The Rise & Comeback of New Balance | WTH

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

And yet in 2023 the trend already shifting to Onitsuka and Saucony little by little. Edit: good thing is NB always having core users and fanbase so they likely will never left

[@Mondragora99]

Japan always loved NB, since the 90s I remember the manga/anime Initial D where the protagonist and his dad used NB 574.

[@kaeuymah]

Absolutely loved this episode! Not gonna lie, I didn’t get the past few years of hype NB was getting. But your breakdown of the brand’s history and cultural timeline totally brought everything into focus. Not an NB fan, but I now respect the heritage. Thanks as always, Reggie!

[@Jeffreynelius]

As someone from Maryland, where the brand has been a staple for years, I’m actually really enjoying this moment. It’s like seeing the world embrace something you’ve been seeing and appreciating for years. So many more collabs and just overall creative stuff going on at the brand because of this boom period for them. Plus Teddy is so good at what he does he brings so much class to the Made line. I’m loving this right now.

[@THECASUALco]

The crazy thing is… Japan actually is the country that uplifted New Balance before the huge wave. In the 90s New Balance was their entire wave and since they don’t abandon movements NB has been a staple for Japanese fashion enthusiasts ever since.

[@Jeffreynelius]

@@THECASUALco and that’s another great thing about this wave, I’ve been able to learn that! Through your channel as well as different accounts on IG. Seeing the everyday people around me, little kids, teens, grandparents, all wearing the brand, most not even aware they’re having such a big moment. They’re just wearing what they always wear. Seeing that then seeing pages on IG with groups of friends in Japan all wearing NB everyday. It’s awesome! Love the channel, thank you Reggie and the crew. 🙏

[@757CitiesReppa]

Yeah, I’m from VA and people been wearing NB since the 80’s. Japan usually borrows things we’ve did or have done in those times.

[@cazrethomas]

For a little more New Balance history, while people were still thinking they were the uncool dad shoe, New Balance has been a cool brand in Baltimore for almost all the 30+ years I've been living. Specifically the 574 and the 990 series. Initially it was a hustler's shoe. Amazing comfort and great to run in lol. Outside of the change in fashion during the 80s kid era, don't think I've ever seen its popularity dip here. Glad they're getting more love elsewhere, though I wish the 997s and 998s were more available in the states.

[@Jeffreynelius]

Shout out to you Thom because this should always be mentioned when discussing the legacy of New Balance. I’m from MD and like you said, 574’s and 990’s are seen daily and it’s been that way for a very long time. From little kids to old ladies.

[@northsidepolarbear]

S/o “Big Game” James Worthy👏👏

[@lawrencejwalters-smith8671]

Don't forget the DMV they did a lot for New Balance.

[@bulls1777]

I remember vividly back in 2006 I was 15 years old on a college tour in the DMV (Maryland). All the students were wearing New Balance. And me being from New York didn't get it and clowned it cuz I was solely into basketball shoes at the time. It took me till 2013 I copped my first pair of 998. Even tho NBs and skinny jeans didn't mate too well lmao, I figured it out. And I never looked back after that all I wear now are New Balanceeeees/runners

[@jonathandavid6882]

Just came back from Japan and was shocked at how many people are rocking them!

[@paganlecter6819]

Wonder what would happen if a guy called jordans shoes for black kids...hmm...

[@cgazlan]

I have 4 pairs of new balance running shoes. The lastest is the Mre Trail V3 which i bought to wear casually... the design of the trail shoes is umppphhhh

[@KwamePenny]

I was never a fan of NB…, I had a summer job in a sneaker store in the Bronx,NYC for 3 straight years in the late 2000s while I was attending college in Ghana, and I just was not a fan . I just started to pay attention a few weeks ago and noticed the new styles have a sole reminiscent of high end sneaker brands like Balenciaga triple S,raf Simmons,Rick Owens . Definitely must be the soles cause they make them standout and damn near high end looking . I’ve even invested in an apparel or 2 . I don’t know who’s designing this new era style of NB sneakers and gear but I’d say I’m overly impressed …very impressed

[@comicog3]

This thumbnail had no reason to so fucking hard, but it did.

[@northsidepolarbear]

Wow, those NB’s from the 50s-70s were Dope. Great breakdown with a Back story, visuals with content, nd History of the Shoe. 🤗👏👏

[@sherrodwright999]

First comment…. Is that still a thing lol?

[@3d1k3]

Yup. You did it fam😊

[@soicystaxx]

@@3d1k3 L no he diddnt.he must try again!

[@Villain57]

ID on the 574s at 6:08

[@Ryan-tb6mr]

Can they fix the Kawhi 3 then 😫

[@BertoBeats]

Man I love New Balance so much, their quality is so far beyond Nike and Adidas and they last forever. Comfort is top-notch and they are effortless to wear.

[@Jeffreynelius]

Shout out to the newly crowned NBA Champion, Jamal Murray. He might have his own signature model on the way now.

[@mrotaveria]

Thanks for the video. Loving the NB latest offerings, bought quite a few. Suggestion: how about a vid of Mizuno?

