New Balance
TINA.org found iconic sneaker company engaged in deceptive Made in USA marketing.
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 to its terms, class members may receive up to $10 for each pair of shoes purchased, with a maximum award of $50 for each person and $100 for each household. The company also agreed to make certain changes to marketing materials and to implement a compliance and training program for a period of five years. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2019. For more information, go to http://www.shoesettlement.com/.
January 2017: This case was transferred to federal court. (Case No. 17-cv-159, S. D. CA.)
December 2016: A class-action lawsuit was filed against New Balance for allegedly deceptively representing that shoes are “Made in the USA” when, according to the complaint, a “substantial percentage” of the components are from other countries. (Dashnaw et al v. New Balance Athletics, Inc. and Does 1-50, Case No. 37-2016-00045461, California State Court – San Diego)
For more information about other class-action lawsuits regarding Made in USA claims and TINA.org’s coverage of the issue, click here.
Legal Action
Class-Action Tracker
New Balance Sneakers
Allegations: False made in USA claims
The Latest
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.