It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these but I wanted to start it up again. This time I feature one of the big guys: New Balance. This may come as a surprise but New Balance has been around since 1938 and is the only company that still manufactures athletic shoes here in the US. Unfortunately, not all of their shoes are made here but a quarter of all new balance shoes sold in North America are made here. They have multiple plants in the northeast including one in Norridgewock, Maine that produces custom 574′s from start to finish. You can custom build your 574 online and they make the shoe to your specs from sole to laces and package and ship it from right there in Maine. They also provide footwear to all five branches of the military including the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon. The company purchases goods and services from over 38 U.S.-based suppliers who employ more than 5,000 U.S. workers. While 25% domestic manufacturing isn’t perfect, it’s definitely a start and it feels good to know some of the big guys are still trying to keep people employed here in the states. I know what brand my next pair of running shoes will be.

New Balance
www.NewBalance.com