How New Balance & Nike Shoe Sizes Compare: Size Conversion Tips

How New Balance and Nike Shoe Sizes Compare

When buying athletic shoes from major brands like New Balance and Nike, getting the right size is crucial for performance and comfort. However, shoe sizing can vary quite a bit across brands. If you're used to wearing Nike, will the same size fit if you buy New Balance shoes? Or do New Balance shoes run big or small compared to Nike? Let's break it down.

General Size Conversion Between New Balance and Nike

As a general guideline, New Balance shoes tend to run slightly longer and wider than Nike shoes. So if you normally wear a size 10 in Nike, you'll typically want to go down about a half or full size and get a 9.5 or 9 in New Balance.

However, this can vary across specific shoe models from each brand. The best way to get the right fit is to determine what size you normally wear in each brand, then refer to a size chart if switching between them.

Where the Size Differences Come From

There are a few reasons why sizing differs between major athletic shoe brands like Nike and New Balance:

• Last shape - The "last" refers to the form the shoe is constructed around. Nike and New Balance use different shaped lasts.
• Toe box - Shoes may fit tighter or looser around the toes. New Balance tends to have more room.
• Heel shape - Variations in heel curvature and height impact overall fit.
• Forefoot width - Some shoes accommodate wide feet better than others.

You'll notice the fit nuances most prominently in performance shoes for running vs lifestyle/fashion models. Performance shoes contour the feet precisely for sport-specific support, while more lifestyle models put versatility and leisure comfort first.

Comparing Standard Nike Running Shoes to New Balance

Nike uses standard US sizing for most of their popular running shoes like the Air Zoom Pegasus and React Infinity Run Flyknit. So if you typically wear a men's 10 or women's 12 in Nike runners, what New Balance size should you get?

New Balance Numeric Sizing

Many New Balance running shoes use a numeric sizing system instead of standard US shoe sizes. So men's sizes convert as follows:

• Nike size 10 = New Balance size 9.5 or 10
• Nike size 10.5 = New Balance size 10.5 or 11
• Nike size 11 = New Balance size 11 or 11.5

And for women:

• Nike size 12 = New Balance size 10

Refer to New Balance's size charts to get an exact match. The FUELCELL RC Elite v2, for instance, fits true to size, so order your regular New Balance number.

Nike Basketball Shoes vs. New Balance Basketball

Models like Lebrons and KDs run narrow in the toebox to cup feet laterally during quick cuts. So Nike basketball shoes fit about a half-size small on average. Going up by half a size provides a little more wiggle room while retaining a responsive wrap.

By contrast, New Balance basketball shoes like the Two Wxy v3 offer a wider fit and more substantial impact protection underfoot. Hence, men may need to size down about half a size coming from Nikes to get the proper lockdown.

Lifestyle and Fashion Models Size Comparison

Nike's iconic lifestyle shoes, including Air Force 1s, Air Max 90s, Blazers, Dunks and Jordan 1s all fit true to size. If you know your standard Nike size in these classics, use the same for comparable New Balance numbers.

New Balance 574 or 999 core models feel roomier in a 10.5 vs Nike 10.5, for instance. So consider going down half a size if you want a touch less volume.

Tips for Finding Your Perfect New Balance Size

While US sizes work fine for estimating fit, dialing in your New Balance size takes a few extra steps:

1. Print a New Balance fit template online or from a store to accurately measure both feet.
2. Use the cm or inch reading to match the right NB size on their chart.
3. Compare different New Balance models individually before buying.
4. Consider wide and X-wide options if you have broad feet.
5. Test the fit in-store whenever possible.

Finding shoe models that check all the boxes for technical performance features and comfort takes some trial and error across any brand. Make sure to walk around and mimic training movements during test runs. Dialing in fit is a process, but taking the time up front prevents issues down the road.

The Takeaway on New Balance vs Nike Sizing

When converting between New Balance and Nike shoes, expect New Balance to fit about a half or full size longer/looser on average. However, fit varies model to model based on intended use, foot shape accommodation, and specific lasting.

Use the general US size conversion between the brands only as a starting point. Fine tune by measuring your feet properly and aligning to each New Balance model's fit guidance individually for performance requirements.

FAQs

Do New Balance shoes fit bigger than Nike?

Yes, generally New Balance shoes fit about a half or full size longer/bigger than comparable Nike shoes. So you may need to size down when switching from Nike to New Balance sneakers.

Should I get the same size in New Balance and Nike running shoes?

Not necessarily. Many New Balance running shoes use a numeric size system that doesn't directly convert to standard US shoe sizes. Check New Balance's size guides to match your typical Nike running shoe size to the proper New Balance numeric size.

What causes the sizing difference between brands?

Variations in the shape of the shoe last, toe box roominess, heel dimensions, forefoot width, and other design factors lead to fit differences between shoe brands like New Balance and Nike.

Should I try New Balances on in store?

If possible, yes. Every foot and shoe model is slightly different, so your best bet is to test the fit in person before buying. Walk around mimicking training movements to gauge performance.