Only one company stays dedicated to American workers. So sad. I avoid buying all other brands and have for years. I am thankful that New Balance keeps something alive in shoe manufacturing here in the US. I worked for a manufacturer who just shut down a shoe factory here in New England. 7 million pairs is not to be taken lightly. I have NEVER felt deceived by New Balance. I research every shoe I buy and I make all of my purchases online. If it is Made in the USA, it says so clearly. If it says Assembled in USA, I know that too. Thanks New Balance for holding out against the marketplace pressures to keep so much of your manufacturing here in America.

Thats gives me good fealing to know that the shoes ive been wearing are made here in the U.S.A thank you for the fine quality running shoes you've been making.There great shoes concidering my height and weight class im in,Im 6'4" & 240 lbs.

Get the facts for yourself before condemning a company based on skewed interpretations. 1300 employees and 7 million shoes, check the other brands for their USA commitment. NB will have to turn the light out when if they leave because they are the last sneaker company left in the US. Support their concept shops as well they are independently owned and often times family owned and operated.

I the manufacturing process on How It's Made on the history channel. Awesome!

I've purchased my last pair of NB sneakers and I've worn them since 1986 when I had my first job and was able to begin buying my own clothes as a young teenager.

The shenanigans revolving around the flimsy 'Made in USA' marketing are shameful. If something is made in America, fine. But if something is 'more than half' made in America, then it is NOT "made in USA". If NB were to change its labels to read 'Partially Assembled in USA" then I would continue to buy the shoes, because honesty means integrity and dishonesty means you dont get my consumer dollars anymore.

Other sneakers may be entirely made in China, but at least those manufacturers are not dishonestly playing upon my patriotism in order to fool me out of my money.

Once upon a time in America, these kinds of marketing practices were commonplace. The scoundrels who used them were known widely as 'snake oil salesmen.' I am no longer purchasing any snake oil from New Balance.

I only buy new balance shoes but there is not enough models made in america. Too many made in china wich are same price and no good.

I still remain a New Balance patron. Last Fall I purchased your Women's Trail running shoe. Without a doubt, I found this shoe to be the best shoe I have ever worn on my problematic feet. I have been searching for this same shoe for several weeks, but have only seen it in the color brown and orange, which is the color I have now. Turns out that my primary care physician recognized my shoes during one of my office visits with him and commented on how comfortable he found them to be too.

I would love to purchase more of this style shoe in other colors. The last of this shoe is SL - 1. I have not seen this shoe in any other colors. Do you have a similar shoe in this style? I wear a size 10 in a wide with.

Thanking you in advance for your assist in this matter. Sincerely, Audrey Rohleder

Tsh, You ever think NB cannot find manufactures in the US to supply every part of their sneakers? For instance, I purchased a bike that is manufactured right in my neighborhood. They use American made steel for their frames, but some parts on the bike (like my seat) are made overseas. Why? because nobody is making bike seats in this country, they are all imported.

I'd say about 75% of the bike is made here and they label it "made in USA" . Do I think it's deceptive marketing? NOPE!

I will continue to support NB because their best shoes are made in the states.

I always bought NB because they were American made, I went to buy a new pair and the labels said Vietnam, China,USA. My days are done buying NEW BALANCE unless they are made in the USA. Madd Maxx

The shoes may be fantastic and having US factories is admirable. But 70% is not "Made in the USA". Making up your own standards and marking your shoes as such is deceptive and you know it. If it weren't, there would be no need to make such a point out of explaining the rationale behind it. So thank you for providing jobs in the USA but I'm saying no thanks to your shoes until the label is removed or it's all or virtually all from the US. Making money off of exaggerated patriotism is 70% as bad as not having any patriotism at all.

Why isn't the slogan "committed to American and Chinese workers"? I've been buying New Balance sneakers my entire adult life on the belief that they really were "Made in the USA" and not "mostly Made in the USA" as I am now learning. The fact that you are making up your own standards for claiming the shoes are made in the USA (or not) is disturbing. What is worse is that you have the nerve to think that it is OK with American consumers because we probably won't know any better and we can be easily deceived. Are you not embarrassed? I'm going to start looking at sneakers made overseas. At least I know I'm not being taken for a dummy.

The FTC typically considers a “qualified” made-in-America claim. “Made in USA from imported parts” is OK with the FTC. You can not deceive anybody by skirting around some simple words \"Made in USA". Attorney and legal battles are what is behind a wide spread distrust of big business, banks run amok and government as a whole.
You are killing democracy and capitalism with these shady practices.
Fire the lawyers and turn that money into more productive machinery if foreign parts are cheaper.

