront of several major trends in the athletic industry, including the rise of running and the growth of the sneaker culture. The company's shoes have been worn by some of the world's top athletes, including Olympic gold medalists and professional basketball players.

Conclusion

New Balance is a renowned American footwear and apparel company that has been a staple in the athletic industry for over a century. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a favorite among athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. From its early days as a small workshop in Boston to its current status as a global brand, New Balance has remained true to its core values of innovation, quality, and sustainability. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to remain a major player in the athletic industry for years to come.

References

New Balance. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/about-us/
New Balance. (2022). Our History. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/our-history/
New Balance. (2022). Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/sustainability/
New Balance. (2022). Social Responsibility. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/social-responsibility/
New Balance Q&A: Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions ====================================================================

Introduction

New Balance is a renowned American footwear and apparel company that has been a staple in the athletic industry for over a century. With a wide range of products and a commitment to innovation and quality, New Balance has become a favorite among athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about New Balance, including its history, product offerings, and sustainability initiatives.

Q: What is the history of New Balance?

A: New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, a skilled archer and shoe enthusiast. The company began by making arch support shoes, which were designed to provide additional support and stability for the foot. Over the years, New Balance has expanded its product line to include athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories.

Q: What types of products does New Balance offer?

A: New Balance offers a wide range of products, including athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The company's product line includes running shoes, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, hats, bags, and socks.

Q: What is the difference between New Balance and other athletic shoe brands?

A: New Balance is known for its commitment to innovation and quality. The company's shoes are designed to provide superior support and comfort for athletes, and are available in a variety of styles and colors. New Balance also offers a wide range of sizes and widths, making it a great option for athletes with unique foot shapes or sizes.

Q: What is New Balance's approach to sustainability?

A: New Balance is committed to sustainability and has introduced several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025 and has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling, including the use of recycled materials in its products.

Q: What is New Balance's social responsibility initiative?

A: New Balance is committed to social responsibility and has introduced several initiatives to support local communities and promote social justice. The company has established a number of charitable programs, including the New Balance Foundation, which provides funding and support for local charities and non-profit organizations.

Q: How can I get involved with New Balance?

A: New Balance offers a number of ways for customers to get involved with the brand, including:

New Balance Rewards: New Balance Rewards is a loyalty program that rewards customers for their purchases and provides exclusive access to new products and promotions.
New Balance Community: The New Balance Community is a social media platform that allows customers to connect with other New Balance enthusiasts and share their experiences with the brand.
New Balance Events: New Balance hosts a number of events throughout the year, including running and basketball tournaments, and fashion shows.

Q: How can I contact New Balance customer service?

A: New Balance offers a number of ways for customers to contact customer service, including:

Phone: Customers can contact New Balance customer service by phone at 1-800-626-6625.
Email: Customers can contact New Balance customer service by email at customer.service@newbalance.com.
Live Chat: Customers can contact New Balance customer service through live chat on the New Balance website.

Q: What is the return policy for New Balance products?

A: New Balance offers a 30-day return policy for all products. Customers can return products for a full refund or exchange them for a different size or style.

Conclusion

New Balance is a renowned American footwear and apparel company that has been a staple in the athletic industry for over a century. With a wide range of products and a commitment to innovation and quality, New Balance has become a favorite among athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with the information you need to get started with New Balance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, New Balance has something for everyone.

References

New Balance. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/about-us/
New Balance. (2022). Our History. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/our-history/
New Balance. (2022). Sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/sustainability/
New Balance. (2022). Social Responsibility. Retrieved from https://www.newbalance.com/social-responsibility/