Is New Balance Woke?

20/100 — Mildly Woke

US

newbalance.com

Score Summary

Score ~20/100. ESG/sustainability reporting (+10): publishes sustainability commitments and progress. DEI programs (+10): "Empowering People" DEI platform and the employee-led "Conversations Amongst Us" group amplifying Black voices. No prominent Pride sponsorship, no verified perfect HRC CEI score, and not a CEO Action signatory. Notably, owner Jim Davis is a major Republican donor and the brand is culturally coded as conservative-friendly, pulling its overall woke profile down despite formal DEI/ESG programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Balance woke?

Based on our research, New Balance has a woke score of 20/100, rated Mildly Woke on the BuyWokeFree index — based on its ESG, DEI, Pride sponsorship, HRC Corporate Equality Index, political donations, and CEO Action record.

What is New Balance's woke score?

New Balance has a woke score of 20 out of 100, categorized as Mildly Woke. This score is based on analysis of ESG initiatives, DEI programs, PRIDE sponsorships, HRC Corporate Equality Index rating, political contributions, and CEO Action for Diversity participation.

How does BuyWokeFree rate New Balance?

BuyWokeFree rates New Balance across six research dimensions: ESG initiatives, DEI programs, PRIDE sponsorships, HRC Corporate Equality Index rating, political contributions to left-leaning causes, and CEO Action for Diversity participation. New Balance's overall woke score is 20/100.

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About

New Balance Athletics is a privately held American athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.