New Balance was conceived back in 1906 in Boston, Massachusetts, originally producing arch supports and prescription footwear to alleviate the aches and pains of those on their feet all day. Founder William Riley named the company after observing chickens in his yard maintaining perfect balance on their three-clawed feet. By 1938 Riley had developed the first pair of New Balance running shoes for a local running club.

WHY NEW BALANCE ?

William Riley kept a chicken's foot prominently on display in his office. He would explain: "Chickens have perfect balance. All you have to do is watch them as they peck around the yard." The chicken foot has three claws. Mr. Riley designed his arches based upon this three-pronged model combined with his understanding of the anatomy of the human foot. Customized to each foot, his arches maximized balance during the transfer of weight from one foot to the other.