How New Balance Sneakers Are Made | The Making Of

New Balance wasn’t always considered the “cool shoe,” as most sneakerheads turned towards Nike or Adidas. However, as of late, more and more people are choosing New Balance sneakers for its comfort and support. Star athletes like Coco Gauff, Kawhi Leonard, and Sadio Mané are turning towards the brand as their go-to sneaker on the court and on the field. Insider’s Fabiana Buontempo visited New Balance’s factory in Lawrence, Massachusetts to learn what goes into making these sneakers.
MORE MAKING OF CONTENT:
How Zippo Lighters Are Made | The Making Of
• How Zippo Lighters Are...
How The New York Times Is Made | The Making Of
• How The New York Times...
How Timex Watches Are Made | The Making Of
• How Timex Watches Are ...
------------------------------------------------------
#NewBalance #Sneakers #BusinessInsider
Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more.
Visit us at: www.businessinsider.com
Subscribe: / businessinsider
BI on Facebook: read.bi/2xOcEcj
BI on Instagram: read.bi/2Q2D29T
BI on Twitter: read.bi/2xCnzGF
BI on Amazon Prime: read.bi/PrimeVideo
How New Balance Sneakers Are Made | The Making Of

[@Ivehadenuff]

My sister worked for New Balance and was treated very well. We are a New Balance family, though it’s been years since she worked there.

[@richardoyelakin8950]

Which country are u talking from babe. I want to share something with you

[@ChapinDionne]

Unfortunately, security is a bit of a questionable factor in this case. A few years ago, a young man was robbed on a beach in Amsterdam when someone tried to steal his Rolex watch, which turned out to be fake. This is a sad story. The thief does not know (at first glance) whether the item is real or fake, but the most important thing is that replicating bags can save a lot of money, *condupcom* provides high cost performance and at the same time, you can spend the money elsewhere, easing the economy burden

[@hariharanb785]

I love a company that is proud of what it makes.

[@annguy5563]

I joined the Army August this year and they past nb shoes out free for all new recruits, and I have to say these nb shoes are the best running shoes I’ve ever had in my life

[@wales6747]

@@annguy5563 try adidas ultra boost

[@fishjuice3987]

@@annguy5563 agreed wore nikes fucked up my feet tried new balance felt like a new guy

[@boohere2]

Not only that,but New Balance shoes are made in the U.S. Most other shoe companies make their shoes in China or just other countries. I buy New Balance because they are U.S. made and I like them. Comfortable shoes

[@shekoken]

Pasta Chocolate not all new balances are made in the US. The high end running shoes that cost over 150 bucks are made in the US. But majority of the lower model of new balances are made in either in Vietnam or Indonesia and it of course, China.

[@JC-se8mi]

NB Number System 50: Fitness Running 60: Stability 70: Light Stability 80: Neutral 90: Speed Very handy to know now!

[@mechprincess1]

What is 997H?

[@mechprincess1]

@@andrew1983 thanks. How do i find this list, (other than this video)

[@nikkihoffman2891]

C J I never knew that!! Thank you!

[@tylerpayne3955]

40 is "Control" aka Motion control or optimal control. The 840 is oddly an exception to this rule and is a neutral cushioning shoe. Many of the shoes don't have numbers so you have to look at the tech sheet to see which category if falls under.

[@blvcxsvntv]

1000 level?

[@Tonyhouse1168]

As a bartender and handyman, I’m on my feet a lot. I whole-heartedly endorse new balance shoes; worn them exclusively for years and they do the job and never wear out

[@Adam-fw9cl]

Which model do you recommend?

[@blackjackool]

My most comfortable shoe ever was a New Balance too, and it was a cheap one too.

[@ChapinDionne]

Growing up in New York, I would always see women on Park Avenue buying the same fake stuff from street vendors. Nowadays, it has developed to the point where everyone is buying on *condupcom* , and there is nothing wrong with this.

[@kidjeff4304]

Very surprised and happy to see an American manufacturing facility. I may have to pick up a pair.

