New Balance began in 1904, operating as an orthopaedic arch support company until 1938 when they created their first pair of original running shoes, the 'Boston Brown Bag Harriers'. New Balance finally made major noise in 1976 when the New Balance 320, the first shoe featuring the signature 'N' logo, is voted the world's best running shoe by Runner's World Magazine. Just a hop, skip, and a jump later, plus some big time endorsements, New Balance has cemented itself as a true heavyweight in both the athletic and lifestyle sneaker industries.