This season we're proud to welcome a new addition to our lineup - New Balance Made In England. With over four decades of craftsmanship behind them, the MIE range focuses on reissuing & handcrafting New Balance classics in their Flimby factory based in the North West of England - with Stuarts now being one of few stockists here in the UK to carry the collection. Check out a brief history behind the brand below.
New Balance Made In England History
In 1906, William J. Riley founded the New Balance Arch Support Company in Boston, focusing on creating orthopedic footwear systems tailored for the American working class. The design of these systems was inspired by the three points of support chickens use while walking, symbolizing the brand's commitment to balance and stability - hence the name "New Balance."
The company continued to innovate in footwear traction and support until 1961, when it introduced the Trackster, its first "modern" shoe. The unique corrugated sole of the Trackster quickly gained popularity among athletes and runners nationwide. By 1972, under the leadership of Jim Davis, who added the now-iconic "N" logo to the side of the shoes, New Balance had further cemented its reputation with successful models like the 320, which Runner's World named the Best Running Shoe of the year, the Detours 480, and the Hi Top 740 basketball shoe.
The year 1982 marked a pivotal moment for New Balance with the launch of the legendary 990. This was the first running shoe to be priced over $100, a bold move at the time. That same year, the company expanded its global presence by opening a manufacturing facility in the UK, with the goal of strengthening its European market. The "Made in UK" label was proudly introduced, marking a significant milestone in the brand's growth.
Flimby, a quaint village in Cumbria, located in the northwest of England near the Scottish border, is home to just over 2,000 residents. At first glance, it might seem surprising that a global giant like New Balance would choose such a small, picturesque town for its operations. However, there's a purpose behind this choice.
Although the company has undergone several ownership changes (in 1956 and 1972), the Boston-based brand has always honoured the British heritage of its founder, William J. Riley. The decision to establish New Balance's European headquarters in Flimby wasn't merely strategic, but also a heartfelt tribute to a tradition of craftsmanship and excellence that continues to this day.
The UK headquarters of the Massachusetts-based company produces outstanding footwear by utilizing only the finest materials and a meticulous manufacturing process that prioritizes precision in every detail. With carefully treated pigskin, premium breathable mesh, and an exacting design and assembly process, the result is a line of exceptional sneakers with finishes that few brands can match.
Every week, the 200 skilled workers in Flimby craft 28,000 pairs of shoes, which are shipped around the globe - with their bestselling silhouettes including the 991, 992 & 1500. However, despite this high output, as every shoe is handmade the allocation per style is a lot smaller than the main New Balance global collections, making pairs sold out & sought after very quickly.
New Balance Made In England 991 History
Since its debut in 2001, the 991 has become a symbol of unparalleled quality. As the first model in the 99X series of the 21st century, the original 991 set a new benchmark for modern running shoe design. The MADE in UK 991v2 takes this legacy even further, offering a refreshed interpretation of the iconic silhouette.
The updated design features a streamlined combination of pigskin suede, mesh, and synthetic materials, delivering a sleeker profile while maintaining its classic aesthetic. The most significant technological upgrade is the introduction of full-length FuelCell cushioning. This enhancement complements the upper's modernized design by combining it with traditional ABZORB SBS pods and ENCAP technology for superior comfort and support.
New Balance Made In England 1500 History
This Made in UK 1500 offers a fresh take on a Flimby classic, drawing inspiration from the iconic 2040, a beloved model with a dedicated following. Featuring colourways that pay homage to the original 2040, this updated version of the 1500 is crafted with premium materials, including a rich nubuck upper, mesh and synthetic accents, and reflective elements for added detail and sophistication.
Shop our full New Balance & New Balance Made In England collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
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