Does New Balance Run Big or Small or True to Size?

New Balance claims their shoes fit true to size right out of the box, without the need for a break-in period, unlike some other brands like Adidas or Nike. This claim holds true in my experience and is echoed by most customer reviews. When trying on New Balance shoes, ensure your heel fits snugly, your toes have room to move, and the arch support is correctly positioned. The right arch support is crucial for a perfect fit, as the wrong size can lead to discomfort, instability, and slipping.

To choose the correct fit New Balance sneakers, you can refer to the number and letter series, which I shall explain below.

New Balance Size Chart

1. New Balance Size Chart for Women

US Size	UK Size	EU/FR Size	CM/JP Size
5	3	35	22
5.5	3.5	36	22.5
6	4	36.5	23
6.5	4.5	37	23.5
7	5	37.5	24
7.5	5.5	38	24.5
8	6	39	25
8.5	6.5	40	25.5
9	7	40.5	26
9.5	7.5	41	26.5
10	8	41.5	27
10.5	8.5	42.5	27.5
11	9	43	28
11.5	9.5	43.5	28.5
12	10	44	29
12.5	10.5	45	29.5
13	11	45.5	30
13.5	11.5	46	30.5
14	12	46.5	31
15	13	48	32

2. New Balance Size Chart for Men

US Size	UK Size	EU/FR Size	CM/JP Size
4	3.5	36	22
4.5	4	37	22.5
5	4.5	37.5	23
5.5	5	38	23.5
6	5.5	38.5	24
6.5	6	39.5	24.5
7	6.5	40	25
7.5	7	40.5	25.5
8	7.5	41.5	26
8.5	8	42	26.5
9	8.5	42.5	27
9.5	9	43	27.5
10	9.5	44	28
10.5	10	44.5	28.5
11	10.5	45	29
11.5	11	45.5	29.5
12	11.5	46.5	30
12.5	12	47	30.5
13	12.5	47.5	31
14	13.5	49	32
15	14.5	50	33
16	15.5	51	34
17	16.5	52	35
18	17.5	53	36
19	18.5	54	37
20	19.5	55	38

Read Also: Best New Balance Running Shoes

What If One Foot Is Slightly Larger?

When one foot is slightly larger, it’s important to measure both feet and use the larger foot to determine your correct shoe size. It’s preferable to have a bit of extra room rather than squeezing into a shoe that’s too small.

where are Adidas shoes made — What If One Foot Is Slightly Larger?

If the size difference is significant, inquire at shoe stores or online retailers if they accommodate requests for different sizes for each foot, as some do offer this option based on my experience.

Read also: New Balance vs. Nike Sizing

New Balance Sizing for Men vs. Women: What’s the Difference?

When choosing New Balance shoes, it’s crucial to understand the differences in men’s and women’s sizing for a comfortable fit:

Lasts: Men’s and women’s shoes use different lasts to accommodate gender-specific foot shapes. Men’s shoes generally have a wider heel, forefoot, higher instep, and longer arch, while women’s shoes are designed with a narrower heel, wider forefoot, lower instep, and shorter arch.
Sizing: Men’s sizes are typically even-numbered, while women’s are odd-numbered. For example, a men’s size 8 is different in length from a women’s size 8.5.
Widths: Men’s New Balance shoes come in standard (D), wide (2E), and extra wide (4E). Women’s shoes are available in standard (B), wide (D), and extra wide (2E).

Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right fit, whether it’s for length or width, ensuring comfort and suitability for your foot shape.

Understanding New Balance Shoe Widths: Narrow, Standard, Wide, and Extra Wide

Finding the right shoe width is essential for comfort, and New Balance offers four width options: narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Narrow Width: Ideal for slender feet, these shoes are narrower across the heel, forefoot, and midfoot. They’re labeled “AA” for women and “B” for men.
Standard Width: The most common option, fitting average feet. Women’s standard width is labeled “B,” and men’s is “D.”
Wide Width: Suited for wider feet, these shoes offer more space and are labeled “D” for women and “2E” for men.
Extra Wide Width: The widest option, perfect for extra wide feet or conditions like bunions. Labeled “2E” for women and “4E” for men, they provide the most room across all foot sections.

Each width is tailored to different foot shapes, ensuring a comfortable fit for various needs.

