The History of New Balance – From Dad Sneaker to Hype Icon

Today the New Balance name stands for quality, comfort and style. But it wasn't always that way. For decades, the brand was stuck with its so-called “dad sneaker” image – but now it's become one of the coolest players in streetwear and sneaker culture.

The early days: from orthopaedic aid to athletic sneaker

New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906, originally making orthopaedic insoles and arch supports. The founder, William J. Riley, wanted to give feet a “new balance” – hence the brand's name.

New Balance was founded in Boston in 1906, originally making orthopaedic insoles and arch supports. The founder, William J. Riley, wanted to give feet a “new balance” – hence the brand's name.

Its first true running sneaker, the Trackster, arrived in the 1960s – the first athletic sneaker made in multiple widths. It revolutionised running gear.

The dad-sneaker era: the '80s and '90s

In the '80s and '90s, New Balance's best-known models, like the 990, 574 and 993, became favourites with runners, hikers and anyone who put comfort first.

These understated, mostly grey pairs were filed under the “dad sneaker” category – making them a symbol of the older generation's relaxed, sporty style.

Rebirth: retro got cool

From the second half of the 2010s, retro style, “normcore” and the vintage wave made classic New Balance sneakers trendy again. The iconic shapes, chunky soles and shades of grey suddenly became cool with young people too.

That's when the first truly game-changing collabs arrived:

• Aimé Leon Dore x NB 550 – with the New York lifestyle brand
• Salehe Bembury x NB 2002R – with premium outdoor inspiration
• Joe Freshgoods x NB 992/9060 – colourful designs packed with cultural references
• Jaden Smith x Vision Racer – with sustainability in mind

These collections blew up hype culture – sneakerheads queued for the drops and resale prices went through the roof.

Why did New Balance become hype?

There are plenty of reasons – here are the biggest:

• Retro yet fresh design,
• top quality,
• made in USA/EU models,
• comfortable sole construction,
• limited releases,
• stylish collabs,
• streetwear-ready silhouettes

New Balance models – especially the classic grey colourways – are perfect examples of the “grey man” aesthetic: a style that's understated yet full of character. It's not loud, it doesn't shout, and yet everyone notices it.

This kind of look has become especially popular in the streetwear world too, because it's easy to style while still delivering that premium feel so many people look for in a sneaker.

Today, New Balance isn't just an athletic sneaker – it's a lifestyle. The New Balance 550, 990v6, 2002R and 9060 models are still dominating Instagram feeds and streetwear fits.

New Balance: leading the streetwear pack

New Balance's popularity isn't growing just because of the hype – in fact, quite the opposite:

Lots of people are falling for it now precisely because it isn't driven by hype – it's driven by quality. New Balance sneakers have been among the comfiest, most durable choices for decades – and more and more people are rediscovering that.

New Balance sneakers are enjoying a new golden age – and you can easily get your hands on them too! At onsize.eu you'll find the most popular NB models – whether you're after retro pieces or new collab sneakers.

New Balance is the perfect example of tradition and modern style coming together. The brand has been around for more than 100 years, but it's only now enjoying its true golden age with young people. Whether you wear them as a dad or as a streetwear fanatic – New Balance is always a good call.

Image sources: https://newbalance.hu/
https://www.newbalance.gr/en/etaireia/profil/