New Balance: Still (Mostly) Made in the USA

New Balance still makes tennis shoes in the United States. The company currently employees 1,300 individuals in their five Maine and Massachusetts factories. According to the company, "One out of every 4 pairs of shoes we sell in the USA is made or assembled here. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we label our shoes 'Made in the USA.'"

On quick perusal, Many athletic Mens New Balance shoes, particularly the classic sneaker styles, are Made in the United States. The 812 Walking Shoe, as well as numerous service industry styles are made right at the Newton Street factory in Boston. Women's fashion shoes and select men's and women's athletic styles are made overseas. Sometimes the country of origin is not listed on a retailer's site. Sometimes cross referencing the model number or name to the New Balance site proves necessary.

To boot - or should I say 'to sneaker' - New Balance is closed this Thanksgiving Day. The customer service line and factories are closed. Hopefully, the company will stay steadfast in allowing their employees to take a break, just as it is committed - thus far - to keeping important jobs on U.S. soil.