[@errhka]

Not all their shoes are still made in America, so make sure you check the label when you buy your pair! I highly recommend the 990s if you can afford them

[@kidjeff4304]

@@errhka I could google, but I will ask you. What does 990 mean. I'm gonna guess 90 is the support level as mentioned in The video.

[@errhka]

It's a running shoe that's made for cushioning and stability over lightness - I never really paid much attention to the number until this video hehe

[@campkira]

i won't do well with rain and water....

[@obey2dmax]

New Balance is either Made in USA, England and Vietnam. Made from the first 2 are far more expensive than in Vietnam especially retail (and resell) wise unless Made in Vietnam is a well sought collab with a sneaker boutique known for and by Sneakerheads. Just add $100 to it if you're looking for that are made in US or add 75 Euros that made in UK.

[@noelrios9320]

Been wearing them since I learned they were the only company that still made shoes in America and that was 10 years ago.

[@midnightfun1277]

Hopefully more ppl do. This creates job and eliminates forced child labour. And plus out of all my shoes nb are the most durable and quality does retain even after so many years. None of my nike or adidas can do that.

[@boyfoxter5614]

red wing boots are made in the US

[@ManicMindTrick]

A lot of brands make shoes in the US still...It used to be a lot more though.

[@gregphillips1998]

Only a few models are made in America. I was just in a New Balance store today buying their socks and I looked to find a American shoe. 👎🏻

[@David28311]

Not all are made in América some of there models are from Vietnam

[@allysonbeaulieu7351]

There’s actually a new balance factory a half hour from my house here in central Maine! I remember when I was a kid, we would always get new new balances at the tent sale they had at the end of the summer!

[@josephfades]

I’ve been wearing NB for YEARS because they’re so comfortable and very affordable. They’ve become more stylish and the current styles are up to date to today’s standards. When it comes to reliability they last a long time compared to my Nike or Adidas which the material tends to tear or the bottom sole tends to fade away quicker.

[@ninuasneofox]

No damage plastic adidas . I Like NB

[@MY-ll9fg]

it is not affordable in Turkey it is high end brand. Geography is destiny :(

[@deepakhardel3184]

NB is very costly in india. I had a nike cp running shoe which was ripped apart within 2 months. Used for walking purpose only.

[@rootsofafrika]

Because they are some of the most comfortable shoes ever.

[@DarkPa1adin]

Then boost took over the world. Now is the Vaporfly

[@ripcurrent2484]

The new yeezy 380s are the most comfortable sneaker I have ever worn. Never tried nb tho

[@DeltaEchoGolf]

The best shoe for tired old feet. And the wides are actually wide. Unlike Nike which became narrower and overpriced.

[@CloseThatBackdoor]

sheesh

[@lxaxv-6711]

@@-JohnnyWaIker- 100%ly agreed. They're so f*cking comfortable

[@dg6095]

Lol all throughout high school people called them dad shoes lmfao now everyone is wearing them

[@dg6095]

Most comfortable sneakers I've owned, when you're a us16 4e wide it's a p.i.t.a. to find comfortable sneakers 🤣

[@slitherr5036]

DG 609 true but most of the designs are pretty ugly only a few like the notorious 574 look nice. My opinion

[@methanesulfonic]

i remember everyone who wears this at middle school got bullied big time :/ it's like gaming and watching anime all over again

[@ohfr20]

Nah Detroit Connecticut new York been wearing them. I like the 990v5s and the 574s but you gotta freak them right

[@billjon2732]

Hell yea

[@natschmat917]

I remember my parents got me a pair of New Balances from Modell's way back when in middle school, and my sister was making fun of them, saying they were whack and nobody liked those shoes. As an adult, I came to realize that name brand really doesn't matter, what matters is the practicality and durability. Is the sneaker going to last? Can it weather the elements? Is it made well? Is it worth the price? Many products are known based on how popular people make them, but popularity has never been part of my life. I wear and use what's comfortable and fitting for my lifestyle and taste. I'm not going to run out and buy a pair of New Balances, but I am going to continue to wear shoes that are comfortable for my feet and wallet.

[@midnightfun1277]

Happy now that in the sneaker culture NB is getting the recognition it deserves.

