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New Balance: The Perfect Balance Between Motion and Style
LIFESTYLE / 2025-10-17
Brand Origin: From Orthopedic Innovation to Cultural Icon
Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, New Balance began not as a footwear label but as a small company producing arch supports designed to improve posture and comfort for workers who spent long hours standing. Riley’s fascination with the biomechanics of the foot led him to develop the “three-point balance” system—an innovation inspired by a chicken’s claw, known for its perfect stability.
By the 1960s, the brand had shifted focus to high-performance running shoes, crafting each pair with meticulous attention to fit and balance. The Trackster, introduced in 1961, became the first running shoe with a ripple sole and multiple width options, cementing New Balance’s reputation among serious athletes. Over the decades, what began as a niche running label transformed into a cultural phenomenon—embraced by runners, sneakerheads, and designers alike. Today, under New Balance Athletics, Inc., the brand seamlessly blends American craftsmanship with a modern, street-ready aesthetic, redefining what it means to move in style.
Design & Products: Where Precision Craft Meets Everyday Performance
New Balance’s design philosophy is rooted in one simple truth: “Performance never goes out of style.” Its shoes are celebrated for their precision engineering, premium materials, and timeless silhouettes that transcend trends.
The 990 series, often dubbed “the dad shoe that became a fashion icon,” exemplifies the brand’s duality—combining running technology with a clean, understated design beloved by both marathoners and minimalist tastemakers. Meanwhile, the 550, originally a 1980s basketball shoe, was revived into a streetwear essential thanks to its vintage appeal and collaborations with Aimé Leon Dore.
New Balance’s product range is marked by:
Heritage Craftsmanship: Many shoes are still made in the USA and UK, emphasizing authenticity and quality.
Advanced Technology: Cushioning systems like Fresh Foam and FuelCell push comfort and performance forward.
Sustainability: The brand’s growing use of recycled materials aligns with its commitment to responsible innovation.
From premium lifestyle sneakers to high-performance athletic gear, New Balance has mastered the art of balance—between old and new, sport and fashion, movement and mindfulness.
Lifestyle & Culture: Defining Global Cool Through Authenticity
More than a brand, New Balance has become a cultural movement built on authenticity and self-expression. Its understated design language—favoring substance over hype—resonates with those who seek quiet confidence in an era of loud fashion.
Across Tokyo, London, and New York, New Balance sneakers have become a unifying code among creatives, athletes, and style icons. Collaborations with brands like Stone Island and designers such as Salehe Bembury demonstrate how New Balance effortlessly bridges the gap between functionality and high fashion.
Beyond products, New Balance invests in community-driven initiatives like the “Run Your Way” campaign, which empowers individuals to define movement on their own terms—whether that means chasing athletic goals or simply finding rhythm in daily life. This human-centered ethos has made New Balance not just relevant, but revered, across generations.
Conclusion: Step Into Balance—Where Function Meets Fashion
New Balance celebrates craftsmanship, individuality, and motion, encouraging everyone to find their balance—both in style and in life. From its Boston beginnings to its global influence, the brand continues to write a universal story of freedom, purpose, and timeless design.
Each pair is a statement of comfort, authenticity, and understated luxury. Explore New Balance’s latest collections on IFCHIC, where classics like the 990, bold revivals like the 550, and modern icons from exclusive collaborations await to elevate your everyday rhythm.



