No, most New Balance shoes run true to size in length. A few classic models run small and width matters more than length when finding the right fit. We checked sizing data on 19 New Balance models to see which ones fit true to size, which run small and which run large.
Three models in our data run small: the 574 Core, the 550 and the FuelCell Rebel v5. One, the 740, runs large. The bigger story with New Balance is width. Many models come in several widths, so wide feet should pick a wider width instead of a longer size, while lifestyle models like the 550, 2002R, 1000 and 327 come in standard width only and feel narrow.
New Balance size chart (US, UK, EU and cm)
This official New Balance size chart comes from the New Balance website size guide. Use it to convert between US men’s, US women’s, UK and EU sizes or find your size based on foot length in centimeters.
| US Men | US Women | UK | EU | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 7 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41.5 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 9 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 10 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 45 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 11 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11.5 | 46.5 | 30 |
| 13 | 14.5 | 12.5 | 47.5 | 31 |
The New Balance chart shows that US women’s sizes are one and a half sizes above US men’s sizes. A men’s size 8 equals a women’s size 9.5 on this chart. This gap differs from Adidas where the difference is only one size. Check our Adidas sizing guide to see how those sizes compare.
Three tips help you measure correctly for New Balance shoes. Measure your foot from heel to longest toe at the end of the day when feet are slightly swollen. Stand on a piece of paper and mark the longest point of your foot. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement to pick your size.
New Balance width chart: B, D, 2E and 4E
Width matters more with New Balance than with most other brands. This chart shows foot width in centimeters for different shoe widths from the official New Balance size guide.
| US Men | Narrow B | Standard D | Wide 2E | Extra wide 4E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9.8 | 10.1 | 10.5 | 10.8 |
| 9 | 10.0 | 10.4 | 10.7 | 11.0 |
| 10 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 10.9 | 11.3 |
| 11 | 10.4 | 10.8 | 11.1 | 11.5 |
| 12 | 10.6 | 11.0 | 11.4 | 11.7 |
Women’s widths use different letters than men’s widths. The women’s scale goes 2A narrow, B standard, D wide and 2E extra wide. A women’s D is wide while a men’s D is standard. Each step wider adds roughly 3 to 4 mm of foot width on this chart. Not every model or color comes in every width. A few models go beyond the official chart. The 990v6 comes in up to 6 widths and the More v6 comes in 4E. Read our New Balance wide shoe guide for the best options for wide feet.
Do New Balance run small? Model by model
We looked at sizing data for 19 New Balance models to see how each one fits. Most models run true to size in length but three models run small and one runs large. Check the tables below to find the right size for the specific model you want.
New Balance models that fit true to size
| Model | Fit | What to buy | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 990v6 | True to size | Usual size, half up for wide feet or long wear | Up to 6 widths |
| Fresh Foam X More v6 | True to size | Usual size, or Wide 2E/4E | D/B plus 2E and 4E |
| Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 | True to size | Usual size, Wide for wide forefeet | Narrow and wide options |
| Fresh Foam X 860 v12 | True to size | Usual size, some go half up | Multiple widths |
| Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 | True to size | Usual size, or wide and X-wide | Men to X-wide, women to wide |
| FuelCell Walker Elite | True to size | Usual size, or a wider width if snug | Wide and extra wide |
| FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 | True to size | Usual size, 2E for wide feet | D, 2E/4E in select colors |
| FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 | True to size | Usual size, half up for wide feet | Narrow to medium |
| 9060 | True to size in length | Usual size, or 2E/4E for wide feet | D, 2E and 4E |
| 1906R | True to size | Usual size, half up for wide feet | Medium, narrow for some |
| 2002R | True to size | Usual size, wide feet try first | Standard D only |
| 1000 | True to size | Usual size, half up for wide feet | Standard only, narrow toe box |
| 327 | True to size | Usual size, half up for wide feet | Standard D, runs narrow |
| 480 | True to size | Usual size, half down if the heel slips | Narrower than average |
| 530 | True to size | Usual size, half down for a snug fit | Medium with wiggle room |
The 990v6 fits true to size for most buyers. Half a size up works better if you have wide feet or wear the shoe for long days. This model comes in up to 6 widths which is the most of any model in our data.
The 530 offers medium width with wiggle room in the toe box. Some buyers go half a size down for a snug fit but wide feet should stay at their normal size. The 480 runs narrower than average and some buyers size down to stop heel slip.
The 9060 fits true to size in length but feels slightly narrow in the midfoot for some buyers. This model comes in D, 2E and 4E widths so wide feet have options. Read our 9060 vs 990v6 comparison to see how these popular models stack up.
New Balance models that run small
| Model | Fit | What to buy | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 574 Core | Runs small | Half up, sometimes a full size | D, 2E, 4E for men |
| 550 | Snug and narrow | Half up for average feet | Standard width only |
| FuelCell Rebel v5 | Runs slightly small | Half size up | Standard, narrow midfoot |
The 574 Core runs small in length even though it is built on the wider SL-2 last with a roomy, rounded toe box. Across 2,081 buyer reports, the advice is to order at least half a size up, sometimes a full size. This model comes in men’s D, 2E, 4E and women’s 2A, B, D, 2E widths.