The New Balance shoes I wrote about recently are one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. The comment I wrote was in regards to purchasing the same shoe, but in a different color then brown and orange. So far,most of the the comments I have read were in regards to NB shoes being made outside of the USA. I looked under the sole of the shoe I wrote about, saw it was made in China. Since I am so very comfortable with this shoe, I still would like to buy another one, but in a different color. As the saying goes, "If the shoe fits, wear it". So, please somebody out there, please be so kind as to assist me in getting this same shoe, but in another color. As to the shoes being made abroad, the designs and the materials originate here in the good old USA, My feet can't read, but they sure can feel good comfort. Audrey Louise

If 70% of anything is now to be the pure and real deal then what comes next? Perhaps you can put 30% of the fingerprints on an item and label as "Made In The USA" as long as somewhere you state that in your opinion that is good enough to entitle you to do so.

So little left of all that once made America actually Number 1 in the world left from when I was a young man and jobs that could raise a family quite properly were so easily found. Every foreign made item drains our economy just that little drip at a time. Enough drips and you fill the bucket. Enough buckets and the well becomes dry. Look upon this nation now, selling everyone else's trash and shipping our wealth out by the cargo ship loads.

Service economy=servants/slaves
Another fine republican idea

New Balance, you have my respect and continued business. I have had NB shoes for the past 6 years and will never go back to that "swoosh" brand or "flower" company. My current 993's are hands down the greatest shoe I have ever worn, and my 520's are a close 2nd.

And as far as I'm concerned 70% made in America is a heck of alot better than 0% made in America. New Balance, bravo.

I never really leave comments on these things, but after reading these I couldn't help it. It's ridiculous that someone would cease to buy a shoe because the company uses SOME "outside" materials. They aren't passing off all of their shoes as made in the USA, but they do denote the ones that are. I fail to see how this makes them an "evil' corporation, or deceptive for that matter. New Balance still operates 5 facilities employing 1700 people in the US. The last time I checked nobody else was even doing that. In these times we need to take all the jobs we can get, especially in the manufacturing sector. Do I wish that every shoe was made in the US with 100% US materials? Yes of course I do. Do I think this company has been deceptive or preying on our patriotism? No. I love New Balance shoes, and I will continue to support the last athletic shoe company still making SOME shoes in the good ol U.S.of A..

I hope they are committed to their American employees.

Most Americans are committed to the mighty dollar and greed rules. The rich corporate and goverment chiefs' greed is their primary concern - they have staffs dedicated to spinning a public impression that they are considerate of the American people. The best two examples I can think of are the large bonuses that the big business and bank officials got even though their companies had to accept a government bailout and the far superior retirement and medical benefits that our federal elected officials enjoy at the cost of every American.

The middle class is dissappearing and this creates a situation that they are pretty much forced to purchase the lower priced foreign goods. The rich do not have to worry about how much they spend on shoes.

I worry about how my children are going to be able to afford an education for my grand children. The decision if a college education is worth a lifetime of student loan debt is getting more and more prevalent every year.

All of the politicians are more involved fighting each other than they are trying to help the American people. They are so blinded by their political polarization that they can not work together taking the best of what each party brings to the table and come up with something that is best for the American people. Nothing is perfect and neither side is completly right nor are they completly wrong. It is a real shame they can not work together - it hurts all Americans.

The people who say that New Balance is being deceptive... First of all, the company is openly explaining just how they go about determining their labels. They are TELLING you exactly what it is they are doing. They're not hiding anything. You need to support what amount of work they provide American workers, considering no other company provides work domestically. I am employee of New Balance and I couldn't be happier. I've had several jobs prior to this one and this is one of the few jobs I've actually looked forward to going to work every day. Working for New Balance has been great and I'm glad to say I work for such a great company.

I am wearing a pair of new balance shoes at this moment. however, they say made in China. I like New Balance shoes, but to say they are mostly made in the USA makes me wonder if you are falsely trading on the Made in America slogan.

I purchased my first pair of New Balance running shoes because they were made in the U.S. I really liked the shoes so I continue to purchase New Balance even if the price is slightly higher compared to the imported competition.

Personally if the shoes weren't any better than competitors I wouldn't care where they are made. In my experience NB shoes hold up better than their competitors. Being made or assembled in America is a nice bonus.

As for the angry comments here I understood on day 1 (based on the tag from their shoes) that in order to save money New Balance must import some of the materials to cut costs. At least they're honest. If the company must import certain components in order to make shoes in Massachusetts that is fine by me. As long as their shoes continue to perform I'll continue to buy. I like being able to tell people that not only do my running shoes perform better, mine are made in the U.S.A.

AudreyLouise: This comment conversation is really for discussion of the Made In America article above, but we’d be glad to help with your other questions. Lets connect via a more direct venue - feel free to send us an email at newbalanceconsumers@mailnj.custhelp.com with the best way to get in touch directly so I can help you find a Brown/Orange trail shoe your on the hunt for!

Luckybear, you really think Nb is more $ than their competitors? They have "Air's" at my local sneaker shop to go for $250.00 and they are made in Vietnam!

