THE ORIGINAL ERA
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.
![black and white image of the original red ball jets](http://redballjets.co/cdn/shop/files/8911C2F4-B078-4BD4-98F8-BE93ABF83C20_1_105_c_1d3a8494-58a5-408b-9769-4164678bb8b1.jpg?v=1640305300&width=1500)
![magazine cut out from the original red ball jets](http://redballjets.co/cdn/shop/files/9FF12501-819D-4073-B7FA-E14A485DC9D8_1_105_c.jpg?v=1640305138&width=1500)
![white and red original red ball jet sneakers](http://redballjets.co/cdn/shop/files/0EC41E76-209B-41CE-AFE4-2E7A617D929C_1_105_c.jpg?v=1640305020&width=1500)
AN ERA OF GROWTH
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.
![a vintage advertisement from the red ball jets](http://redballjets.co/cdn/shop/files/A4A6A0D0-3FCE-46CF-94C0-51059F0ACA04_1_105_c.jpg?v=1640306287&width=1500)
![a boy wearing red ball jets with his puppy](http://redballjets.co/cdn/shop/files/9FEE04CF-7B05-49F0-B887-1E8D64DEC4AA_1_105_c.jpg?v=1640641151&width=1500)
![a magazine ad promoting the red ball jets in 1964](http://redballjets.co/cdn/shop/files/82156C61-74F5-4F6A-834D-ED81252E6256_1_105_c.jpg?v=1640306309&width=1500)
THE YOU ERA
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.