Step Up Your Sneaker Game with New Balance: 117 Years of Comfort and Style
If you’ve been following sneaker trends even sporadically these past few years, you would have seen a certain timeless, greyscale sneaker everywhere from the catwalk to the coastal path, to the office. New Balance has been around since 1906, but after cropping up on catwalks, its versatility has become a catchall for everyone young to old. Worn by Steve Jobs and Kaia Gerber, and now you, discover our New Balance range at Glue Store.
Forging a Beginning
Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, New Balance designed and produced arch supports and shoe accessories for blue collar workers. In the 1960s they started producing their own sneakers, and innovated by incorporating orthopedic nuances into their products. The brand quickly became popular with runners and athletes, thanks to their high-quality, comfortability that was intended to improve performance. The brand's unique selling point was their focus on a perfect fit. They achieved this by using a range of different shoe widths to accommodate different foot shapes.
In the 1970s, elite athletes and recreational joggers were turned on to the comfort afforded by in-built cushioning systems. By 1976, the 302 sneaker was voted best running shoe on the market in Runner’s World Magazine.
327
Bringing a distinctively American look to sports shoes, the 327 has made a name for itself as one of the most popular New Balance styles. First released in 2020, its design is inspired by the brand's retro running shoes from the 1970s, this time updated with modern materials and technology. The midsole features a unique split design that adds both style and comfort.
530
New Balance 530 sneakers were first released in the 1990s and have been a staple of the brand ever since. Setting the blueprint for marathoners, the shoes are designed to absorb impact. With a simple and understated design and small accents of colour on the "N" logo and heel, this sneaker provides understated sports style. The 530 is known for its comfortable fit and durability, making it a great choice for physical activity, or for an elevated, luxe-athleisure look.
574 / 574+
The 574 and it's platformed counterpart, the 574+, is another iconic New Balance style. The 574 was first released in 1988 and has since been updated with new materials and technology. The design is classic and timeless, with suede and mesh uppers and the brand's signature "N" logo on the sides. The 574+ is a modern update on the classic design, in fresh colorways and premium materials.
725
The 725 is a newer addition to the New Balance lineup, first released in 2021. This sneaker is inspired by the brand's archives, but has been updated with modern materials and a sleek design. The upper is made from a mix of leather and suede, with a chunky midsole and "N" logos on the sides. The 725 is a great choice for those who want a retro-inspired look but still with modern trappings and style.
BB480
The BB 480 is a basketball sneaker that was first released in 1983. The leather upper creates a minimalist canvas for the brand's "N" logo to shine. Unmistakeably designed for the court, perforations at the toebox provide breathability. The BB 480 was designed for basketball players, but it quickly became popular with sneakerheads for its fresh look, complimentary colourways and comfortable fit.
CT302
The CT302 is a tennis sneaker that was first released in 2021. The design is inspired by classic tennis shoes from the 1970s, but has been updated for modern life. The upper is made from a mix of leather and suede, with a chunky midsole and oversized "N" logos on the sides. The CT302 is a great choice for those who want a retro-inspired look with modern comfort and style.
2002
Another popular recent release is the 2002, which was first introduced in 2010 and updated in 2020. The sneaker features a mix of leather and mesh on the upper, with a chunky midsole. The 2002 is a nod to the brand's classic designs from the 1990s, and an ode to "daggy" dad fashion.
New Balance has come a long way since their early days producing arch supports, but they have stayed true to their core values of comfort, quality, and fit. Today, the brand is known for its classic, understated designs and its commitment to creating sneakers that are both functional and stylish. Whether you're serious about sneakers or just looking for a comfortable and stylish pair to add to your rotation, New Balance has something to offer. Shop the New Balance range at Glue Store.