You guy need to stop complaining about were they get the material for the shoes and focus on the fact that they have 1300 employees in AMERICA and not in china. Find me another shoe manufacturer that makes 7 million pairs of shoes a year here in AMERICA. Others like Nike use chinese material and labor so what do you say about that.

I wonder if GMUSA considers the Toyotas, Hondas, Volkswagons, and other cars assembled in the United States, American Made cars. Those plants also provide a whole lot of jobs to Americans.

Yesterday I purchased a pair of NB shoes that were made in China because the store did not have any that were made in America. It would be kind of neat if NB required the companies that sell any of their shoes to at least also some of their American Made shoes. Like GMUSA, I am happy for the 1300 American employees who have jobs because NB chooses to keep some of their manufacturing in the USA.

Whether you like it or not, all companies today participate in a global market...which means - for better or worse - global competition. The benefit of global competition means lower prices, namely that the consumer wins.

What's incredible in this age of global competition is that New Balance still chooses to make products PRICE COMPETITIVELY in a "high-cost" market like the USA. Also incredibly *commendable* is that New Balance actually gives their consumers a choice between "MADE IN USA" (70% value, "Assembled in the USA" (40-70% value) and other (less than 40% value). This may seem to some an arbitrary distinction but it is one that is clearly articulated on the New Balance website.

Regardless of the categorization, this type of choice is sadly absent in the product portfolio that most of the retail brands present to consumers today. Kudos to NB for giving the American consumer the choice to buy the sneaker that best suits their lifestyle.

As a business owner and 'seller' of Canadian-made clothing (completely made in Canada, exclusive of cotton fabrics) I am very pleased that I bought a pair of NB running shoes that support US workers. I had no idea one could purchase US made running shoes.

This company appears to be the only one still doing ANY manufacturing of athletic shoes in the US, so I don't fault them as all of the others went to China, years ago.

My question is, if most of these shoes are made in China, why are we being charged $140 plus for shoes that likely cost $5 to make??? My answer would be greed...and it is consumer driven...many consumers don't care where products are made with the attitude 'just give me the cheapest price', and 'who cares if it falls apart in a couple of months...I'll buy more'...very disturbing attitude and environmentally UNconscious as well, as the rejects end up in land fill sites. KB

I am proudly wearing my brand new New Balance 993's I purchased yesterday in the Glendale Az store near Arrowhead mall. Your sales staff was highly knowledgeable and I am very happy with my new shoes. I asked the store assistant if there was a red white and blue shoe being concidered and he said there was one being designed. I am looking forward to this shoe. I try to buy American products as much as possible. Thank you for employing people in the USA and for your commitment to do so. I will be buying more and telling everyone about the quality American New balance shoe. Also, thank you for your support for breast cancer awareness products sold in your store.

God bless New Balance BE AMERICAN BUY AMERICAN

With increasing safety concerns of Chinese products, eg. the severe skin reactions seen with Chinese leather goods - shoes, sofas etc, shipped with DMF, I would like to buy American. When you say you make shoes in the US with "imported material", you owe it to your customers to let them know what was imported and from where. I am very concerned that akin to the East Germans "fooling" Olympic authorities by making highly sophisticated designer drugs for their athletes, Chinese industry - with the collusion and connivance of the Chinese Government, is callously contemptuous of the consequences to end users. Of course, their American handlers down the supply chain will always cover for them! As Lenin famously said, "the capitalists will sell us the rope to hang them with!".

I have always bought the NB because they were Made in USA. I just read a few of the comments above from a few people whe are not going to buy because they feel they were not completely made in USA. To bad they cant realize that it is "imported material' that is not from usa.

1300 NB workers here pay american taxes toward your school systems, state and federal taxes. How many chinese workers who make shoes pay taxes for your schools or state gov? None! Not to mention that huge profit is being made and not to be spent back here in USA.

What about the standards that are set here in the USA? By purchasing shoes in southeastern Asia, you basically are saying to those countries that it is ok to pollute, exploit workers, etc.

Oh well, anyways, NB makes a great shoe in the USA, so I will continue to buy them

I admire New balance for even making the effort to do some manufacturing in the USA. It isn't easy given the totally self serving execs running many US companies. We began the slow, painful trashing of the US economy when we established diplomatic relations with China during the Nixon administration. The current situation is difficult to reverse, but anything made in America helps out your neighbors, pays taxes, and educates your kids. Stop crabbing about "partially made in USA" and so on, unless you think you can open a manufacturing operation these days solely in the USA nd effectively compete and stay in business these days. Otherwise, please just buy American (100% or parts) when you can.

Unfortunately our government has not been supportive of US manufacturing - and have nothing but contempt for them.

I buy made in the USA new balance - as its the 1300 employees that count. If you don't want made in China - then leave them on the shelf.

