Founded in 1906 in Boston by William J. Riley, New Balance has gone in 120 years from orthopedic shoe manufacturer to the most sought-after streetwear phenomenon of the 2020 decade. With its 990, 992, 993, 550, 2002R, 9060 and 1906R lines, and its collabs with Aimé Leon Dore, Joe Freshgoods, Salehe Bembury, Bryant Giles or Stone Island, New Balance now sits at the top of the premium sneaker game. At MTHOR Shop, you get access to the full authenticated New Balance range — Made in USA, Made in UK, limited collabs, retros — every pair verified and shipped Europe-wide in 2 to 8 business days, with 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay.

New Balance: 120 years of Made in USA and Made in UK

William J. Riley founded the New Balance Arch Support Company in 1906 in Boston with a technical mission: to produce orthopedic foot supports for workers on their feet all day. The first complete shoe came out in 1938. The brand entered running in the 60s-70s with the 320, voted best running shoe in the world in 1976 by Runner's World. The 80s-90s saw the arrival of iconic 990, 991, 992, 993 and 1500 models — each manufactured in the American factories of Skowhegan (Maine) and Lawrence (Massachusetts), and British of Flimby (Cumbria) — hence the prestigious "Made in USA" and "Made in UK" labels that distinguish premium pairs from international production.

The hype renaissance kicked off in 2017-2018 with Aimé Leon Dore (ALD) repropelling the 990v5, then exploded in 2020-2025 with the ALD x NB 550 White/Green drop that triggered global frenzy and made the 550 model (launched in 1989, reissued in 2020) the most resold sneaker on StockX some weeks. Came the Joe Freshgoods (Conversations Among Us 9060, Suede 992), Salehe Bembury (Yurt 2002R, Peace Be the Journey FuelCell), Bryant Giles (1906R), Action Bronson (990 Lapis Lazuli) collabs, and the seasonal capsules New Balance x Stone Island, Aimé Leon Dore and Concepts.

The story of an icon: from serious running to hype streetwear

Three lines define the modern New Balance DNA. First, the 99X Made in USA / UK series (990, 991, 992, 993, 998, 1906R) — premium running heritage in mesh + suede + leather, hand-built in American and British factories with ENCAP, ABZORB and N-ergy cushioning. Second, the 550 series (1989, reissued 2020) — low-top basketball shoe with signature lateral Z-Stitch, become global campus uniform via the ALD collab. Third, the 2002R / 9060 series (2022) — chunky retro silhouette with ABZORB sole and mesh + nubuck leather upper, reinterpreted by Salehe Bembury and Joe Freshgoods.

On the retro and 90s side, the 1300 Made in USA, 1500 Made in UK and 530 (which makes its big return in 2022) reissues complete the premium range. The 327 (hybrid lifestyle) and 580 (running heritage) collections cover the entry premium tier. Made in USA pairs carry a red "Made in USA" label sewn on the tongue; Made in UK pairs a sewn label with a small British flag.

A visual signature recognizable among all

Three elements make a New Balance instantly identifiable. First, the large lateral N logo — emblematic of the brand since the 80s, it can be in contrasting suede, tonal mesh, 3M reflective depending on the model. Second, the characteristic retro running silhouette: breathable mesh upper + suede or nubuck overlays, Z-stitch on the 550, ENCAP/ABZORB/N-ergy sole. Third, the origin labels: Made in USA (red label on the tongue), Made in UK (label with British flag), or international production (standard label).

Aimé Leon Dore collabs integrate co-branding on the tongue and box. Joe Freshgoods carry the "Conversations Among Us" hot stamp on the box. Salehe Bembury Yurts feature the Bembury fingerprint in relief on the lateral sole. Bryant Giles 1906R are identified by a characteristic graffiti upper.

