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.


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New Balance Made in USA

Consumer News

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

Consumer News

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…


Class-Action Tracker

New Balance Shoes

Class Action

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…