Founded in 1906 in Belmont, Massachusetts by British immigrant William J. Riley as The New Balance Arch Company, New Balance originally manufactured arch supports and orthopedic shoes. In the 1930s, the company began producing footwear specifically for athletes and, in 1960, it introduced the Trackster, not only the first running shoe with a ripple sole, but also the first to come in a range of widths. Despite a reputation throughout the Northeast for quality production, the company did not achieve widespread success until after James S. Davis acquired it in 1972 for $100,000 from then owner, Paul Kidd. Davis helped establish a national sales distribution network, which paid dividends in 1976 when the brand released the 320, named the “No. 1 running shoe of the year” by Runner’s World. The 320 also featured the debut of the now famous “N” logo, designed by Terry Heckler. Since the 70s, New Balance has become world renowned for its high-quality running sneakers that are often produced domestically despite the fact that nearly all of the company’s competitors moved production overseas in the 90s. With a slew of classic models, from the 574 to the 990 to the 1300, and a century-old attention to craft, New Balance celebrates its heritage while simultaneously innovating for the next generation of runners.