The iconic models in the collection

Our selection covers Made in USA, Made in UK, retros and major collabs:

• Made in USA / UK: 990v3, 990v4, 990v5, 990v6, 991v1 / v2, 992, 993, 998, 1300, 1500, 1906R Made in USA.
• Hype 2020-2025: 550 (all ALD colorways, OG White Green, Patta), 9060 (Joe Freshgoods Conversations, ALD Black/Sail), 2002R (Salehe Bembury Yurt / Peace, Protection Pack), 1906R (Bryant Giles, ALD).
• Aimé Leon Dore (ALD): 550 White/Green, 550 Yellow, 550 Burgundy, 990 Black/Grey, 990 Sage Green, 9060 Cream, 1906R Black/Cream, 827.
• Joe Freshgoods: 9060 Conversations Among Us, 9060 Suede Inside Voices, 992 Performance Art, 990v3 Outside Clothes.
• Salehe Bembury: 2002R Yurt, 2002R Peace Be the Journey, 990v3 Strawberry Jam, FuelCell Crossover.
• Stone Island: 1906R, 990v6 capsule.
• Action Bronson: 990v6 Lapis Lazuli, 1906R Action Bronson.
• Retros & lifestyle: 530 (all colorways), 327 lifestyle, 574 OG, 580 retro.

Why buy your New Balance at MTHOR Shop

MTHOR Shop specializes in authenticated premium sneakers. Every pair of New Balance we ship goes through a strict verification protocol: UV inspection of glue and materials, microscope observation of stitching (notably the Z-stitch on the 550), verification of the Made in USA or Made in UK label, comparison of the inner tag with manufacturer references, authentication seal before packaging. Your pair arrives in its original box, with all accessories, and an MTHOR certificate.

For shipping, you receive your order in 2 to 8 business days anywhere in Europe via DHL Express or Chronopost, with mandatory signature on delivery. Customs fees are covered by MTHOR Shop for all EU shipments. You have 14 days to make a return if the pair doesn't meet your expectations. 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay is available right at checkout without complications. Our French customer service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm to support you before and after your purchase.

FAQ — New Balance

1. How can I verify the authenticity of a New Balance?
On an authentic pair, the lateral N logo is perfectly aligned and in the official color, the Made in USA / Made in UK label (if applicable) is sewn straight on the tongue, the inner tag shows the correct size with the official color code and date of manufacture, and the Z-stitch on the 550 is regular. All New Balance sold on MTHOR Shop are authenticated via UV lamp, microscope and reference comparison before sealed shipment.

2. What's the difference between Made in USA, Made in UK and international New Balance?
Made in USA are assembled in Skowhegan (Maine) and Lawrence (Massachusetts) factories. Made in UK in the Flimby (Cumbria) factory. International pairs are produced in Asia. Made in USA and Made in UK use premium materials (American suede, British nubuck) and hand assembly, distinguishing them from mass production. All our pairs specify origin.

3. How long does MTHOR delivery take for a New Balance?
2 to 8 business days in Europe via DHL Express or Chronopost, mandatory signature on delivery. Customs fees are included for EU countries. A tracking notification is sent at every stage of the shipment.

4. Can I pay for my New Balance in installments?
Yes, 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay, available right at checkout without paperwork or complications. Validation conditions are to be checked directly with the payment partner.

5. What are the rarest New Balance in 2026?
Aimé Leon Dore 550s (all colorways) and 9060 Cream remain extremely valued. Joe Freshgoods Conversations Among Us 9060 and 992 Performance Art reach high values. Salehe Bembury Yurt 2002R and FuelCell Crossover are collector. Action Bronson 990v6 Lapis Lazuli and limited Made in USA editions remain the hardest to source.

6. What size to take for a New Balance?
Most New Balance models fit true to your usual size, except the 550 which can require half a size up for wider feet. The 990 and 992 have a standard "D" width for men and "B" for women; "2E" (extra wide) options exist on certain Made in USA references.

Going further

Also discover our New Balance 550, New Balance 2002R, and Streetwear selections. To verify a pair's authenticity, see our dedicated authentication page and our how to recognize a real pair of sneakers guide.