Harmony and balance are the emblem’s main commandments. The New Balance logo is balanced because it is moderate in all aspects. One half is complete, the other fragmentary, forming a harmonious unity. This demonstrates the brand’s ability to adapt perfectly to the fashion world.
New Balance: Brand overview
Founded: | 1906 |
Founder: | William J. Riley |
Headquarters: | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Website: | newbalance.com |
Meaning and History
The brand’s emblem, like the athletic footwear it represents, seems timeless. Moreover, the logo has maintained its basic structure, shape, and appearance for almost half a century. The brand dates back to 1906, first named the New Balance Arch Support Company. The basis of the footwear design is the technology of flexible arch support, which guarantees comfort and balance while running in such shoes. This was first conveyed in the company’s name and then in its symbolism.
What is New Balance?
This company produces athletic footwear and apparel with its unique manufacturing strategy. It maintains the tradition of producing part of its products in the USA and the UK, which is rare in the modern industry. The unique model numbering system makes it easy to understand the functionality of each pair of shoes. A wide range of sizes and width options is offered to ensure the shoes fit any foot shape. The product lineup includes running, walking, tennis, and casual wear models while maintaining a recognizable style with the “N” symbol on the side. This approach has made the company popular among professional athletes and streetwear enthusiasts.
1972 – 2006
Until 1972, the trademark had no permanent logo; it came into use much later. The graphic includes an abbreviation – a shortening of the company’s name, New Balance. Terry Heckler designed the logo.
The designer based it on dynamics, embodied in the form of 12-speed signs applied to the letter “N.” Black and white stripes alternate with each other, creating stylish interlacing in the form of slits. The “B” does not have this. It consists of a solid black marker. Both letters are uppercase and tilted to the right, conveying movement and running.
Half of the text contains the phrase “New Balance,” which only includes lowercase letters. They are smooth, streamlined, and strict, without serifs. The inscription is positioned in a single line under the graphic element.
2006 – 2008
In 2006, the company underwent a minor redesign. As a result, the emblem received fewer speed signs (reduced from twelve to six) and a rich red color. This emphasized energy, brightness, and emotional and physical surge provided by this brand’s specialized sneakers.
2008 – today
In this period’s version, the number of marks changed again – now there were four. The color also changed: the logo acquired a scarlet hue, close to light raspberry. Otherwise, everything remained the same as in the initial variation.
New Balance: Interesting Facts
New Balance is a shoe company that started in 1906 because William J. Riley wanted to make shoes that were comfy and good for your feet, like how chickens walk around comfortably.
- Starting with Feet: It all began with making things that make your feet feel good, like special supports, before they even made shoes.
- Special Running Shoes: In 1960, they made the “Trackster,” the first running shoe that came in different widths to fit everyone’s feet just right.
- Made in the USA and UK: New Balance makes many of its shoes in the United States and the United Kingdom, which is rare since most companies make them in other countries.
- All About Quality: They focus on making high-quality shoes and don’t pay famous people to say they like them. They believe the shoes speak for themselves.
- Cool Shoe Tech: They’ve developed neat shoe technology that makes running and walking super comfortable.
- Helping Others: New Balance is still run by its owners, who like to help in the community, especially with activities that keep kids moving and healthy.
- Supporting Athletes: Even though they don’t go for big celebrity ads, they support sports people and teams to help get their shoes out there.
- Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: As they’ve grown to sell shoes worldwide, they try to make sure they’re making things that local people will like and use.
- More Than Shoes: Besides running shoes, New Balance also makes clothes and accessories for all sports and everyday life.
New Balance stands out because it cares about making great shoes, supporting local jobs, and helping communities. It’s also always thinking of new ways to improve shoes for everyone.
Font and Colors
The brand name’s symbolism is simple: no extra elements exist. The visual series is constructed to become an integral informational and marketing tool.
The original version was developed by Terry Heckler, a talented artist-designer and the author of such famous brands as Starbucks, Rainier Beer, K2, Cinnabon, Panera Bread, and others. Moreover, he conveyed the most important information with letters and lines: purposeful forward movement and balance through the latest technologies. The logo is formed by the tilt of the abbreviation and special signs – the so-called speed tracks, which have reduced over time.
The logo’s font resembles ITC Avant Garde Gothic Demibold. It was created by Herb Lubalin, who developed the font for Avant Garde magazine.
New Balance’s color palette has changed with each brand redesign but has always consisted of one palette—a combination of white, red, and black colors. The debut version was monochromatic; the modern one is more varied and consists of black and white and red and white colors.
nb shoes logo
FAQ
What does the New Balance logo mean?
The “NB” monogram, intersected by numerous lines, represents the New Balance brand and symbolizes high speed. The letters are tilted to the right to create a sense of forward movement, and the speed lines add energy.
How do I know if my New Balance is fake?
You can recognize a counterfeit by the incorrect logo on the sole’s box, insole, and heel. The information on the labels under the shoe’s tongue and the packaging should match, including the barcode number.
Does Adidas own New Balance?
New Balance is privately owned and does not belong to Adidas.
Who created the New Balance logo?
Commercial designer Terry Heckler created the very first version of the logo in 1972. Since then, the design has changed several times, but other specialists have worked on it.