The 550 comes in standard width only and feels tight through the midfoot and toe box. Average feet often need half a size up for a comfortable fit. The FuelCell Rebel v5 runs narrow through the midfoot and many buyers go half a size up. Our data includes 312 buyer reports for this model.
New Balance models that run large
| Model | Fit | What to buy | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 740 | Runs large | Half size down | Medium, wide platform |
The 740 runs large according to buyer reports. Most buyers order half a size down from their usual size. Our data only includes 70 buyer reports for this model so treat this as a lean rather than a strong trend. This shoe comes in medium width with a wide platform.
New Balance vs Nike sizing
Sizing differs between New Balance and Nike depending on the specific models you compare. We looked at cross-sizing data to see how popular models from both brands fit relative to each other.
- Against the Nike Dunk Low the 480, 9060 and Fresh Foam X More v6 take the same US size.
- The 574 Core is often bought half a size up from a Dunk Low or Air Max 90 size.
- The Nike Air Force 1 runs large so most buyers take half a size more in New Balance running models than in their Air Force 1. This applies to the 1080 v14, 860 v12 and More v6.
Easiest New Balance to size
These three models offer the most sizing options and the clearest fit guidance based on our data. Each one works well for different foot shapes and preferences.
New Balance 990v6
New Balance
New Balance Fuelcell 990 v6
Best for: Most width options
$200 retail · Amazon $180-$200
4.5/5 (2,000 user reports)
- Excellent cushioning
- High stability and arch support
- Breathable upper
Fit: True to size; size up half if wide feet or for extended wear Sizing guide →
The 990v6 fits true to size for most buyers and comes in up to 6 widths. This is the most width options of any model in our data. The shoe works well for normal to wide feet and stability is praised by 90% of buyers in our data.
The retail price is $200 and Amazon sells it for $180 to $200. The downside is that the toe box mesh is the first part to wear on this model. Read our 990v6 review and check the 990v6 sizing page for detailed fit information.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X More V6
Best for: Max cushion in 2E and 4E
$175 retail · Amazon $130-$175
4.5/5 (1,250 user reports)
- exceptional cushioning
- plush ride
- breathable upper
Fit: True to size for most; those with wide feet may prefer the Wide version Sizing guide →
The More v6 fits true to size and comes in standard D for men or B for women plus Wide 2E and 4E options. This model offers maximum cushioning praised by 95% of buyers in our data. It works well for normal to wide feet looking for soft comfort.
The retail price is $175 and Amazon sells it for $130 to $175. Stability is only 70% so this shoe is not for overpronation. The outsole wears at the toe after about 300 miles. Read our More v6 review and check the More v6 sizing page for more details.
New Balance 574 Core
New Balance
New Balance 574 Core
Best for: Cheapest 4E, order half a size up
$90 retail
4.5/5 (2,081 user reports)
- Timeless, classic, and versatile retro aesthetic
- Comfortable for all-day wear (ENCAP midsole)
- Stable and supportive feel
Fit: Often runs small or narrow; strong recommendation to order at least a half-size, sometimes a full size, up. Available in multiple widths (D, EE, 4E for men; 2A, B, D, 2E for women). Sizing guide →
The 574 Core runs small and narrow in length so you need to order at least half a size up. This model comes in men’s D, 2E and 4E widths making it the cheapest 4E option in our data. About 1 in 5 reports mention sole separation or early wear on recent pairs and 40% call it heavy.
The retail price is only $90 making it very affordable. Read our 574 Core review and check the 574 Core sizing page before you buy.
How to choose your New Balance size
Five steps help you pick the right New Balance size for your feet. Follow these tips to avoid returns and get a comfortable fit from day one.
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Measure length and width. Stand on paper at the end of the day and measure from heel to longest toe. Measure foot width across the ball of your foot. Use these measurements with the size and width charts above.
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Check the model table. Look up your specific model in the tables above to see if it runs true to size, small or large. Each model fits differently based on its last and design.
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Pick a width before you change length. If you have wide feet try a wider width like 2E or 4E instead of sizing up in length. Going up in length can cause heel slip and poor fit.
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Between sizes. If you fall between sizes on the chart go with the larger size for running and walking shoes. Your feet swell during activity and need extra room.
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Returns and discounts. Buy from retailers with good return policies in case the fit is wrong. Check our New Balance Black Friday deals page for the best prices on these shoes.
Final verdict
Most New Balance shoes run true to size in length according to our data of 19 models. Three models run small including the 574 Core, 550 and FuelCell Rebel v5 while one model called the 740 runs large. Width matters more than length with New Balance since many models come in multiple widths. Pick a wider width instead of sizing up in length for the best fit. Check out our guides to the best New Balance walking shoes and best New Balance running shoes for more recommendations.
Sources
New Balance official size guide https://www.newbalance.com/size-guide.html
Model fit calls come from the buyer-report sizing data summarized on each linked sizing page. See our review methodology for how we summarize buyer reports.