[@Alberto.LIS.Morais]

Because you are clever, and can think for your self....

[@BabySonicGT]

Nice

[@n.arbilon]

💀you have no drip

[@YeahNaw]

Long time sneakerhead here, and just like any hobby, we love the sneakers for the history attach to them, as much as the craftsmanship. Similar to a piece of art. The reason why NB was left in the dust for so long is because there was little to no historical impact that was made by the brand, e.g. major superstars or celebrities wearing them. NB was never hyped, even today they don’t get much attention in contrast to other brands. But real sneakerheads always had respect for NB, because they wear what they like, not what others thinks is cool. And sneakerheads knows that NB are comfortable as shit.

[@jh1328]

3 years after this feature, they're still going strong. Still probably my favorite brand.

[@gibbethoskins8621]

They are just insanely comfortable and so well made, that's why they have become popular. I've had a pair of New Balance for 2 years, the sole is hardly worn and they still look and feel like new with just some general care and cleaning.

[@chrisp5526]

Fun fact: the US Marine Corps uses New Balance for all of their recruits-at least they do for the east coast Marine recruits.

[@annguy5563]

Army does too

[@danialmazlann]

Over here in Singapore too hahaha!

[@judah6152]

So does U.S. Air Force (Hoorah!)

[@AFTRPARTY.]

singapore too

[@54CFC]

During my high school days (over 10 years ago), New Balance 574s were hugely popular!

[@jmluc90]

I have been wearing New Balance for several years now and once I started I've found it difficult to wear anything else. They're so comfortable!

[@nugs44]

Adidas and Nike can’t make a video like this because it would have to show little Asian children in sweat shops

[@denverfleury4542]

Adidas could there made fairly Adidas made a video abt ultraboosts being made

[@irriswarrirris]

😂😅

[@mikehusky3967]

More on Nike.

[@DarkPa1adin]

Lol. Actually it is underpaid workers camping in the factory 6 days a week

[@Paulo-zr5zo]

Lol that's funny but adidas just showed their reebok 3d printing shoe factory, just not sure if it applies to their adidas as well

[@iqbalhardito3020]

The 990 is the most comfortable shoe. Love them so much

[@ritiksurana9178]

What's the model they made in this video

[@Quincy1055]

@@ritiksurana9178 990v5

[@KaPowProduction]

I started wearing New Balance when everyone went for Yeezys, Off-Whites, AJ1 etc. it’s awesome.

[@SamLau]

Got my first pair a few years ago... and i am hooked. NB make the most comfortable shoes for running! Never going to switch!

[@jacksparrow460]

Great shoe. Never had a complain since I bought my first pair. It’s so comfortable to wear them.

[@UnknownUnknown-by7fc]

New Balance is gradually making it on the map. 🔥 brand

[@staffiemama]

Just bought my first pair, I work 8 or more hours on my feet, these by far are brilliant for comfort and I love them.

[@MuhammadAbdullah-sc6xr]

I can vouch for their comfort, fit n support. One of the best trainers I have ever worn

[@Quanic2000]

True sneakerheads like myself have New Balance in our collections and know they're the best crafted shoe. Especially the made in the US and UK ones. Only hypebeasts diss New Balance.

[@nahor88]

I like them cuz they make extra wide sized running shoes for my duck feet, and they're more affordable than brands like Nike and Adidas. However... my soles didn't hold up. The right one sprung a hole after about a year and a half, and I had to replace them with Dr. Scholls.

[@lxaxv-6711]

@@nahor88 Doesn't mean they're all bad. I have a pair for over 2 years now and they are still perfect

[@pourchassemorgan2680]

@@lxaxv-6711 True, you appreciate the quality and the more "mature design"

[@exzelzo]

I love my New Balance, one of the most convertable shoes I ever bought.... aiming for their model next month

[@fiddlestickzmuzik]

I love NB shoes, I'm ordering a couple of new pairs just last week, and before that I ordered some cricket shoes last month that just blew my mind how comfortable they were. If these 2 new pairs I ordered are good, I will transfer over to NB entirely as my main trainer of choice.

