BALL-BAND had been making high-quality footwear in Mishawaka, Indiana for over 50 years when they launched their first “sport shoe” in 1951 — Red Ball Jets. Made alongside foam, adhesives, and rubber in the Mishawaka Woolen & Rubber Mfg. Co., the performance enhancing rubber sole and signature red dot set Red Ball Jets apart, and earned them their status as a true original.

Unique in form and function, Red Ball Jets have stepped high from the moment they took off. A state-of-the-art Triple Cushion Arch Gard offered real comfort and natural support, proving to be a true advantage over their flat-footed rivals. For 20 years they rose above and continued to offer new styles, sought after by trendsetters everywhere. Unfortunately, in 197 the brand was grounded indefinitely when BALL-BAND sold the rights to the United States Rubber Co., better known as Uniroyal. 

In 2021 the brand has taken off once more, returning with the ’51 Hi — named in tribute to their original year of release. The last original sneaker is back with a nod to the past, but an eye on the future. Red Ball Jets is the brand serving fresh kicks with modern comfort, built for you: the individualist, the taste-maker, the trailblazer. We’ll build the sneakers — the rest is up to you.