Exploring the History of New Balance Shoes and Their Manufacturing in the UK: A Look at the Brand’s Legacy and Its Impact on the British Footwear Industry

Since 1906, New Balance has been a leader in the footwear industry, providing quality shoes for athletes and everyday wearers alike. The brand has a long and storied history in the United Kingdom, where it has been manufacturing shoes since 1982. This article will explore the history of New Balance shoes and their manufacturing in the UK, looking at the brand’s legacy and its impact on the British footwear industry.

New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley in Boston, Massachusetts. The company initially focused on arch supports and orthopedic shoes, but soon expanded into athletic footwear. In the 1960s, New Balance began to focus on running shoes, and by the 1970s, the brand had become a leader in the industry.

In 1982, New Balance opened its first factory in Flimby, Cumbria, in the United Kingdom. This factory was the first of its kind in the UK, and it allowed New Balance to produce shoes locally, rather than importing them from the United States. This allowed the company to better serve the British market and to provide more jobs in the area.

Since then, New Balance has become a major player in the British footwear industry. The company has continued to expand its presence in the UK, opening additional factories in Cumbria and other parts of the country. New Balance now employs over 1,000 people in the UK, and its shoes are sold in over 100 countries around the world.

New Balance shoes are known for their quality and durability, and the brand has become a favorite among athletes and everyday wearers alike. The company’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made it a leader in the industry, and its shoes are now seen as a symbol of quality and style.

New Balance’s commitment to manufacturing in the UK has also had a positive impact on the British footwear industry. The company’s presence has helped to create jobs and to boost the local economy. It has also helped to raise the profile of the British footwear industry, and has encouraged other companies to invest in the country.

New Balance’s legacy in the UK is one of quality, innovation, and commitment to craftsmanship. The brand’s shoes are now seen as a symbol of quality and style, and its commitment to manufacturing in the UK has had a positive impact on the British footwear industry. New Balance’s legacy is one that will continue to shape the industry for years to come.