New Balance Shoes

New Balance shoes are a brand of athletic footwear and apparel for men, women, and kids. Part of how the company tries to make its uniqueness as a shoe brand is by emphasizing that they manufacture their shoes in the United States, as opposed to competitors such as Nike and Reebok who manufacture their shoes overseas.

Fast Facts:

1. Founded: 1906
2. Founder: William J. Riley
3. HQ: Boston, MA
4. Originally: New Balance Arch Support
5. CEO: Robert T. DeMartini
6. Employees: 2,800 as of March 2006
7. 2005 revenue: $1.54 billion
8. 30% of shoes sold in Europe are NB
9. Philosophy: "Endorsed By No One"

From humble beginnings

When the company was first founded, it was in the business of designing and manufacturing arch supports to blue collar industries, primarily police officers and restaurant staff. Eventually, New Balance would begin designing running shoes. They were the first to offer shoes in various widths to secure a better fit for the user, and many track and field athletes prefer the New Balance brand because of this.

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