Backed by a rich history and tradition, New Balance sneakers boast exceptional comfort thanks to their reliable technology, and are popular with a wide range of people, from those who choose them for casual everyday wear to avid collectors.

This in-depth guide focuses on New Balance . We'll look back at its history from its inception and explain the reasons for its popularity.

1. The history of new balance , which started with the manufacture of orthopedic shoes.

New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906 as a manufacturer of arch support insoles and orthopedic shoes for correcting flat feet. In the 1960s, based on the extensive knowledge and expertise about feet that they had cultivated in making orthopedic shoes, they began manufacturing custom-made running shoes. The company name comes from the idea of giving the wearer a "new balance."

In the 1970s, James S. Davis, the current chairman of New Balance Athletics Inc., acquired New Balance and sought to develop the ideal running shoe, establishing the innovative shoe concept of "instep lacing."


At the time, running shoes were designed to fit by tightening the laces from the toes, but new balance shoes, with their "instep lacing" system, allowed for tightening the laces from the instep, providing a secure hold on the heel and instep while increasing the range of motion of the toes. This innovative design, which allowed for a firm grip on the ground, made these running shoes immensely popular among runners from the late 1970s onward.

Since then, new balance 's commitment to prioritizing functionality in shoe design has remained unchanged. While upholding the traditions it has built, the company continues to update its products by incorporating the latest technologies.

2. "Countries of production" that make the most of their respective strengths

new balance shoes are produced in different countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. The US and the UK primarily produce high-quality flagship models, characterized by their handmade craftsmanship. Furthermore, the use of materials and manufacturing techniques reflect the unique characteristics of each country. On the other hand, shoes made in Asia are characterized by their production of more affordable versions of popular models.

Now, let's delve a little deeper into the characteristics of American and British-made products that are popular at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

"Made in the USA" featuring cutting-edge technology
| Made in USA

new balance has five factories in the United States, and among them, the Lawrence factory in the suburbs of Boston, which is the brand's headquarters, is the largest in the US and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. A dedicated research and development lab is also located there, so the models made in the US are often sports-oriented and incorporate the latest technologies in terms of function and cushioning.
Representative American-made models include the "M1300" and "M990," etc.

"Made in the UK" - High-quality materials and craftsmanship.
| Made in England

Located in Flimby, a town in England known as a mecca for leather shoes, the factory primarily produces shoes using high-quality smooth leather. Due to its location, the factory employs many former shoemakers who are well-versed in leather shoemaking, and the manufacturing process, imbued with craftsmanship, is born from the pride and dedication of these artisans.
These are representative British-made models: "M1500" and "M576".

3. Equipped with the latest technology! "Midsole"

One of the reasons for new balance 's popularity is its "comfort," and this is indispensable when discussing the technology behind its highly functional midsole, which has been continuously researched, developed, and updated to this day. Here, we introduce the main midsoles used in popular models and their functions. Furthermore, flagship models employ combinations of these functions, and comparing the comfort of each is one of the pleasures of being a New Balance fan.

4. A comprehensive look at everything from classic models to timeless classics.

new balance has many different model numbers, but the "1000 series," including the M1300, which is synonymous with the brand and is very popular at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and the "900 series," including the M990, are particularly popular. These models are frequently reissued and updated, and each time a limited edition with special specifications or collaborations with other brands is released, it becomes a hot topic among core fans. In addition, there are the 500 series, which has many loyal fans, and models that have appeared since 2000. Here, we will introduce all of these popular models.

900s

The 900 series, which began with the "M990" released in 1982 as a model with a performance score of "990 out of 1000," is the face of the brand, developed for on-road running. Combining new balance 's stability and cushioning at a high level, the 990 series products have become a popular series not only in the running scene but also in the casual fashion scene.

M990

Born in 1982 with a then-high price tag of $100, this running shoe was marketed as having "990 out of 1000 points in performance." It was a groundbreaking model that achieved high durability in addition to cushioning and stability. It has undergone numerous updates since then.
▶990v2 (1998) → 990v3 (2012) → 990v4 (2016) → 990v5 (2019) *Image is of 990v3

M996

The "M996" sneaker, born in 1988 as the successor to the immensely popular "M990," boasts exceptional comfort and a beautiful silhouette that matches any style, attracting a passionate following. As a standard masterpiece representing the brand, it is a model loved by a wide range of people.

