Sizing guide Updated

New Balance 327 Sizing Guide: Does It Run Small or True to Size?

Short answer

The New Balance 327 blends retro tennis heritage with a bold modern silhouette, presenting a unique fit profile that varies significantly based on individual foot anatomy. Significant number of users with wider feet recommend sizing up by half a size due to narrow forefoot/midfoot.

Runs true to size

Cross-sizing: what size to buy

Find a shoe you already own and read across to the New Balance 327 size to buy.

  • Adidas Samba

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10.5
    EU 44 44.5

  • Nike Air Force 1

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 9.5
    EU 44 43

  • New Balance 550

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10
    EU 44 44

Fit Notes

Adidas Samba
Although the Adidas Samba features a notoriously narrow toe design, users frequently report that its overall internal volume or upper construction behaves in a more forgiving, accommodating manner than the low-profile New Balance 327. Consequently, standard-width wearers who find their exact length in the Samba comfortable are advised to size up a half size to a US 10.5 (EU 44.5) in the 327 to avoid an overly restrictive or tight midfoot wrap. For the compensation factor: if you have wide feet and already size up in the Samba to get extra width, you should maintain that half-size increase here as well, because the 327's limited vertical throat and forefoot volume necessitate extra spatial allocation to ensure day-long comfort.
Nike Air Force 1
The Nike Air Force 1 is globally recognized for running large due to its high-volume internal footprint and wide, spacious toe box environment. When switching to the New Balance 327, staying with the same numerical size will create a significant drop in roominess. Sizing down a half size in the 327 to a US 9.5 (EU 43) is the standard tactical adjustment for individuals looking to replicate the precise, locked-in snugness of a traditionally laced lifestyle sneaker, though wide-footed individuals should stick to their true length baseline to avoid lateral metatarsal pinch.
New Balance 550
As fellow models sharing New Balance's manufacturing standards, the 550 and 327 exhibit consistent physical sizing metrics. Standard-width profiles should order a true-to-size US 10 (EU 44). However, the psychological perception of fit is heavily altered by their distinct silhouettes: the 550 relies on a chunky, highly structured retro basketball last with generous collar padding, whereas the 327 is a low-profile, minimalist design with a thin, unpadded upper, meaning the 327 will feel closer to the ground and more intensely reliant on manual lacing adjustments to manage instep pressure.

Sizing FAQ

Does the New Balance 327 run true to size?

The New Balance 327 runs true to size (TTS) primarily in its literal front-to-back length measurement, making it an accurate match for standard sizing charts if you have narrow or average-width feet. However, due to its low-profile silhouette, narrow internal shoebox volume, and a general lack of plush upper cushioning along the tongue and collar, the shoe can feel tighter and more restrictive than anticipated when traditionally laced. While narrow foot shapes can confidently stick to their standard size, individuals with wider profiles or high insteps regularly find that sizing up a half size is essential to achieve a comfortable, non-constricting fit.

Is the New Balance 327 good for wide feet?

Yes, the New Balance 327 is widely recognized within the sneaker community as an exceptionally wide-friendly option that effectively accommodates broader foot shapes. Although it features a tapered retro aesthetic, its flexible canvas and mesh upper possesses excellent pliability, allowing the materials to stretch and mold dynamically to the foot over time without forcing wide-footed individuals into restrictive, painful boundaries. To achieve the best possible comfort baseline, buyers with wide feet are advised to purchase their standard wide size or select a half-size increase from their normal standard-width running shoes to handle the lower internal volume.

How is the arch support on the New Balance 327?

True to its minimalist retro tennis heritage, the New Balance 327 provides a flat, low-profile underfoot ride with minimal built-in arch support. It lacks a contoured footbed or rigid stability features to actively correct overpronation or fallen arches. Instead, the shoe relies on its targeted ABZORB foam technology—strategically isolated in the heel and forefoot zones—to provide focused shock absorption and impact deflection. While this setup delivers a comfortable, flexible feel for neutral gaits, individuals with specific orthopedic needs, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis should plan to replace the stock insole with structured aftermarket inserts.

Specs & Sizing

Weight 301 g
Retail price $100
Release year 2020
Upper Combination of suede and nylon or mesh. Some versions use leather or premium leather/mesh. Oversized 'N' logo on lateral side. Nylon tongue. Reinforced eyelets. Some versions use recycled polyester lining and water-based adhesives.
Midsole Cushioned EVA foam with a distinctive flared, angular shape. Stack height: approx. 35mm (Heel) / 25mm (Forefoot). 10mm heel drop. TPU heel counter.
Outsole Durable rubber with an aggressive, studded/lugged traction pattern inspired by the NB 355 trail shoe, wraps up toe and heel. Some colorways feature gum rubber.
Fit & sizing Generally fits true to size (TTS) for most. Significant number of users with wider feet recommend sizing up by half a size due to narrow forefoot/midfoot. Unisex versions often follow men's sizing.