How come every time I pick up a pair of New Balance shoes in a non-New Balance store, I find that they have not listed as made in the USA? Do you have lower quality or cost line of shoes that you supply to places like Shoe Carnival that are made over seas?

I began wear ing NB shoes because my foot doctor recommended them. He stated that they are the best stabalizing shoe on the market. My doctor was right. I have tried cheaper brands and they just tear my feet up. I'll just stick to the best shoes on the market and also be proud that they are made in America. The higher price is worth it. I just wish NB would make an all black slip resistant shoe that I could wear at work. The shoes for crews are great for non slip but they distroy my feet.

Check the New Balance online store - they have a special section where you can see exactly which models are made in the USA and which are assembled in the USA. If more people buy these models, they'll make more in the USA. I can't blame them for not having all their shoes made in the USA or for not having the materials originating 100% from the USA. The textile industry in the USA is completely gone, and it is so hard to economically compete with foreign made products. In so many cases there isn't even a choice for USA made products anymore. Kudos to New Balance for giving us a choice!

Remember, we the consumer have the power to determine the fate of our manufacturing industries.

I buy New Balance shoes specifically because they are either made in the USA or at least assembled in the USA. I have two pair now; one is getting a little old and I'll have to replace it.

I'll continue to buy New Balance as long as they continue their commitment to making their products in the USA even if they have to get the parts of the product elsewhere. While I'd love to see more shoes fully made in the USA, New Balance may be a good starting point and we should all support it to the extent possible. For me it's as simple as that.

No longer an automatic purchase! I used to always buy NB shoes because a) they fit, and b) they were made in USA. Imagine my surprize to see the "Made in China" designation on the tag of my favorite shoe in my favorite size yesterday. I was told that "oh, yes - some shoes are made in the USA - you just have to look at the labels to find them." It's like buying an "American" car today - you really have to read the fine print on the labels to find out what you're really buying. Thanks, NB, for betraying my trust. May the marketplace deliver to you the success that you (not) deserve.

Seriously people, those of you ready to bail on NB for being honest about what constitutes Made in America is just going to send the company further overseas. By boycotting the only shoe left that claims anything to do with America is STUPID!! We should be going to them in droves, showing the rest of the companies that the only way they will get our money is if they bring production back to the US.....Some people are just to stupid to be allowed to live, or at least have an opion.

So some 30% of the "Made in USA " isn't.
Shame on you NB for deceptive practices.

To the NB marketing department:

Reading your explanation of "Made in USA" and the comments that followed it's understandable for many to feel deceived.

May I suggest a clearer label such as:

"70% or more made in USA"
or
"> 70% USA Made"

I want to support American manufacturing jobs as well as any other person who looks for the tag "Made in USA" but I don't want to be misled into thinking a 100% of my purchase is staying here in the USA when it's not.

The people that look for these labels expect 100% honest information. The ones that don't look for these labels are not interested and will accept whatever you tell them.

Help us, support you, by being up front with us and we will be your greatest fans -100%.

Thanks for reading

Here's what the FTC has to say on this:


http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/adv/bus03.shtm

Here's an interesting article on how New Balance has redefined "Made in USA"

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36476797/ns/business-us_business/

new balance shoes

I read with interest what people had to say about NB shoes "Made in USA" possibly only being 70% so, and threatening to go buy 100% made in China shoes from the competition in retaliation. What's their point?
I'm happy there's still an option to buy US made shoes; that's why I keep buying Allen Edmonds, Red Wings, LL Bean boots, and of course, NB runners. Not only because they're US-made, but because they're stylish, and the best made. I wouldn't mind spending more on NBs if that meant they were actually 100% US-made, by the way.
What we must all understand, is that US corporations have managed to move formerly domestic production overseas because we've let them. In the early '80s, when "Made in Korea" and "Made in Taiwan ROC" sneakers made their appearance alongside domestic shoes, all we had to do was read the labels, buy the domestics instead, and that could have been the end of it. If people had made the political move of sticking to US-made, the message would have come across clear to the production departments in all the companies making the overseas move: "imported doesn't sell, domestic does". And we"d still be enjoying readily available US-made products as the norm, and the jobs, tax revenues, and healthier trade balance that come with them. And we wouldn't belong to China, as we do today, because of our trade deficit in its favor.
The only way out now, is to concentrate on buying American, and letting it be known. Buy American cars from American automakers, that are built in American plants, and tell the salesman that's why you're buying that car. Do so whenever you can, for whatever product. When the corporations start understanding that consumers want American made, and actually buy American made over imported, is when we'll stand a chance of seeing industrial/manufacturing jobs coming back home.

I prefer to buy shoes that are made in the US, but it’s not clear which female running shoes fall into this category. Could you explain what it means if they are labeled “Committed to American Workers?”

