As someone who has worked with OEM footwear and apparel factories across Asia, the U.S., and Europe, one question I hear a lot is:
“Where is New Balance actually made?”
The answer is more complex than many people expect. Unlike most global sneaker brands, New Balance still manufactures a meaningful portion of its products in the United States and the UK, while also operating large-scale production in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia.
This guide breaks everything down in a beginner-friendly way so you instantly understand New Balance’s global supply chain.
New Balance sneakers are mainly made in Vietnam, China, Indonesia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
What makes New Balance unique is that select premium lines (like the 990, 993, 998, 996, 1500) are made in USA & UK factories with higher craftsmanship standards.
External references:
New Balance uses a hybrid production strategy:
OEM Insight:
Brands rarely invest in Western factories because costs are high. New Balance keeps them to preserve brand identity and craftsmanship heritage.
From an OEM perspective, this strategy allows New Balance to:
This dual-structure is one of the reasons New Balance has grown so strongly in recent years.
| Country | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Premium 990/993/998 lines | Higher wages, best craftsmanship |
| United Kingdom | Made in UK 1500/991 | Heritage models with hand-finished details |
| Vietnam | Main production hub | Consistent quality + large capacity |
| China | Technical components & some footwear | Advanced material suppliers nearby |
| Indonesia | High-volume models | Strong cost control + stable quality |
OEM Insight:
Vietnam now leads because the footwear ecosystem (tooling, foam suppliers, lasting machines) is extremely stable.
Even though products come from multiple regions, New Balance ensures consistency using:
This engineering-first approach is why New Balance shoes often feel more stable and supportive.
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Q1: Are all New Balance shoes made in the USA?
No. Only select “Made in USA” models—typically premium lifestyle and running lines—are produced there.
Q2: Are Vietnam-made New Balance shoes good quality?
Yes. Vietnam is now one of the best global footwear manufacturing regions.
Q3: Is UK-made New Balance better?
UK-made models offer higher craftsmanship, but comfort is similar across regions.
Q4: Why are Made in USA New Balance more expensive?
Labor, material sourcing, and factory overhead are significantly higher.