[@preparetobedazled]

Honestly, I LOVE that they still make at least some of their shoes in the USA. Wish more companies would follow suit

[@go35ffc]

They totally neglected Steve Jobs was the unofficial ambassador of New balance

[@ercimoisa4235]

Made in America, love it. I went out and bought a pair and they are actually really comfortable - with solid stitching.

[@ninuasneofox]

NB in China

[@Legionnaire7777]

Also made in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@MarcoRiosPita]

Congrats. This is such an interesting topic, the processing and assembling stages within supply chain management process is key.... Thanks for sharing!

[@justrob1453]

New Balance 990 series is legendary. this is probably 1 of my dream sneaker.

[@Bigshiesty1]

dmv started this😏I kinda prefer new balances over nikes.

[@dylan-de9gf]

gee gleeshy i stamp buh da city or bmor🤔? what yall think

[@MDK3680]

Brother it’s always been a DC thing first. Bmore and philly rock for sure, but DC started it.

[@shaunscott3582]

@@MDK3680 💯

[@jamesmillard3773]

New Balance sneakers are also not made in sweatshops and labor camps.

[@poeticalvision]

Yes they are. New Balance makes shoes both in America and Europe, and in China. Thats why some of their shoes have the "Made in the US" distinction, and cost 100 bucks more.

[@gerryfishman7823]

I think a majority of 574 and the running sneaker sections are made in vietnam or china

[@melloyellow6375]

Only 2 or 3 of there shoes are made in America the rest are made in China

[@mechprincess1]

@@poeticalvision are the conditions in China sweat shops? (genuinly asking) $100 more for made in US is fine, coz labor is indeed cheap in other countries. But are the workers in China and Vietnam being paid a fair salary and are their conditions fair/ labor laws etc?

[@hottatortot6011]

@@mechprincess1 no, they get paid very little. The conditions they work in are terrible, it's hot sweaty and there's chemicals which is why their called sweat shops

[@starrshine5976]

I have been wearing NB for at least 10 years. The store in Delta BC always takes care of me. I'm size 14 2E. Loving my NB.

[@chrismaggio7879]

Most of my last two dozen pair of trail running/hiking shoes have been NBs! Love them

[@CarlosAGarcia97]

I love love love New Balance it has changed my life literally I suffered from foot pain Arch pain throughout my life but in 2016 I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and receive physical therapy which was brutal and didn't seem to help🤪 one of the doctors recommend it to look into New balance and now for the first time in three years I can wear sneaker without orthotics without two or three pair of socks and I am just grateful that my feet don't hurt on a regular basis on a normal day 😀 Now my Children and Wife are all Rocking New Balance I'm So grateful to God for you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 May you continue to have Great Success, Let your integrity of design be acknowledged and felt by Everyone!!!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@12012channel]

New Balance is one of the go to when someone has a foot problem or pain.

[@theHerathrig]

There the only brand makes wide sneakers thats clearly labeled “wide”. That is why they are my favorite sneaker brand. Hope they make hype or collabs models that are wide too.

[@rizzorizzo2311]

They just jumped into the skate shoe game too and they are some damn good shoes. I was surprised at how well they’re designed and made.

[@prepareforyourafterlife.2221]

Just brought my first ever pair yesterday love em

[@roastedpotato5514]

If there's no ad in the video, then the whole video is an ad

[@thisMyJourney]

I love New Balance, the shoes price is affordable and the quality is awesome!

[@Skitad]

Very nice video thank you !

[@cm581]

I remember wearing this brand for running and comfort back in high school. Yup dad shoes is what I wore.

[@jorgebravo8290]

This brand is the most comfortable sneakers

[@aniqanuar6320]

boost?

[@Equilibrium8]

Try ultraboost

[@ron8614]

I find asics sneakers much better

[@k.3ren]

Ever heard of ultraboost?