Thanks NB for making or assembling, as the case may be, some of your shoes in the USA. The American pair I bought in 2002 are still useable in the yard. The China pair I bought barely made it past two years. Made sure I bought a USA pair this time. I'd like to encourage NB to increase the percentage of shoes (and content) made in the USA.

Props to New Balance!!! THank you so much for keeping jobs in America. Funny thing about a consumer driven economy -- Americans cant buy products if Americans dont have jobs. I wish other comapnies would care more about their consumers than they do about Wall Street. And shame on those of you who commented about NB and the "Made in USA" or only partly made in USA. Youre splitting hairs!!! Compared to other comapnies who have bolted to Mexico, China etc, NB is trying hard to keep the jobs here. More than other comapnies are doing. Give them the credit they so rightly deserve. Only when EVERYTHING you need is made in America and you can buy ONLY made in USA can you critisize NB. Im going out tonight and buy a new pair of NB. Thank you NB for doing what is right!!!

NB has a factory here and 1300 workers and is to my knowledge the last in the country making this type of shoe. Why would you not support that?? So just just go buy a shoe totally made in China? Thats stupid. We need to try and keep what we have left in this country. Your Fords, Chevys and Dodges are not 100% made in the USA now either nor is a Harley Davidson motorcycle.We need to support what little industry we have left or it to will be gone thanks to the our wonderful government.

I've been buying New Balance walking shoes for years because they are comfortable and they wear well. It;s too bad that more of the work isn't done here in the US but it's better than all in China. I'll keep buying NB.

I am surprised at some of the comments. I will continue to buy New Balance, and one reason is because they are trying to keep jobs in the US. Better than Nike or any of the other companies. I worked in manufacturing for years and have seen many jobs leave the US, so when I see a company trying to keep things here I will support them.

I buy New Balance because of the Made in America label and the fact they actually fit and support my feet. My hope is that one day 100% of their shoes will be 100% made in America. Thank you New Balance for trying to keep jobs in the USA!

I was unhappy when I seen the "Made in China" label in my new shoes as I thought all of NB shoes were made in the USA. After reading the above I'm more unhappy with myself for not knowing NB made shoes elsewhere. To late to take them back and get "Made in USA". Next time.

I just buy NB Running Shoes from The Athlete's Foot (http://www.theathletesfoot.com) and it says made in china on it's inner tag. Can you confirm this as real since it's been sold at 30USD (Discounted Price).

I recently bought a pair of shoes from NB and quite honestly did not consider that I could even find any athletic shoe made even partially in the US. I tried a couple different models between NB, Adidas and Nike and went with the NB model due to fit and the final buying decision went to the fact that part of the shoe was indeed made in the USA. C'mon folks we all vote with our dollars don't we? And what's more, if we are paying the same price for 100% imported shoes, where does that money end up, surely not Chinese workers. We really do need a second industrial revolution and it starts with the little guys. Kudos to NB and their American workers (oops, I'd better get back to my work now)

Thanks for your loyalty to the American worker, the American economy, and the American consumers who are able to buy quality shoes made in the good old U.S.A. I just bought my latest pair, and am proud to wear the tee-shirt 'New Balance supports the American worker'. And upon getting the shirt, the first thing I looked for was the country it was made in - the U.S.A.! Wish more things were made in the U.S.A.

This Black Friday, I chose New Balance over Nike for my new running shoes based upon the commitment of the company to American made products. How astounded I was when I brought my shoes home and discovered that they were MADE IN VIETNAM!!!!!!!!

I am thoroughly disappointed in NB. I have for 10 years chosen this brand because of the MADE IN THE USA tag. NB, you have let me down.

I bought my first pair of NB in South Africa in 2004. I was impressed with the marketing information re "made in USA" and not bowing to global trends etc together with useful information on care of product.!

And now 6 years later, I buy another pair because I was very happy with NB, her in New Zealand where I now live to find that teh shoes are made in China!!! the packaging contains no marketing information not even how to care for the shoes etc........is this right? Wish New Balance can comment on this?

Shopping online for a new pair of running shoes, and thought I'd do some searching to see what brands are made in America. After nearly an hour of looking what I find is that the majority are not, and New Balance is only partially. Well, partially is better than nothing, and now that I know what the tags mean I can use that. I'm going to support NB's efforts to keep at least some manufacturing jobs in America. Thanks NB!

I purchased a pair of Model ww811wt..$89.99...the tongue on the right arch not centered and on the left arch is leans all the way to the left...they are the most uncomfortable sneakers ever and have been worn about 5 times...what a sad commentary for the company and the store GLOBe which would not refund the money....Terrible sneakers.

Why does everyone have issues with manufacturing overseas, its a global market and no workers will work here in the US in a manufacturing plant. Would you pay over $200 for a pair of US only made shoes.... grow up people quit being racist

The "Made in the USA" designation on New Balance shoes has always been a selling point for me, but my latest pair, 876 trail running shoes is labeled "Made in China." In addition, the shoe has been completely altered as compared to previous years in the 870 line and should not have been presented as an updated version.

