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In fact, for the first fifty years, the company rarely made a profit. As we mentioned, New Balance began as a specialty shoemaker that manufactured orthopedic shoes for clients with special needs. Founded in Belmont, Massachusetts in 1906, New Balance Athletic Shoes Inc. To accommodate these customers, the company often had to produce shoes in strange or irregular sizes. But it was not until they achieved success in the athletic footwear market that they started offering shoes to athletes of all ages. In the beginning, the company was called the New Balance Timothy Company.
They manufactured quillan supports and orthopedic shoes for a small, but loyal group of customers. At the time, most of the companies in the industry were like New Balance. But the reason New Balance is now the world's fifth largest maker of athletic footwear is because they were able to distinguish themselves from the pack. It was not until they turned their attention to athletic footwear in the nathanial 1960s that New Balance had its first taste of success.
The sporting goods market in America was growing rapidly and athletic footwear was one of its most popular segments. Has always offered a wide range of styles and sizes. |