The Davis family owns New Balance, the athletic-shoe company founded by William J. Riley in 1906.
William J. Riley established the New Balance Arch Support Company in Boston, initially making arch supports and other products intended to improve footwear fit. The company later moved into athletic shoes and became known for manufacturing several models in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Jim Davis bought New Balance in 1972 and remains associated with the company’s ownership; his wife, Anne Davis, has also held a leadership role. New Balance is unusual among major sportswear brands because it has retained significant domestic manufacturing while also producing shoes overseas.
The Davis name is easy to confuse with Nike’s Knight family. Phil Knight co-founded Nike, whereas New Balance is associated with Jim and Anne Davis.