[@madzen112]

Bought a pair of New Balance two years ago after been wearing Vans, Converse and other skate brands for most of my life. Been wearing them more or less every day and they're still not worn out. Am absolutely impressed with the quality.

[@alexmathewmendoza]

I've been into collecting sneakers since about 2015, and I only purchased my first pair of New Balances in 2019. Up until then it was the usual rotation of Nikes, Jordans and the occasional Reebok or Saucony. These days as I find my personal style changing and as the newest offerings from Nike grow staler, I've been gravitating more and more toward New Balance. I love their silhouettes, I love the quality, the comfort is usually great. I wouldn't be surprised if I shaved down my Jordans down to just 2 pairs or so with the rest of my collection being New Balances.

[@rgmph]

Been to 3 asian countries the past 3 months. And all i can say is NB is everywhere. Really comfy shoe. Bought a few pairs myself. 😂 not a lot tho in the Philippines as it is, for the average person here, expensive.

[@farouqs]

I worked with Japanese before, and new balance was a staple for them and i eventually adopt the style as well. Personal favourite 574

[@alexchen5742]

One thing I love and respect the most of NB is that their shoes are the most versatile not only in comfort, fashion style and keeping their heritage, but that no matter how old or new the shoe model is, you can implement different materials on any silhouette. The Palace and Action Bronson collab have some of the craziest materials such as using pig skin leather for it’s properties on certain areas of the shoe. Even this also answers that it gives collaborators more freedom and experimentation. This is why I gravitated towards NB lately.

[@LAK253]

naw new balance is not killing it. . . I respect your opinion, but I don’t vibe with it. I need something more than numbers or hype. I respect their growth, I just don’t give them that much credit.

[@THECASUALco]

Numbers tell a different story…

[@Jeffreynelius]

@@LAK253 depends on your point of view then… I guess

[@THECASUALco]

The work I do is data based so technically, yes I live by numbers. In order for me to consult and give sound advice I need data to back it up. New Balance is a private company that eclipsed 5 billion USD in revenue one of the most competitive markets of athletic footwear. That by definition means they are not only numerically “killing it” but culturally as well.

[@THECASUALco]

Ok first I respect your opinion and it’s a ok for people to debate in a respectful manner. It’s also ok to disagree and also be mature about things you disagree with. I did not attack your character or your work but you decided to go there with me out of some misguided anger. You don’t have to defend the video, sure. But you responded with a paragraph stating your reason which means you do care about defended your position. 2nd there are MULTIPLE outlets stating new balance has been doing incredibly well. Not just from a financial standpoint but also culturally. This is NOT a simple opinion, this based on actual evidence. Just because YOU don’t mess with them doesn’t make that any less true. And guess what that’s ok. Granted I guarantee if it was something you liked you’d almost certainly agree. And third, you attack the discord and what I choose to wear (which by the way you decided to show your true colors about how you feel about me personally.) Let me tell you, I have supported indigenous peoples through and through. You know all those “feather necklaces” I have? Those aren’t Japanese made, those are Native American made but BOUGHT by Japanese and sold in Japan. Did you know there are literally hundreds of different sellers right here in Japan that source Native American/Indigenous jewelry? I assume you didn’t because you went right for the “culturally appropriated” argument to attack my character. But I’ll let that go. We can all be petty but we can also be respectful. Yes, we wanted to revamp the discord. It had issues. We said as much. Bringing it up so you can say it’s dead doesn’t change a thing. The whole “I’m not like others..” profile and being cynical about the world is a trait I am all too familiar with. You don’t have to be that way but you are. The only solution is to uplift yourself and DO that thing you want to do. Not being at the pinnacle of it is certainly holding you back and making you more cynical than you should be. Not trying to preach but dammit I just want to help. So I’m not gonna snap back. I’m just going to say be well dude.

[@Jeffreynelius]

I’m curious then what it would take for you personally to give them credit. Can you explain that further?

[@memopinzon]

I don't get it...good for them tho.

[@mikeylikey2306]

Whoa bro. Steady on the made in America nonsense. Very few of these shoes are made in America - and when they are it’s like a bloody collab. there’s so much writing about it

[@jf3715]

Wonderful video. I think you made a really pertinent point in this video! I love how you point out the NB base models are readily available AND are equally as relevant as the limited models. New balance is doing precisely that right now and Nike really hasn’t been able to do that in at least the last 20 years.

[@colmcgillveray1010]

They were lucky to survive the CEO saying he supported Trump and the "Alt Right" trying to weak ass claim the shoe as Fashy footwear..

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

I still remembered that😅

[@PedaRollBiizz103]

New Balance Never Left. But These Fake Hypebeast Hippies Are Gonna Ruin It

[@THECASUALco]

No they won’t. It’s just how fashion works. New Balance isn’t Nike, the models are far more low key and way easier to get.

[@PedaRollBiizz103]

@@THECASUALco EXACTLY! They Are Easy To Get. That Means People That Don’t Compliment The New Models And Colorways Will Wear Them

[@Jeffreynelius]

Look at the bright side man, there’s a lot more activity at the brand and more creative stuff going on because of it.