New Balance
TINA.org investigated New Balance’s use of Made in USA labeling and other marketing, and found that the company was violating the FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule, as well as Section 5 of the FTC Act, in numerous ways. As a result, on September 20, 2021, TINA.org filed a complaint with the FTC urging the agency to take action.
Timeline
2022
March 21
New Balance moves to dismiss a class-action lawsuit filed against it alleging that its shoes are falsely advertised as Made in the USA. In its motion, New Balance admits that certain components of its shoes – such as the soles – are “made abroad, imported, and later incorporated in the shoe.”
2021
September 20
TINA.org files a complaint with the FTC regarding New Balance’s violations of the Made in USA Labeling Rule and FTC Act.
August 13
The FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule becomes effective.
2019
August 22
TINA.org files a Petition for Rulemaking to Promulgate Regulations for Made in the USA Claims with the FTC.
1996
September 6
The FTC resolves its case against New Balance but drops its allegations regarding the company’s unqualified Made in USA claims for products assembled in the U.S. from foreign and domestic components, and only prohibits the company from misrepresenting that footwear made wholly abroad is made in the U.S. Commissioner Starek dissents.
1994
September 20
The FTC files a complaint against New Balance for, among other things, deceptive Made in USA marketing.
Featured
New Balance, an Iconic Made in USA Brand, Defies FTC Law
TINA.org files a complaint with federal regulators over shoemaker’s deceptive made in the USA claims.
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New Balance: Running Afoul of the Law
New Balance labels some of its shoes as “Made in USA.” Here’s why that’s a problem.
TINA.org Files FTC Complaint Against New Balance for Deceptive Made in USA Marketing
MADISON, CONN. September 20, 2021 – According to the latest investigation by consumer advocacy organization truthinadvertising.org (TINA.org), New Balance is deceptively marketing some of its athletic shoes as “made in…
New Balance is Running Afoul of ‘Made in U.S.’ Labeling Law, According to a Newly-Filed Watchdog Complaint
The Fashion Law
Overstepping Their Bounds: Deceptively Marketed Made in USA Shoes
Over the years, TINA.org has found several shoe brands running afoul of the FTC’s Made in USA standard.
New Balance’s Made in USA Claims
Company’s criteria for labeling shoes “Made in the USA” falls short of the legal standard policing such claims.
New Balance Made in USA
In 1996, the FTC brought an administrative action against New Balance Athletic Shoes, Inc. for making deceptive U.S.-origin claims about its sneakers. Since at least 2009, the company has marketed…
MUSA Recidivists
1. New Balance In 1996, the FTC brought an administrative action against New Balance for making deceptive U.S.-origin claims about its sneakers. Since at least 2009, the company has marketed…
By the Numbers: Made in the USA Class-Action Lawsuits
A closer look at the who, what, where, when, and why.
Class-Action Tracker
New Balance Sneakers
Allegations: False made in USA claims
New Balance Shoes
July 2019: A federal judge granted final approval of the settlement agreement. January 2019: A federal judge granted preliminary approval of a settlement agreement that would resolve this lawsuit. According…