Introduction
For over 100 years, New Balance has been producing quality footwear for athletes and everyday individuals who are looking for comfortable shoes that last. As one of the few companies that still manufactures their products in the United States, it’s no surprise that many people are curious about where their shoes are made. In this article, we will explore the global supply chain for New Balance shoes, from examining the countries involved in production to the benefits of buying locally made.
Exploring the Global Supply Chain for New Balance Shoes
New Balance is a global brand with a presence in over 120 countries worldwide. While the majority of the company’s shoes are produced in the United States, they also have factories in other countries such as the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam. Each of these countries has its own unique manufacturing process and contributes to the overall production of New Balance shoes.
Examining the Countries Involved in the Production of New Balance Shoes
The first step in understanding the global supply chain for New Balance shoes is to examine the countries involved in the production process. The United States is home to New Balance’s main headquarters and some of its factories, while the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam all have factories that contribute to the production of New Balance shoes. Each factory focuses on different components of the shoe, such as the upper, midsole, and outsole. This allows New Balance to produce a wide range of styles and sizes while maintaining a consistent level of quality.
A Look at Where New Balance Shoes are Assembled
In addition to the countries mentioned above, New Balance also utilizes factories in Mexico and Thailand to assemble their shoes. These factories are responsible for putting together the various components of the shoe, such as the upper, midsole, and outsole, before they are shipped to retailers around the world. By utilizing factories in multiple countries, New Balance is able to keep costs down and ensure that their shoes are available to customers in a timely manner.
The Benefits of Buying Locally Made New Balance Shoes
When it comes to buying New Balance shoes, there are several advantages to purchasing locally made products. For starters, supporting local businesses helps to stimulate the economy and provides jobs for citizens in the region. Additionally, local businesses often use sustainable materials and processes, helping to reduce environmental impact. Finally, buying locally made products ensures that you are getting a quality product that was crafted with care.
Ethical Considerations in Purchasing New Balance Shoes
It is also important to consider the ethical implications of purchasing New Balance shoes. Although the company works hard to maintain high standards of labor practices, there is always the possibility that unethical practices could be present in the production process. Therefore, it is important to research the company and its suppliers to ensure that they adhere to fair labor laws and regulations. Additionally, consumers should look for labels that indicate that the shoes were made with sustainable materials and processes.
An Analysis of the Countries that Produce New Balance Shoes
As previously mentioned, New Balance produces shoes in the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand. Let’s take a closer look at each of these countries and how they contribute to the production of New Balance shoes.
Examining Asia as a Major Producer of New Balance Shoes
Asia is one of the major producers of New Balance shoes. The company has factories in China, Vietnam, and Thailand, which are responsible for crafting the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles of the shoes. China is the largest producer of New Balance shoes, accounting for roughly 40% of the total production. Vietnam and Thailand also play an important role in the production process, providing quality materials and components for the shoes.
Europe’s Role in the Manufacturing of New Balance Shoes
Europe is another major supplier of New Balance shoes. The company has factories in the United Kingdom and Spain, where workers craft the uppers and midsoles of the shoes. In addition to providing quality components, these factories also utilize sustainable materials and processes, helping to reduce the environmental impact of the production process.
Conclusion
New Balance shoes are produced in a variety of countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand. Each country plays an important role in the production process, from crafting the uppers and midsoles to assembling the components of the shoes. When considering purchasing New Balance shoes, it is important to consider the benefits of buying locally made products, as well as ethical considerations in purchasing them. By understanding the global supply chain for New Balance shoes, consumers can make informed decisions about where and how their shoes are made.