M999

Released in 1996 as the sixth generation of the 990 series, which has undergone repeated updates since the M990 was born in 1982, including the M995 (1986), M996 (1988), M997 (1991), and M998 (1993), it features a substantial "ABZORB" sensor.

M991

The "M991" was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the "M990". While the previous model, the "M990v2", only used "ABZORB", which combined excellent shock absorption and rebound at a high level, in the heel, the "M991" used it in the forefoot as well, improving cushioning and stability.

M992

The "M992" was released in 2006 to commemorate the brand's 100th anniversary. This model featured further advancements in the midsole and outsole, resulting in improved comfort and fit. In 2020, a highly anticipated reissue was released, proving to be incredibly popular and selling out quickly.

M993

Released in 2008, this model features updated specifications from the "M992." The mesh area at the toe has been widened, improving flexibility. Minor changes have also been made to the midsole and outsole, resulting in a lighter weight.

1000s

The 1000 series, introduced as new balance 's prestige series, was one of the first models to incorporate the latest technology. The use of high-quality materials and its dignified upper design exuded a sense of luxury, captivating many fans.

M1300

The M1300JP, the debut model of the 1000 series released in 1985, was an innovative model that was the first to feature the " ENCAP " sole. Its authentic design and meticulous details have made it a masterpiece that continues to be highly popular even after many years. The original model, the "M1300JP," has been reissued every five years since 1995 and is a popular model that frequently sells out.

MS1300

The MS1300 is a sports model based on the M1300, featuring a combination of suede and breathable mesh on the upper. It's a hybrid shoe with a variety of built-in features, including ABZORB, ENCAP REVEAL, and a Vibram outsole.

M1500

Introduced in 1989 as the second model in the 1000 series, it was released to replace the "M1400," which was discontinued due to difficulties in mass production. Incorporating all the cutting-edge technology of the time, it became a renowned status shoe for runners, boasting exceptional shock absorption, stability, and support from landing to push-off. It is also famous as the first model to feature the small "N" logo.

M1530

This model was created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the "M1500." The number 30 is specially incorporated into the model number. It is equipped with highly durable "REVLITE" material, making it resistant to hydrolysis.

M1400

The "M1400," which debuted in 1994, was considered a legendary model that was once shelved due to the difficulty of mass production with the technology available at the time. However, thanks to the technology of new balance 's Japanese branch, it was made into a product. It is a rare model whose official distribution began in Japan.

M1700

The "M1700," which debuted in 1999 as the fifth and final flagship model in the 1000 series, evokes the design of its predecessor, the "M1600," while incorporating cutting-edge technology of the time throughout, resulting in exceptional cushioning and comfort. It became a high-performance model befitting the end of the 90s.

500 series and other part numbers

Designed for off-road riding, the 500 series features a deeply grooved outsole, resulting in a sturdy outsole and excellent grip. It also has a more rounded silhouette compared to other models. In addition to the 500 series, we'll also introduce the 2000 series, a flagship model released after 2001, following the 1000 series.

M576

Developed in 1988 as an off-road running shoe, it was designed for rough terrain, offering high stability and cushioning, and its comfortable fit has made it popular as a town shoe as well. It is one of the few new balance models that comes in a wide variety of smooth leather options.

M670

The "M670," born in 1985, is a hidden gem that features the first Japanese-made sole by the Japanese shoe manufacturer Tsukihoshi Kasei. It is said to offer a level of comfort that is comparable to, if not better than, the "M1300."

MR2002

Released in 2010 as the third model in the 2000 series, which was the first model of the 21st century, this is a new LIFESTYLE model combined with a high-spec sole. Up until then, synthetic leather had been used as a reinforcement for the upper, but this model uses natural nubuck for the first time since the "M1300". A shoe that gives off a luxurious and high-class feel.

ML2002

In 2020, the "2002" model, which was particularly highly requested for a revival among the 2000 series, was reissued in Asia. It features a sole unit combining "N-ERGY" and "ABZORB" to update comfort and fit.

M2040

Born in 2012, this model, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the "MR2002," utilizes charcoal gray nubuck leather. Incorporating updates throughout and featuring a design reminiscent of leather shoes, it is a flagship model positioned at the pinnacle of new balance 's lineup.

5. How to interpret the symbols for each model

new balance offers a variety of lines, but each model name is a combination of letters and numbers, which can make it seem complicated to those new to New Balance. However, once you learn the meaning of the letters and symbols, it becomes easy to decipher, so why not use this as a reference when choosing shoes in the future?

View new balance product list at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

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