[@jorgebravo8290]

@@ron8614 those are good too

[@AlwaysTrain]

Endorsed by all senior citizens of America👨🏻‍🦳🧓🏻👍

[@urmum7461]

yuh

[@jjfv702]

🖕🖕🏻🖕🏼🖕🏽🖕🏾🖕🏿

[@complicatedjason]

OK boomer

[@AlwaysTrain]

Jaime F.V Ur Mum is here

[@TheAwesomeKiller]

You probably wear 70 dollar Nikes lol. New balance is the new wave, don’t hop on too late or you’ll be a bandwagon

[@igorras-ff7oe]

I love these boots. I was curious how they make them and it's genius! Way cooler than I imagined!

[@lethithuy1973]

so touching for an excellent video

[@perlamiseriaccia]

03:20 when you see that evil face you can't stop thinking about it lol

[@PinstripeJim]

Been only wearing New Balance for my running shoes since 2001 when they were issued to me in Basic Training.

[@shaunbarlett9108]

Im right there with you Jim!

[@FreakNasty52]

2000 here... I was wondering if anybody would point that out!

[@annguy5563]

They’re still issuing NB at bct here Fort Jackson

[@joal366]

1st times NB user here. Bought a 247, I am impressed!

[@emyliamaisara3008]

GREAT VIDEOS! 👍🏻

[@m.p.r.6999]

I love NB sneakers, every style fits perfectly, can walk miles in their sneakers without hurting my feet

[@ninuasneofox]

Strong plastic NB

[@mochamadnabilsatria4999]

New Balance shoes are so underrated

[@kobenoyashi531]

Bought some 574s a month ago. That wider toe box really is great!

[@EricFortuneJr.]

The most comfortable work shoes I’ve ever owned.

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

Eric Jr what About ultraboost?

[@fishjuice3987]

@@whitemailprivilege2830 nah the 990s blow it out of the water

[@HobzyMcRuse]

I've been wearing them for 20 years... so comfortable and perfect for my wider feet. The designs are getting pretty cool too.

[@charbokh]

I have the exact same shoes they produced in this video. The 990 V5 Made in U.S.A. Phenomenal! They might be dad shoes but they are really comfortable. I love everything about New Balance is my favorite shoe brand.

[@7evive]

Just picked a pair of 990v5 and they are amazing!

[@GabrielSweetSmith]

They can thank DC and the rest of the DMV for those sales...specially in 2010 😂 😂

[@ConspiracyXClan]

Gabriel Smith big facts

[@deezy1991]

Til this day! 💯

[@tenwaystowearit]

I love the smell of new shoes. I could sit in a shoe store all day just for the smell. It’s like the new-car smell to me. Am I alone on this?

[@joostoudhoff4382]

I really like the smell as well

[@tenwaystowearit]

Yay! Thanks joost.

[@tenwaystowearit]

GIDEON GICH wrong. See comment above. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@tenwaystowearit]

I bet it smells so good in that factory. Like new shoes everywhere. 👃🏽

[@MedSou]

*Excellent work* 👍👍👍👍👍

[@alieninstallation50]

love these vids!

[@bookshelf5759]

Im wearing a pair of the american made ones right now Amazing shoe.

[@andrewlim1891]

I love New Balance's mantra "Endorsed By No One". No hype, just purely functional and comfortable footwear at a reasonable price.

[@aliahyar3174]

One of my favorite brands. The shoes are so comfortable

[@josemarcelo5363]

A amazing, love it very much this vídeo.. From Fortaleza northeast of BRASIL

[@joapps8135]

all 3 NBs I have bought have defects -- such as toe guard becoming unglued, sole becoming unglued, premature deterioration of outer material, hole in outer material -- with infrequent and light use

[@housesports000]

3:24 “An employee will send that part down the assembly line” Assembly line: *_not even 5 feet_*

[@YoungSimonzzz]

Great shoes with a lot of different models I really like New Balance!!!💯💯💯

[@thomasmcgillivray3997]

I'm an older guy now & ex distance runner but just long daily walks nowadays.....I've worn all the top brands but over many years have not wavered for my love of New Balance footwear...they are amazing in every way & I just love them.