Shame on New Balance for their shady doublespeak about "Made in America" shoes.

Your "Made in America" sneaker may actually have soles manufactured in China, leather from China, etc. Chinese shoes are awful. Especially the sneakers. The glue comes apart and the sole separates from the shoe. The stitching on a pair of shoes does not match up. The shoe lining always wears out leaving holes.

Cheap materials, shoddy workmanship, and a fake "Made in America" is what New Balance is today. And on top of that, New Balance has the nerve to charge a premium for these sneakers.

Don't waste your money on New Balance sneakers. They may have been good in the past, but they are a huge rip-off now, and are dishonest with their customers.

For $150 you can get MUCH better shoes made in Europe or America. Shame there are no decent sneaker manufacturers anymore.

@MarkS We're sorry you feel that way! We are absolutely committed to American manufacturing, and we're proud to employ more than 1,300 manufacturing workers in our factories in New England.

Hi Kelly I am aware of your employment of 1,300 American workers. Why not make it 10,000? That way you can stop using substandard material from China that falls apart after a year of wearing your sneakers, and use leather and rubber manufactured in the USA.

Or make it 20,000 American workers, so you can have ALL your sneakers manufactured 100% in America by Americans? This way we will not see any more shoddy, mismatched stitching on our $200 sneakers anymore.

In fact, if you did stop offshoring all of those things, you might actually be in compliance with the US governments regulations on what can be called "Made in USA" with a big fat American flag on it. Because you are not in compliment now, and you must be aware of that because the Department of Trade has told you many times to stop misleading US consumers.

Hope you take my advice to heart.

70% is better than 0%. Like another poster said above, I bet New Balance would purchase 100% materials here in the United States if it was available. I commend New Balance for employing Americans. Anybody that would go buy 100% percent chinese made shoes is just plain crazy! Your money goes to the swoosh and outside of America. At least at new balance the greater portion of your money stays right here to recycle back through our country. And people that are having trouble finding the made in america brands at thier local shoe stores you can always find them just a click away at newbalance.com.

I will GLADLY keep buying New Balance Made in America shoes, support the company and the workers there, and show them off to my friends!!! Thank You new Balance for keeping jobs here in America!

Hi Art

70% is indeed better than 0%, but the marketing is still misleading as hell. Would you agree that the label "MADE IN AMERICA" does not need an asterisk like Barry Bonds' Hall of Fame record? That's really my only beef.

I hear what you're saying Mark but technically it still was MADE in the USA. The material just came from somewhere else. Would you agree that Boeing planes are made here even though most the parts come from all over the world? I'm just glad that Americans have employment so I'm not going to hammer New Balance for at least doing that. you can't blame New Balance in todays market to make choices that is best for the company to stay alive and compete. Not buying thier shoes is not going to help thos 1,300 americans.
I hope MORE americans will buy the american made shoes and this will force New Balance to meet that demand and make more shoes and employ even more americans and open up more factories. That's what we as americans in a consumer driven economy should be striving for. More money that stays in this country will cycle back through it. More money that leaves will never return!!!

I saw a couple posts lambasting NB for importing components. New Balance still has every right to claim made in America. Some components are imported, alot are domestic, and the labor is US. The fact remains that alot of performance materials and components cannot be made in the US anymore or are made poorly in the US. I am glad that there is a company in the US Like NB, you don't seeing any other large companies in the US trying this hard to be responsible do you?

Dear All:
I have a complaint concerning one of your products which it should be a very good products , i wear it about 5 or 6 times and i found that the shoe damage (M498GR) S/N :2119290430, waiting for your reply.

@tsh you're absolutely right and the same thing was with me. I have always bought new balance because i always thought i was purchasing an american product. It appears that is not the case. I guess i will have to find a different brand to work with. I honestly dont mind paying extra for a quality shoe made in the USA, so this frustrates me that we have been mislead like this.

'Domestic Value' of 70% or more? Who knows what the definition of THAT term is?
New Balance states, "Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we have labeled the shoe "Made in USA"."

The US gov't (web site: http://www.ice.gov/doclib/news/releases/2011/110316washington.pdf) defines 'domestic value as: "...the cost of the merchandise when last purchased, plus all duties, fees, broker's charges, profit, unloading charges, and US freight charges to bring the property to the importer's premises."

Therefore, Chinese components are valued 'artifically low' because the cost to ship Chinese components to the US is not included in the cost/'value' of those Chinese components. This keeps Chinese components below the 30% of the total 'domestic value'.

New Balance is playing with our heads on several levels. 1) Made in USA
2) 70% 'domestic value' being US
3) 'Domestic value' not including cost of shipping Chinese components to the US.

They are so clever, aren't they?

