New Balance Athletics, Inc.
American privately held athletic footwear and apparel company, the largest privately owned sneaker company in the world.
Company Type
private
Founded
1906
Headquarters
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
About New Balance Athletics, Inc.
New Balance operates as a comprehensive athletic footwear and apparel company, competing across multiple sports and consumer segments. The company's product portfolio includes running shoes, basketball footwear, soccer cleats, and lifestyle apparel, serving both professional athletes and everyday consumers.
New Balance's manufacturing strategy differentiates it from competitors. The company operates factories in the United States and United Kingdom, producing a significant portion of its footwear domestically. This commitment to domestic manufacturing provides quality control, supply chain resilience, and aligns with consumer preferences for locally-made products.
The company has invested heavily in athlete partnerships and sponsorships, signing world-class athletes across multiple sports. These partnerships provide credibility in performance markets and drive brand awareness among younger consumers.
New Balance's recent growth reflects successful execution of its strategic initiatives, including expansion into performance markets, lifestyle products, and international markets. The company's ability to balance heritage and innovation has resonated with consumers seeking alternatives to dominant competitors.
History of New Balance Athletics, Inc.
New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley as the New Balance Arch Support Company in Boston, Massachusetts. Riley initially focused on manufacturing arch supports and orthopedic shoes for customers seeking comfort and support. The company's name originated from a customer who described the shoes as having "new balance."
For decades, New Balance remained a small, regional company focused on orthopedic and specialty footwear. The company's transformation began in 1972 when Jim Davis purchased the company for $100,000. Davis recognized the potential of the brand and began expanding New Balance into athletic footwear, particularly running shoes.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, New Balance established itself as a serious competitor in the athletic footwear market, building a reputation for quality, comfort, and innovation. The company's focus on running shoes and athletic performance helped it gain market share against larger competitors like Nike and Adidas.
In recent years, New Balance has experienced remarkable growth, driven by the resurgence of "dad shoe" aesthetics, strategic athlete partnerships, and expansion into performance markets. The company signed major athletes including Kawhi Leonard (NBA), Coco Gauff (tennis), and Shohei Ohtani (baseball), establishing itself as a premium athletic brand.
In 2025, New Balance released limited-edition collaborations including Japan-made cotton T-shirts with Shohei Ohtani and became the on-and-off field apparel supplier for the National Rugby League, demonstrating its expanding influence in global sports.
Brands Owned by New Balance Athletics, Inc.
New Balance Athletics, Inc. owns 1 brand in our database.
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New Balance Athletics, Inc. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Family ownership provides long-term stability and strategic vision
- +Independence from public markets allows long-term investment focus
- +Commitment to domestic manufacturing differentiates from competitors
- +Strong athlete partnerships establish credibility in performance markets
- +Significant revenue growth demonstrates successful execution of strategy
Considerations
- -Private ownership limits access to public capital markets for expansion
- -Smaller marketing budgets compared to larger public competitors
- -Intense competition from Nike, Adidas, and other established brands
- -Need for continuous innovation to maintain market position
- -International expansion requires significant investment and expertise
Frequently Asked Questions About New Balance Athletics, Inc.
Is New Balance publicly traded?
No, New Balance is privately held by the Davis family and does not trade on public stock exchanges.
Who owns New Balance?
The Davis family owns New Balance. Jim Davis purchased the company in 1972 for $100,000 and has maintained family ownership since then.
What is New Balance's annual revenue?
New Balance generates estimated annual revenue exceeding $7.8 billion (2024), making it the largest privately held sneaker company in the world.
Where is New Balance manufactured?
New Balance manufactures products in the United States and United Kingdom, making it the only major sneaker company with significant domestic production.
What athletes does New Balance sponsor?
New Balance sponsors major athletes including Kawhi Leonard (NBA), Coco Gauff (tennis), and Shohei Ohtani (baseball), among others.
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