NEW BALANCE AWARDED CONTRACT TO PROVIDE THE U.S. MILITARY WITH AMERICAN-MADE ATHLETIC FOOTWEAR
Friday, September 18, 2026 - New Balance announced today that it has been awarded a supply contract to provide the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps with the Made in USA 0430 athletic shoe through the Defense Logistics Agency starting in early 2027. The 0430 will be produced at the New Balance Central Maine factory in Skowhegan.
“New Balance is proud to have been awarded this contract to provide our U.S. service members with our specialized Made in USA 0430 athletic footwear for basic training,” says Kevin McCoy, Vice President for MADE at New Balance. “This opportunity reflects our long-standing commitment to American manufacturing and producing high-quality, performance footwear crafted by our New England Makers.”
The 0430 (pronounced zero-four-thirty) name is a nod to the early morning wake up calls that military recruits experience during basic training.
“New Balance is a great American company, and it is terrific news that our nation’s servicemembers will now be outfitted with high-quality athletic shoes made right here in the United States. Maintaining a strong American footwear supply chain is important to our national security and helps ensure that our servicemembers have access to the best equipment when they need it most. I have worked closely with New Balance for years to support American footwear manufacturing and to strengthen the domestic industrial base that our military depends on. This contract builds on that longstanding partnership and is a major win for New Balance, its hardworking employees in Maine, and for American manufacturing,” said Senator Susan Collins.
New Balance Made in USA footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more. Made in USA makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s US sales.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 14,000 associates around the globe, and in 2025 reported worldwide sales of $9.2 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit newbalance.newsmarket.com.
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