Oh golly. New Balance states: "Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we have labeled the shoe “Made in USA.”

New Balance does NOT say 'domestic value of the components', therefore we should assume that New Balance is refering to domestic value of the shoe. That means that there are three factors: US labor cost of the shoe, US component cost of the shoe and Chinese component cost of the shoe. As we all know, US labor is rather expensive. It therefore seems likely that even if 100% of New Balance shoe components are made in China, the shoe could be labeled 'Made in US'. The equation for 'Made in US' would be:
Cost of US labor plus US materials on one side (the 70% or more)
Cost of Chinese materials on the other side (the less than 30%)

It makes you wonder if New Balance shoes contain any US components, doesn't it?

To Mark SS comment on quality of , I see most of the discussion here is about " Made in USA " , there are maybe 30% are related to quality of NB shoes but I found almost all those comment are favor to NB shoe's quality , mean to say , put the " original country " issue aside , we must admit NB produce good shoes , they are 100 years company and they know what they are doing . So I feel ashamed on you to saying about their quality , do you actually have a NB shoes which was underperforming , present your evidence here before making that judgement.

As long as NB retains its commitment to US manufacturing, I won't buy any other recreational shoe no matter the price.

Hey, at least they still employ U.S. workers unlike other athletic shoe makers. I've worn New Balance shoes for the last 10 years and will continue to buy nothing else but New Balance. The 574 is one of the best quality shoes out there for the price, no plastic and foam like other athletic shoe manufacturers that cost twice as much.

First class company and product. The only shoes I buy.

I'm an Italian NB enthusiasts, sorry in advance for my bad english or maybe if my thought is not well explained, I hope you can understand it.

Honestly I don't understand where is the problem with chinese made NB, regarding the quality: I trust in NB product manger, so if they offer me models made in china, why they are to be worst compared to the USA or UK made?
I have lot of NB trainers form the 991, to the 1400 (both mad ein USA) also I wear the 577 (made in England) even I have a 574 (china made) and a ML750 (china made).

I don't see lot of difference, hte UK and USA made seems little bit better in small details... yes, this is true about the ML750 model, but the 574 is very well made.
By the way, my opinion is this:

NB, if you want to profess the USA/UK made philosophy... please stop to manufacture some of your shoes in China!
The consumer will be little confused if is not a collector or a enthusiast like me, I see lot of my friend can't make any distinction from USA/UL or China made, unfortunately.... and this is very bad.

Communicate that you are by the side to the American workers is a message that I approve and I like... by the way, you also made few (probably the most?) of your shoes in China, and the price difference with the USA/UK model are not so bigger... so I really do not understand.

Thanks for reading.

Note: I'm not the same Cristiano that have write July 18th 2011 at 4:11 PM EST

:)

I'm not that Cristiano either!!! The C stands for my first name...Is their another C runner because I didn't think there could be duplicated user names?

*there*

And as far as "Made in America" we would be naked with no furniture without a t.v. or the ability to leave a comment on New Balances' site if we were holding out for all American made products. At least New Balance tries and that is good enough for me. Put anything under a microscope and it will come up fallible if you're looking for it to be.

Cristiano and Soundologist - apologies for any confusion. It looks like there may be a bug causing one of the comments above to appear as either coming from no user or from yourself, if you are logged in. We're looking in to it now.

Thanks extraface, hope you can solve... is not good to see my name connected to a message of someone else!

We will get to the bottom of it, In the meantime, if you want some confirmation that others are not seeing it the same way you are, log out of the site ( click this link: http://www.newbalance.com/live/?action=logout ) and then visit this page again, and you will see that that comment comes up as coming from a blank.

Thanks for your patience, and for visiting and for sharing your views.

Ok, thanks I will try and let you know soon.

@Cristiano; Also wanted to say thanks for reaching out to me directly to report this problem. Rest assured the team is looking into it; if you have any other questions and want to speak offline please feel free to call us directly at 800-253-7463 or you can reach us via email at customerhelp@newbalance.com. Thanks again.

Again thanks to Maureen and all the staff for the promptly problem solving and sorry for my bad english!

Just a line to confirm that I'm logging out and loggin in and the message:



*Cristiano Berto July 18th 2011 at 4:11 PM EST
First class company and product. The only shoes I buy.*



is still visibile and I confirm is not write by me, even if is under my name ;)

Again thanks for your patience.

extraface no apologies need for me. Your time is appreciated, dealing with this matter. New Balance is a first class company and has first class products. Your shoes are the only shoes I run in. Although if and when I get an endorsement deal from another shoe company that will change :-D

*needed*

Pardon my english writing, :-D

When I think about it this "bug" is way to coincidental for me. If you can please erase my profile I would appreciate it. Thank You again for your time extraface and Maureen.

