New Balance and the US Military
A Note on New Balance’s Relationship with the United States Military.
A chance visit to the New Balance store in Friendship Heights (DC) during the holidays revealed a relationship previously missed.
Since 2008, New Balance has been the official supplier of athletic apparel to the US Armed Services. The deal includes apparel, primarily in the form of the Physical Training Layering System. For the Marines, New Balance provides the official issue running suit, Army Rangers wear a specially designed physical training uniform, and the Navy utilizes a number of layering pieces. All these garments come through a dedicated in-house team focused on Military needs, and is advised by a collection of decorated veterans.
The latest portion of the deal launched last November in the form of five editions of the 993. All are made in the United States (obviously) and each features the individual insignia of a distinct service. My personal favorite is the Coast Guard edition (I’ve had the great pleasure of working with several members of the Coast Guard stationed in Philadelphia on tattoo related projects). New Balance celebrates each sector of the military simply and effectively in the collection, and given the locale of production they really stand as the “Americana” sneaker as far as I’m concerned.
Also exciting (as far as I’m concerned), is how the relationship, especially through the footwear, has escaped most of the blog universe. Perhaps actual Military involvement is a touchy subject. But, one would think with all the harping about national identity, core American product, and a slight obsession with garments born from Military use in post war casual clothing, there would be some interest in finding out about contemporary goods.
The 993 itself has obvious appeal. Beside being domestically produce, its heritage and lineage within one of the most enduring lines of technical running footwear is obvious. The color schemes and individual service branding fit the silhouette well. This set has reinvigorated my own interest in the 993, hampered recently by vapid collaborative efforts.
The New Balance 993 United States Military editions make sense. Far beyond the Jordan pieces I’ve seen, which seem more fashion and PR than anything, these are pieces that serve function. Easily part of training kit, they establish a link between New Balance’s commitment to fitness and commitment to American manufacture.
If they strike your fancy too, head to New Balance. My friend Gary’s blog is well worth a visit, his essay on modern Military footwear is simply superb.
