Collection: NEW BALANCE

By 1960, New Balance arch supports had become very popular among budding athletes, some of whom even approached the brand asking for tailored sneakers. This inspired Eleanor and Paul Kidd to design the first New Balance sneaker, the Trackster. Released in 1961 and initially manufactured at home by the Kidds, the Trackster was the world’s first running shoe with a rippled sole for traction. New Balance also offered this revolutionary sneaker in a variety of widths to accommodate all athletes. The Trackster was soon adopted as a track and cross-country shoe by schools and colleges around Massachusetts.

The Trackster was a success, but New Balance was yet to hit the mainstream sneaker market. The company remained a small operation, run by six people who manufactured, packed, and posted New Balance sneakers to mail-order customers. Sales were slow, but on the day of the 1972 Boston Marathon, New Balance was purchased by the brand’s current chairman, Jim Davis, who steered the brand to become one of the largest sneaker brands in the world.