I decided I was going to get New Balance sneakers because they are made in the US. I bought a pair this weekend and I'm disappointed to find out they are made in China

NB produces a lot more product out of China, so you have to check the label. I estimate they manufacture about 15% of their product in the US.

The user Soundologist has been deleted per their request.

I want to thank New Balance for bucking recent trends and keeping jobs in America. I have long since bought only New Balance shoes for this reason, but the fact that they produce a superior product doesn't hurt either! As long as New Balance puts Americans to work, this American will keep buying them!

Was dismayed to visit Costco the other day in South Korea and see a pair of ₩59,000 ($55) NB with the "Made in China" label. After 15 years of being a loyal customer, I'm done with NBalance---so tired of these lame American companies doing everything for profit. There are things more important than the bottom line-----that goes for business too.

I so sick to see everything made outside the U.S I want to walk around nude.If It will cost me more i'll pay it we need to start making are own stuff from cars to shoe laces.Americans need to stand up and pull together like the old days like in world war II .This Goverment needs to stop cutting S.S and medicare .they need to cut their salary cut back from the top............whats change retirement to 85. Come on how much more can we give to the upper class??????????????????????????????




goverment

Both pairs of New Balance I bought at Kohl's this past weekend were Made in China. So much for the Made in USA thing.

Love the shoes because they support my feet so well but do not like that they get on the history channel and claim they only make their shoes in US. recently bought a pair of 606s and they are made in China. why lie on a show like that

I wish you guys made skate shoes and other casual extreme sport styles. I would pay the extra money in a heart beat for shoes made in the USA.I don't make a lot of money but would support companies more if they in turn supported the American worker.

Thank you for your comments everyone! We appreciate everyone's passion around this topic. Some of you may have seen this already, but if you're interested, here is a link to a Bloomberg TV interview with NB CEO Rob DeMartini from earlier today. As you'll see, while we're proud to be the only athletic shoe manufacturer still making a portion of our shoes in the US, we realize there's always room to improve. We appreciate your support of our domestically made products!

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/75419232/

instead of bashing new balance for making some of there shoes in the usa. why dont you bash every single other athletic shoe maker for being made overseas. when i recently found out that new balance makes shoes in the usa. i went out and bought a pair for me and my wife. both pairs where made in the usa. very simple people, buy the shoes that are made in the usa and not the ones made overseas. it will support our workers and economy and if enough people do it maybe the demand will go up and new balance will hire more american employees. i will never buy a pair of other sneakers other than made in the usa new balance from now on. if you had a pair of nikes made in china with china products and a pair of new balance made in america with 30% products from overseas what would you do? to me its a no brainer. thank you new balance for employing americans and supporting our economy.

I just bought a pair of New Balance at Big 5. Then someone told me that New Balance shoes are made only in the USA. I looked inside the shoes and read "Made in China." Does anyone police the big stores with regard to their selling knockoffs as the real thing?

I haven't been able to find a pair of New Balance that say made in the USA for several years now. They read made in CHINA. They also don't have the same fit as the American made ones either.

I have a pair of NB that came with a 'Made in USA" label attached to them. I just went to change my laces and found a label under the tongue of the shoe that reads "Made in China". I'm pissed!! I specifically bought these because they were supposedly made in the USA.
No Balance should be sued for mislabeling it's product and false advertising.

@Disappointed_American - We're not sure how that could have happened. We're going to reach out to you directly to get a bit more information. Thank you for sharing this issue with us!

Bonsoir
Excuse my english
Why the label is in french also ?
Thanks a lot
PS try to keep your job... always

I applaud NB, for trying to stay in the USA. 7million pairs of shoes yearly, thank you! But this is only 25% of what you produce, please for our sakes boost it up to 100% US produced, thats 28 million pairs of shoes and 5,200 workers total. Where can I find these in the Kansas City area, I have looked from store to store and can not find the USA label. Help!

All you need to do is check the label in the tongue of the sneaker. I looked at a few NBalance tonight and found 3 of the 6 were made in the USA. Luckily for me the one I liked was USA made!!!

I then checked out the other brand;, Nike, addidas, asics, reebok, guess what.....Made in China and Vietnam!! Most of the Vietnam sneakers (other brands) were more $ then the NBalance made in the USA!!!!

For everyone upset about NBalance m

thanks for making shoes in USA. to all of you who criticize the 70% materials thing.... get real. new balance still has more jobs in this field than others who are all made overseas. 70% is considerably more than 0% you retards.

I love how quite a few people have thrown out the "facts" stating that no other shoe company in American dies what NB does. Fact is, that NIKE, yes, that EVIL empire, emploees ten times more people in the US than NB. Don't believe it? Here it is: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/snapshots/945.html
That's a thousand more than the rest of the world. Assembly? Who knows exactly....but the truth is, NB isn't 100% American made either. Just like there is no such thing as a car made entirely in America anymore either.

Big fat lie. I just bought new balancw and it says made in china