new balance shoes founder

We’ve all been there. You’re staring at a wall of sneakers, overwhelmed by a sea of logos, price tags, and marketing jargon. You just want a pair of shoes that won’t fall apart in three months, that actually feel good on your feet, and—let’s be honest—that look good enough to wear with jeans without feeling like you’re heading to the gym. In a world of fast fashion and disposable kicks, finding that perfect balance of comfort, durability, and style can feel like a treasure hunt. It’s a problem that’s been around for decades, and it’s exactly the problem that one company set out to solve over a century ago.

That company, of course, is New Balance. But before we dive into the story of the New Balance shoes founder, let’s get one thing straight: the brand we know and love today wasn’t born from a flashy marketing campaign or a celebrity endorsement. It started with a very simple, very human problem. In the early 1900s, a man named William J. Riley noticed something odd. People were walking around in shoes that didn’t fit their feet properly. They were too narrow, too stiff, or just plain uncomfortable. Riley, an Irish immigrant living in Boston, wasn’t a shoe designer or a sports star. He was a man with a keen eye for mechanics and a deep understanding of how the human body works.

The Reluctant Founder: William J. Riley and the Arch Support

William J. Riley’s story isn’t one of overnight success. In 1906, he founded the New Balance Arch Support Company in his Boston home. The name itself came from a rather humble observation. Riley noticed that his chickens—yes, chickens—had a unique three-toed foot that provided perfect balance and stability. He called this natural design “new balance,” and it became the core inspiration for his first product: a flexible arch support that could be inserted into any shoe. This wasn’t about making a sneaker; it was about solving a specific pain point. People’s feet were hurting, and Riley believed that proper arch support was the answer.

For the first few decades, New Balance was essentially a niche, custom-order business. Riley and his team would take plaster casts of customers’ feet and hand-build arch supports to match. It was slow, meticulous work, and the company remained small. In 1934, Riley sold the business to his employee, Arthur Hall, but the company’s DNA was already set: a relentless focus on fit and function over flash. This wasn’t a brand trying to be cool; it was a brand trying to be correct. And that, as we’ll see, turned out to be a very powerful thing.

The Modern Era: From Arch Supports to Running Shoes

The real transformation of New Balance from a niche arch support maker into a global athletic footwear giant began in the 1960s. Arthur Hall’s son-in-law, Paul Kidd, and later, a legendary salesman named Jim Davis, saw a massive opportunity. Running was exploding in popularity, and runners were desperate for shoes that could handle the repetitive impact of pavement. Most running shoes at the time were little more than canvas sneakers with a thin rubber sole. They offered zero support and even less cushioning.

Enter the Trackster, the first New Balance running shoe, launched in 1960. It was a revelation. Unlike anything else on the market, the Trackster came in a range of widths. This might sound trivial, but for runners with wide feet or specific fit needs, it was a game-changer. The shoe was built on the same principle Riley had championed decades earlier: if your foot is properly supported, your entire body works better. The Trackster wasn’t the prettiest shoe, but it was incredibly functional. It featured a ripple sole for better traction and a design that allowed the foot to move naturally.

This focus on fit and function became the brand’s secret weapon. While other companies were chasing trends and signing celebrity endorsements, New Balance was quietly perfecting the art of the shoe. They weren’t trying to be the coolest kid on the block; they were trying to be the most comfortable. And in the 1970s and 80s, as the jogging boom took hold, that philosophy struck a chord. The iconic 990 series, launched in 1982, was a testament to this. It was the first running shoe to cost $100, a staggering price at the time. But it was also the most advanced, featuring a combination of cushioning technologies and, you guessed it, multiple width options. It wasn’t just a shoe; it was a statement that quality and fit were worth paying for.

The Core Principle: Why “Fit” Isn’t Just a Marketing Buzzword

So, what’s the big deal about width? Why has this been the guiding star for the New Balance shoes founder’s vision for over a century? It comes down to basic biomechanics. Your foot is a complex structure of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When you cram that structure into a shoe that’s too narrow, you’re essentially forcing it to operate in a vice. This can lead to a cascade of problems: bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and even knee and back pain.

A shoe that fits properly, on the other hand, allows your foot to function as nature intended. Your toes can splay naturally, providing a stable base for your entire body. Your arch is supported in the right place, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Your heel is locked in place, preventing slippage and blisters. New Balance’s entire design philosophy is built around this idea. They aren’t just making shoes that look good; they’re making shoes that work with your body’s natural mechanics. This is why, even today, you’ll find New Balance offering shoes in widths ranging from 2A (narrow) to 4E (extra wide). It’s a commitment to inclusivity that most other brands simply don’t match.

Practical Tips for Finding Your Perfect Pair

Now that you understand the philosophy behind the brand, let’s turn that knowledge into action. Finding the right New Balance shoe isn’t about picking the most popular model; it’s about finding the one that fits your specific foot and your specific lifestyle. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the options:

• Get your feet measured (professionally). Your shoe size can change over time due to age, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. Visit a running store or a shoe store with a Brannock device. Measure both feet, and buy for the larger one. Don’t just assume you’re a size 10.
• Know your arch type. Do a simple “wet test.” Wet your foot and step onto a piece of paper. If you see a full footprint with almost no curve, you have low arches (or flat feet). If you see a very thin line connecting the heel and the ball, you have high arches. If you see a moderate curve, you have neutral arches. New Balance lines like the 800 series are great for trail and stability, while the 900 series often offers more cushioning for neutral runners.
• Don’t ignore width. This is the most important takeaway. If a shoe feels tight across the ball of your foot, don’t just go up a half size. Try a wider width instead. New Balance offers D (standard), 2E (wide), and 4E (extra wide) for men, and B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (extra wide) for women. A proper width fit will change your life.
• Consider your primary activity. Are you a casual walker, a daily runner, or someone who stands all day at work? For everyday wear and walking, the 990 series or the 574 are classic, versatile choices. For serious running, look at the Fresh Foam series (like the 1080 or 880) for plush cushioning. For cross-training or gym work, the 608 or 1540 offer excellent stability.
• Break them in slowly. Even the most comfortable shoe needs a little time to mold to your foot. Wear them for a few hours around the house before taking them on a long walk or run. This allows your foot to adjust and helps you identify any potential hot spots.

In the end, the story of the New Balance shoes founder is a story about listening. William J. Riley listened to his customers’ pain points. Paul Kidd and Jim Davis listened to the needs of athletes. And the brand continues to listen to the simple truth that every foot is different. In a world that often prioritizes hype over substance, New Balance stands as a reminder that sometimes, the best solution is the most practical one. So the next time you’re staring at that wall of sneakers, remember the chicken foot, the plaster cast, and the simple idea that your feet deserve a perfect fit. You’ll walk away not just with a shoe, but with a solution.