THE STORY OF NEW BALANCE SHOES
The History of New Balance: From Arch Supports to Global Sneaker Icon
Few footwear companies have a legacy as deep as New Balance.
What began as a small arch-support company in Boston has grown into one of the most respected sneaker brands in the world. Known for its balance of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless design, New Balance has earned a loyal following among athletes, sneaker collectors, and streetwear enthusiasts alike.
At Gallery Streetwear in downtown Kelowna, weâre proud to carry a curated selection of New Balance sneakersâbringing one of the most important footwear brands in the world to the Okanagan.
Customers exploring the latest sneaker releases arriving in store can browse the newest drops in New Arrivals.
The Origins of New Balance
New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley, an immigrant from England living in Boston, Massachusetts.
Riley originally specialized in orthopedic arch supports designed to improve comfort and balance while standing or walking. His inspiration reportedly came from observing chickens in his backyard and noticing how their three-claw stance provided exceptional balance.
Using this insight, Riley created flexible arch supports that helped people maintain better posture and stabilityâgiving the brand its name: New Balance.
For decades, the company focused on orthopedic products and shoe inserts rather than full footwear.
The Turning Point: The Trackster
The companyâs true breakthrough came in 1960 when New Balance introduced its first performance running shoe: the Trackster.
The Trackster changed the athletic footwear industry in several important ways.
First, it introduced a ripple sole design that provided improved traction for runners. Even more importantly, it was one of the first athletic shoes available in multiple width sizes, allowing runners to achieve a much more precise fit.
At a time when most athletic shoes were offered in only a single width, this was revolutionary.
The Trackster quickly gained popularity among collegiate and high-school cross-country teams across the United States, establishing New Balance as a serious performance brand.
Today, that same commitment to fit and comfort remains central to the brandâs identity.
Customers looking to explore the latest models available in store can browse the full New Balance Shoe Collection.
From Performance to Culture
While New Balance began as a running brand, it eventually expanded far beyond athletics.
During the 1980s and 1990s, models like the 990 series helped define the concept of premium running shoes. Over time, many of these silhouettes transitioned into everyday lifestyle sneakers.
Today, New Balance sits at the intersection of performance, fashion, and street culture.
From skateboarding collaborations to fashion partnerships and global sneaker releases, the brand has managed to maintain authenticity while continually evolving.
At Gallery Streetwear, New Balance sneakers are popular with both sneaker collectors and everyday customers looking for reliable comfort and clean design.
Customers exploring other footwear available in store can also browse the complete Shoe Collection.
Why New Balance Still Matters
New Balance stands out because of its commitment to quality and thoughtful design.
Rather than chasing trends, the brand focuses on building shoes that last. Comfort, fit, and durability remain the foundation of every release.
This philosophy has helped New Balance maintain credibility across multiple communitiesâfrom runners and athletes to skaters, designers, and streetwear enthusiasts.
For many people, New Balance represents a rare balance between performance technology and timeless style.
Customers pairing sneakers with modern fashion can also explore the full Streetwear Collection.
New Balance at Gallery Streetwear
Gallery Streetwear is an independent streetwear and sneaker boutique located in downtown Kelowna, British Columbia.
We focus on bringing premium footwear and streetwear brands to the Okanagan while connecting customers across Canada with our curated online store.
Visit us at:
Gallery Streetwear
588 Bernard Ave
Kelowna, BC, Canada
Or shop online at
www.gallerystreetwear.ca
New Balance sneakers are available in-store and online with Canada-wide shipping.
Explore More at Gallery Streetwear
Discover the latest sneaker drops in New Arrivals
Browse performance and lifestyle footwear in the New Balance Shoe Collection
Explore curated brands in the Streetwear Collection
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FAQ
When was New Balance founded?
New Balance was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1906 by William J. Riley.
What was the first New Balance shoe?
The first major New Balance sneaker was the Trackster, introduced in 1960 with a ripple sole and multiple width options.
Why are New Balance shoes popular?
New Balance sneakers are known for comfort, quality construction, and their balance between performance technology and everyday style.
Where can I buy New Balance shoes in Canada?
New Balance sneakers are available at Gallery Streetwear in Kelowna and online with shipping across Canada.
Does Gallery Streetwear ship New Balance across Canada?
Yes. Orders placed online ship nationwide from the Kelowna store.
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Written by Gallery Apparel