[@caj5549]

Been wearing New Balance ever since they first came out in Australia.. it’s the only brand I ever wear, 12 years as a fitness instructor and now middle aged and suffering osteoarthritis in my feet , the wide fit and comfort of their running shoes is the only shoe I can wear all day and not be in agony. 👌👍

[@smkaul3513]

I have joint hypermobility, so i am considering between the stability or light stability pair. Can you tell me the difference to expect between those?

[@geoboy181]

"Sadio manay"

[@mo_guled]

lol

[@AlejandroMinnelli]

Just bought my second pair of NB, very comfortable!

[@chidamberchavan9824]

I bought new balance shoes yesterday...the popular 574 sneaker..🙂 happy to see this video..

[@jesuscollazo4838]

NBA “FINALS” MVP, not nba mvp

[@Jeremyaw]

New balance always has and will be my main shoe!

[@ktmidol]

My dad had one of these and I loved them.

[@AnnaMishel]

It’s amazing!

[@cedb7115]

The 574 and 996 are my favorite models .

[@s_pink]

Just spent $240 on grey 992. The shoe will last me 10+ years with every day use. I guarantee it. 🔥

[@jaredbickmore2474]

And that is why I love new balance they last for years

[@s_pink]

@@jaredbickmore2474 it's the greatest quality shoe company.

[@eeskaatt]

love my nb. it was quite an eye-opener when i first tried one xD

[@sab605]

I love New Balance shoes. I wear a size 13 4E and they fit like a glove and are really comfortable.

[@Joseph-ms3iq]

When Business Insider asked what do they all have in common I got really scared for a second.

[@internettroll7497]

Is that why there is a "n" on their shoe?

[@ibejibenson1783]

Why scared ? That they are of black complexion ?

[@warrenmatt5099]

New Balance are the most comfortable sneakers that I ever wore in my entire life so far that's why I keep buying them

[@ThaRealBummyDavis]

Around me in CT NB has always been a hood favorite since back in the mid 2000’s

[@michaelangelobrinez1321]

I went to this video because I recently bough NB 425 Black Gum sole. I always get compliments with these shoes.

[@chichan9013]

I have never tried New Balance. I might try it.

[@iloper]

Thinking the same

[@khalidelomrani5003]

Cc

[@mike80449]

I love love new balance :) I sold most of my Jordan’s And yeezys such a waste, I love the suede on the 990 the comfort and the best of all can go to a footlocker and get a pair for 175 bucks no resell no bs.

[@freedomisthechoicesyoumake8594]

The ever loving New Balance shoe that many love so dearly, especially me.

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

Their soles have always been amazing. Maybe the best! I have a pair of 928s I used walking in NYC for over 12 hours. It felt good and I had no issues with foot fatigue.

[@jurgenklopp8771]

“Sadio Manay”

[@7_plays_]

Jurgen Klopp ikr

[@craveleaks8102]

Yes, it was cringey.

[@zuhairishahar1408]

To Madrid soon

[@shinki_15]

New balance are my favorite brand of shoes

[@gigigood4548]

just bought my first NB shoes !

[@flukyreview9128]

New Balance one of a few that still make shoes in the USA. I love my 990s, been wearing them since the 80s and still made in USA. Steve Jobs wore the 990 exclusively also.

[@americanadventures8985]

I like that they make them in the USA! I’ll buy New Balance now.

[@americanadventures8985]

Owner Singh Nike’s and Adidas cost more than New Balance

[@EseJandro]

Right?! Not a lot of American shoes

[@hiroprotagonitis]

Look for the made in us P.f flyers too, better than Nike owned made in prc Converse

[@apex_killzone3257]

Liverpool fan here because our jerseys are made by new balance #YNWA

[@kyanblacklock9372]

They are starting to grow like crazy now it is great, very thrilled

[@tommasocappelli7695]

especially this well made collection (Made in) has blown up, and I feel it's not a random effect. Fashon's shifting towards quality and sustainability rn

[@EdwardGador]

I've only had NB's since I started running a decade ago. It's even gained popularity as a casual everyday shoe here in the Philippines. Proud wearer here.

[@joshantonio6894]

The 990's are the best! American handmade!