New Balance Rainier

All New Balance Rainier

Shop all

Introducing the New Balance Rainier

The New Balance Rainier, first introduced in the early 1980s, emerged from a collaboration with legendary mountaineer Lou Whittaker to create a lightweight yet durable boot for serious outdoor adventures.

Designed to bridge the gap between hiking footwear and athletic shoes, the Rainier combined rugged traction and ankle support with the cushioning and flexibility of a running shoe. Its upper, crafted from suede and nylon, paired with a grippy Vibram outsole, made it both tough and versatile, capable of handling challenging terrain without the bulk of traditional hiking boots.

As one of New Balance’s earliest ventures into outdoor performance, the Rainier became a pioneering model that influenced the brand’s later trail and hiking shoes, while also gaining popularity as a stylish lifestyle boot in recent years.