BOSTON, MARCH 13, 2017 – Boston-based New Balance Athletics, Inc. announces the launch of a new, innovative MADE silhouette that is inspired by the classic New Balance 990 but modernized for the always-on-the-go consumer. The New Balance MADE 1978 was crafted in New Balance’s Norridgewock, ME. manufacturing facility with premium materials and traditional shoemaking expertise. The style will launch in three colorways beginning March 18 for a suggested retail price of $149.95.
The New Balance MADE 1978 was created as a response to the classic 990 silhouette originally developed in 1978. The New Balance 990 took four years of development, starting in 1978, and when it was released in 1982 was the pinnacle of technology, quality materials and performance design. The New Balance 1978 is an innovative take on the original 990 concept with a focus on modern silhouettes and manufacturing methods. New Balance designers re-thought the design using techniques that apply a combination of new technology and construction methods with classic quality.
The style features sleek and stylish design elements that pay homage to New Balance’s MADE footwear. The modernized three piece upper is done in suede and leather with perforated details on the toe box and N logo; a reflective underlay on the N logo; and, a deconstructed leather collar.
Vibram® was the original partner used to create the 990 outsole for the best combination of lightweight and durability. For the New Balance MADE 1978, Vibram® was again used to create a new one-piece injection sole unit that is lighter and highly durable compared to other ground contact IMEVA soles. The New Balance MADE 1978 Vibram® sole unit is manufactured at the New Balance Brighton manufacturing facility.
“New Balance is committed to domestic manufacturing and has been for over 75 years -- it is our heritage and authentic to the brand. Each pair manufactured in our six factories in the US and UK is made by American and British craftsmen and women who have a strong passion for creating the most high-quality product. The premium crafted footwear that we deliver, influences and pushes the brand to strive to be authentic, high-quality and premium in everything we do,” said Shinichi Kubota, Vice President, New Balance Lifestyle and Enduring Purpose. “With the MADE 1978 we challenged ourselves with a new, innovative silhouette to offer the most relevant, modern style for our always-on-the-go consumer who appreciates the blend of function, fashion, sport and premium craftsmanship. The MADE 1978 isn’t a conventional classic, it is the first MADE silhouette designed under our evolutionary concept, ‘Style of Your Life,’ and delivers versatility for the modern style seeker.”
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is the only major company to make or assemble more than 4 million pairs of athletic footwear per year in the USA, which represents a limited portion of our US sales. New Balance Made is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 5,000 associates around the globe, and in 2015 reported worldwide sales of $3.72 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com
Contacts:
Kate Tetirick, New Balance
kate.tetirick@newbalance.com
T: 617.746.2570
Maggie Long, LGC
maggie@lindagaunt.com
T: 212.810.2894 x110