New Balance faces a new proposed class action claiming its “Made in USA” sneakers do not meet the federal standard, The Fashion Law reported on Dec. 23, 2021.
Six plaintiffs filed the complaint in federal court in Massachusetts that week. They say up to 30% of each sneaker is imported parts or foreign labor.
Key claims
- The suit targets seven models, six with “Made in USA” in the product name.
- It cites a former CEO’s statement that the company imports its soles, and a Wall Street Journal report that the soles came from Chinese suppliers.
- It says a fine-print note that the shoes have “a domestic value of 70% or greater” does not fix the claim.
- Claims include breach of warranty, fraud and state consumer law violations.
New Balance paid $750,000 to settle a similar suit in 2019. In September 2021, Truth in Advertising also filed an FTC complaint about the brand’s claims.
“New Balance seeks to be transparent in all consumer communications, prominently disclosing that where domestic value is at least 70%, the brand’s footwear is labeled Made in the USA.”
New Balance statement
In December 2022, a judge refused to dismiss the case. Read our coverage of that ruling.
FAQ
Where was the suit filed?
In federal court in Massachusetts.
How much foreign content is alleged?
Up to 30% of each sneaker.
What does New Balance say?
It labels shoes Made in USA when domestic value is at least 70%, and discloses this.
Source & credit
Source: The Fashion Law, Dec. 23, 2021: “New Balance Named in New Suit for ‘Misrepresenting’ Shoes as ‘Made in USA’”.
Also: Sourcing Journal, Dec. 24, 2021, by Chelsea Dobrosielski: “New Balance Faces Another ‘Made in USA’ Class-Action Lawsuit”.