Rewind to 1976. New Balance introduces the 320, a nylon/suede running shoe in the archetypal wedge shaped, lightweight '70s style. The 320 marked two pivotal moments in New Balance history. It featured the first use of the iconic 'N' branding, and, after being voted the number 1 running shoe on the market by Runner's World magazine, the 320 established New Balance's reputation as the brand for serious runners.