Do you own a pair of New Balance shoes? If so, have you ever wondered if they run small, big or are true to size?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the sizing of New Balance shoes and tell you what to expect when purchasing a pair.
We’ll also provide tips on how to find the perfect pair of New Balance sneakers for your feet. So, whether you’re a longtime New Balance fan or just considering giving them a try, keep reading for all the need-to-know info!
Do New Balance Run Small or Are New Balance True to Size?
New Balance shoes typically run true to size for people with average feet. For example, if you usually wear a size eight shoe, you’ll likely fit anywhere between a 7.5 and an 8.5 with New Balance.
However, this may not be the case with all shoe styles. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and try on shoes before you buy.
If you have larger than average feet, standard New Balance sizes may be too small or too tight for your liking. Fortunately, many styles include specialty sizing options. While additional sizes aren’t available in every design, many offer narrow, wide, and extra-wide options in addition to standard sizes. Some styles come as wide as 6E.
Certain shoes also come in extra-large sizes to accommodate both men and women with above-average feet. Some athletic styles are available in sizes up to a men’s 20, which will fit feet up to 38 inches long. For those with feet shorter than average, New Balance’s smallest size offerings are a men’s 4 or a women’s 5.5.
New Balance shoes are designed for comfort, and most styles should fit perfectly straight out of the box. Additional support and cushioning help keep your foot comfortable even during the break-in period. If a shoe doesn’t fit right on the first try, it’s unlikely to improve with wear, making it easy to find your best fit from Day One.
How Do New Balance Shoes Fit?
Every brand of shoes fits your feet just a little bit differently. New Balance footwear is made to feel snug, comfortable, and supportive straight out of the box. They boast a unique and versatile fit, with multiple size options for all types of feet.
In most cases, New Balance shoes fit true to size. People with standard-sized feet should have no trouble finding a snug fit within a close range of their usual size. Those with larger feet may need to size down or opt for specialty size options.
New Balance bases size on both age and gender. New Balance has lines of shoes for men, women, and children as denoted by the first few letters of the style number. This number can also tell you more about the best activities for a given shoe, including:
- MW: Men’s walking shoes
- WW: Women’s walking shoes
- MT: Men’s trail shoes
- WT: Women’s trail shoes
- MX: Men’s cross-training shoes
- WX: Women’s cross-training shoes
- MC/MCH/MCY: Men’s tennis shoes
- WC/WCH/WCY: Women’s tennis shoes
- G: Grade school
- P: Preschool
- I: Infant
- Y: Youth
In addition to whole and half sizing, many New Balance models include a part number designed to tell you more about footwear. Three digits at the end of the style number give you a detailed idea of how a shoe will fit your foot.
The last two digits of a shoe’s style number will tell you more about the level of support and comfort a shoe has to offer, helping you choose the best option for your lifestyle. These digits can range anywhere between 40 and 90.
The style number will let you know what activities a shoe works best for, from low-impact to high-intensity. Lower numbers offer stability and control, while higher numbers boast plenty of cushioning and flexibility. New Balance has a wide range of style numbers to suit any activity, including:
- Optimal Control (40): These shoes offer plenty of support and are ideal for controlling pronation issues. They make excellent footwear for daily walking.
- Fitness Running (50): These shoes are ideal for city running and indoor workouts, offering both flexibility and support
- Stability (60): Shoes in this range are versatile, offering both comfort and control. They are ideal for active daily wear.
- Light Stability (70): These shoes are lightweight and flexible while still offering a decent degree of support. They make a good choice for speed-runners and high-performance athletes.
- Neutral (80): Shoes in the 80s range boast plenty of light cushioning for comfort and stamina. They are ideal for long-distance runners and endurance sports.
- Speed (90): These shoes boast a fast ride, with a lightweight design, plenty of cushioning, and a snug fit. They are ideal for both speed and endurance sports and the top choice for many pro athletes.
The style number is one of the best ways to determine how a New Balance shoe will fit. However, there will always be slight variations in size and fit between different models. Trying a shoe on is the only way to know with certainty if it runs big, small, or true to size on your foot.
Also Read: How Do New Balance Shoes Fit?
Do New Balance Shoes Fit Tight?
You should be able to wear New Balance shoes straight out of the box without any discomfort. If they feel too tight or too loose on your foot, the fit isn’t likely to improve with wear.
New Balance shoes should feel snug when trying them on without being uncomfortably tight. The heel should sit firmly in place around your ankle without sliding or chafing. The shoe’s midsole should also be snug and supportive around the arch of your foot. On the other hand, your toes should have just a little bit of wiggle room inside the shoe.
If your shoe feels too tight, you risk developing corns, bunions, and other issues. It’s best to try going half a size up for a more comfortable fit. You may also want to consider trying on some wide or even extra-wide shoe models.
Do New Balance Run the Same Size as Adidas?
Adidas shoes run fairly true to size, but many models are slightly smaller than average. New Balance sizes are typically just a few millimeters larger than Adidas sizing. In most cases, however, the difference is negligible.
You will likely wear the same size shoe when it comes to both New Balance and Adidas footwear. For nonstandard styles, though, New Balance shoes may run a half or even a whole size bigger than similar Adidas models.
Do New Balance Run the Same Size as Nike?
Nike shoes typically run on the small side, while New Balance footwear is true to size. New Balance shoes can run more than a size larger than Nike shoes, and standard sizes are usually wider.
If you know your size in Nike footwear, you will likely need to try at least a half a size larger when trying on New Balance shoes. Depending on the model of the shoe, you may need to opt for a size or two up.