Different types of New Balance Shoes and Their Recommended Sizing

As I’ve stated previously, New Balance shoes tend to be true-to-size. Unlike other brands that sometimes run wide or narrow, New Balance will fit your feet just right, provided that you’ve measured them properly.

Here are some New Balance shoe models and their recommended sizing (based on my research and personal anecdote).

New Balance Shoe Model	Recommended Sizing
Fresh Foam 1080v11 Running Shoes	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
624v2 Cross Training Shoes 4040v5 Baseball Cleats	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
928v3 Walking Shoes	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
FuelCell Rebel Running Shoes	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
Fresh Foam Hierro v6 Trail Running Shoes	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
574 Core Lifestyle Shoes	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
FreezeLX 2.0 Football Cleats	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size
Furon v6+ Pro FG Soccer Cleats	True to size or half a size up from your standard shoe size

Again, it’s important to note that these are general recommendations and may vary depending on your individual foot shape and width.

Based on my experience, it’s always best to try on shoes in person to determine the best sizing and width option for your feet.

Expert Advice: How to Ensure Your New Balance Shoes Fit Correctly

To ensure your New Balance shoes fit well, it’s crucial to test them, whether you buy online or in-store. Here are key steps to follow:

Stay Indoors: Test the shoes indoors to maintain their condition in case of returns. Wear them around your home or the shoe store on clean floors.
Move Around: Simulate activities you’ll do in the shoes, like walking, jogging, or jumping. This helps assess comfort and fit during movement. If discomfort arises, reconsider the sizing.
Test Throughout the Day: For in-store trials, go in the afternoon or evening when your feet are largest. If buying online, try the shoes at different times to ensure they’re not too tight or loose.
Listen to Your Gut: Trust your instincts about the fit and comfort. If something feels off, consider trying a different size or style.

Testing the shoes in various ways and at different times helps confirm the right fit and comfort for your needs.

Read also: Best Insoles for Boots Too Big

Factors that Affect New Balance Shoe Sizing

Owning several pairs of New Balance shoes, I’ve identified key factors influencing their sizing:

Material: Leather shoes may feel tighter due to less give, while mesh or knit shoes offer more flexibility and comfort.
Style: Running shoes often have a narrower fit for support, whereas lifestyle shoes might be more relaxed for comfort. Choose a style that suits your needs.
Gender: Men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes vary in measurements and proportions. For example, men’s shoes are typically wider.
Foot Shape: Consider unique aspects like foot width, arch height, and shape. Wider feet may require a roomier toe box.
Sock Choice: The thickness of your socks can impact the fit, with thicker socks making shoes feel tighter.
Fit Preference: Personal preference for tighter or looser fits can vary, especially depending on the intended activity.
Size Conversions: Be aware of regional sizing differences and always check the size chart, especially when buying internationally.

Understanding these factors helps ensure a comfortable and supportive fit in New Balance shoes.

Conclusion

Selecting the right New Balance shoes for a comfortable fit can be challenging. While New Balance typically designs shoes that are true to size and extremely comfortable, getting the correct size is key to enjoying their comfort.

Understanding the size chart, identifying the ideal model for your foot type, and knowing whether you have wide or narrow feet are essential steps. The right pair that matches your foot shape will offer maximum comfort and improve mobility. Refer to my New Balance shoe sizing guide above to find your perfect fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will You Buy New Balance Shoes?

New Balance shoes can be an excellent fit for many people. They usually fit true to size, but you may need to adjust your sizing if your feet are narrower or wider than average. That way, you can get a pair that’s comfortable and can provide the support you need.

2. Is New Balance 574 Runs Wide?

For those who love retro, chunky-looking shoes, I believe that New Balance 574 can be a good choice. This model runs true to size and offers generous room for feet with any width, thanks to the wide footbed design. It has that extremely comfy cushioning for your arch and heels.

3. Which New Balance Running Shoes are the best?

The Fresh Foam series is perhaps the best New Balance for running on even terrain casually. I’ve tried several versions myself, but the 880v12 fits me the best. It is a versatile shoe that provides you with ample cushioning, ventilation, and flexibility, ideal for light jogs.

If you need more support and stability, the 860v13 and 1080v12 would be excellent alternatives. For serious races, though, you may consider choosing the FuelCell variants. It is bouncy yet retains a solid structure when you want to go fast.