Nike shoes are also typically narrower than New Balance. If Nike shoes tend to fit your foot, it may be too slender for New Balance’s standard sizes. If this is the case, you should try narrow sizes to see if they offer a more snug fit.
Are New Balance Sneakers Narrow?
New Balance shoes typically run true to size. Their standard sizes are wide enough for most average feet. However, for large or wide feet, their standard sizing may feel narrow. Fortunately, there are wide and extra-wide options available for a more comfortable fit.
Some New Balance shoe models come in narrow sizes to fit small or slender feet. If you frequently find shoes fit loose around the arch of your foot, you may want to try one of New Balance’s narrow sizes.
How Do New Balance 574 Fit?
The New Balance 574 is a reliable and versatile everyday shoe and one of the most popular models in the brand’s lineup. As the part number indicates, this shoe design provides light stability.
The 574 has a snug yet flexible fit around the toe and arch of your foot, making it a good choice for everyday walking, hiking, and even running. Moderate cushioning helps prevent exhaustion and keep you comfortable even during extended wear.
For most people, the 574 fits true to size. If you have an above-average foot, you may need to size up or opt for a wide shoe model. Don’t worry if the toe of the shoe feels snug, as the material stretches during wear.
This shoe is best for people with low to moderate arches. It provides limited support for high arches, which may result in pain and fatigue.
Do New Balance 530 Run Small?
The New Balance 530 model is a performance running shoe. It offers support without sacrificing flexibility, making it a good choice for long-distance. With its simple, lightweight design, the 530 is another one of New Balance’s most popular models.
The 530 tends to run slightly smaller than other New Balance models. For most people, however, there should be no change in shoe size. The New Balance 530 is generally true to size for average feet.
People with large or wide feet may have more trouble fitting into the 530. This shoe model doesn’t come in wide or extra-wide sizing, so people with above-average feet may need to size up for a comfortable fit.
New Balance Wide vs Standard
New Balance shoes come in a range of different widths to offer a perfect fit for any foot. While not all models are available in specialty sizing, some have as many as six width options ranging from “X-Narrow” to “XX-Wide.”
Extra-narrow sizes are not available for women’s shoes and kid’s models. This option is only available in limited men’s shoe designs. Narrow and XX-Wide shoes are only available in adult sizes.
There is about a ½” difference between New Balance’s standard and wide sizing. As shoes get wider, the size difference becomes smaller. There is just a ⅜” difference between the brand’s extra-wide and their double-wide sizes.
Finding the Right Fit
If you’re shopping for new shoes, the easiest way to find a perfect fit is by measuring your feet. You can check the New Balance size chart to see what will fit your foot length best. You can also measure foot width to determine if you need narrow, standard, or wide footwear.
It’s easy to find your shoe size at home in just a few simple steps. You can shop for shoes both online and in-store with more confidence.
Measure Your Foot Length
Before heading to the shoe store, it’s a good idea to measure your foot. Doing so will give you a better idea of the best sizes to buy based on the New Balance size chart.
You can measure the length of your foot directly with a ruler or tape measurer, but it’s easy to make mistakes this way. Instead, the best way to measure your foot is by tracing it on a piece of spare paper.
Stand with your heel against the wall and your foot flat on the ground. Holding your pencil perpendicular to the floor, trace an outline around the edge of your foot. You can then use this outline to measure the distance from your heel to your toe, telling you the best shoe size for your feet.
It’s best to remeasure your feet at least once a year to check for any changes in size. Feet can grow larger with age due to years of pressure on the bones and joints. Pregnancy can also make women’s feet grow, and many never return to their previous size.
Try On Multiple Sizes
For a perfect fit, it’s always best to try shoes on in person. It’s a good idea to try on multiple sizes to ensure you pick the best footwear for your feet. Experiment with shoes at least a half size up or down from your expected size, or try wide and narrow styles.
A good pair of shoes should feel snug but not tight. When you try walking, the heel should stay in place without slipping. Otherwise, you may suffer from “shoe bites” on your heel.
On the other hand, the toe box should have enough space for you to breathe. You should be able to wiggle your toes without restriction. If you can feel the shoe pressing against your toe, it’s too small for your foot.
Always make sure to try shoes out on both feet before buying. Many people’s feet are slightly different sizes, and a shoe that fits on one may not feel as good on the other. It’s best to size your shoes for the bigger foot.
You should also aim to try new shoes later in the day rather than in the morning. As you walk around, the pressure causes your feet to swell. Shoes that feel snug in the morning may be uncomfortably tight by dinnertime.
Don’t Forget Your Orthotics
If you typically wear insoles, you may need to size up to accommodate the extra bulk in your shoe. In some cases, opting for a wide or extra-wide sizing may also help.
It’s a good idea to wear your regular socks, hosiery, or insoles when trying on new shoes. Otherwise, you might find yourself with too tight a fit. Signs that your shoes are too small or narrow include cramping, pins and needles, callus formation, and more.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a pair of New Balance shoes, you may be wondering: do New Balance run small, big, or true to size?
For most people, New Balance shoes run true to size. However, if you have larger than average feet, New Balance footwear might run a little bit small for your needs. Fortunately, the brand offers a wide range of both standard and specialty sizes. You can find narrow styles, extra-wide designs, and sizes ranging up to a men’s 20.
Measuring the length and width of your feet can help you determine whether New Balance shoes will run small or big for your foot size. Footwear should fit comfortably straight out of the box and provide plenty of cushioning and support for daily wear.
