How New Balance Shoe Sizes Compare to Nike Sneaker Sizing

How New Balance Shoe Sizes Compare to Nike

When shopping for new sneakers, one of the most important considerations is getting the right shoe size. However, shoe sizes can vary quite a bit between different brands. Two of the most popular athletic shoe brands, New Balance and Nike, tend to fit differently. So if you're trying to figure out your New Balance size compared to Nike, there are some key differences you need to know.

New Balance Tends to Run Larger

Most people find that New Balance shoes fit about a half to a full size larger than Nike shoes of the same marked size. For example, if you wear a size 10 in Nike, you may want to get a size 9.5 or even a size 9 in New Balance. This varies somewhat across styles, but it's a good general rule when comparing New Balance vs Nike sizing.

Key Reasons for the Size Difference

There are a few reasons why New Balance sneakers tend to fit larger:

• New Balance shoes tend to have a wider toe box area, allowing more room for toe spreading and splaying. Nike shoes have a narrower fit in the toes.
• Many New Balance models like the 574 and 990v5 have a roomier forefoot and midfoot fit to accommodate orthotics or for people with wide feet.
• The lasts that shoes are built around may simply be shaped differently between the two brands.

Specific New Balance Styles to Size Down In

While all New Balance kicks tend to fit big, some specific models are known for running almost an entire size large compared to Nikes:

• New Balance 574 - Fit at least 1⁄2 size big
• New Balance 990v4 and v5 - Size down 1⁄2 to 1 full size
• New Balance 860v11 Support - Size down 1⁄2 size
• New Balance FuelCell Propel v2 -Runs 1⁄2 size large

How to Determine Your New Balance Size

Figuring out your personal New Balance size takes a bit of trial and error. Here are some tips:

1. Know Your Size in Other Brands

First figure out your general shoe size in other common athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, ASICS, Brooks, and Saucony. This gives you a starting point for finding your New Balance size.

2. Use Size Charts as a Guide

Consult New Balance size charts, which recommend going down about a 1⁄2 or 1 full size coming from Nike especially in larger sizes like 10.5+.

3. Try Them On In-Store First

When possible, head into a store like a New Balance factory outlet to try on different sizes of the model you want. Sizes may vary even within the brand depending on factors like width and model numbers.

4. Order Multiple Sizes Online

If buying New Balance shoes online, it’s a smart strategy to order both your usual size and 1⁄2 size smaller to compare the fit side-by-side at home. Return the pair that doesn't fit or feels too roomy.

5. Take Width Sizing Into Account

New Balance shoes come in a range of width sizes from narrow to extra-wide to accommodate different foot shapes. So someone with narrow feet may size down less than someone with wider feet.

Tips for Finding Your Ideal New Balance Fit

It’s not just about the size marked on the shoe. Finding your perfect New Balance shoe size also depends on a few key fit factors:

Pay Attention To Length AND Width

Make sure there is about 1⁄2 inch of space between your toes and the end of the shoe without your feet feeling squeezed width-wise.

Consider Your Foot Type

Size down less if you have narrow feet but more if you have wide feet. New Balance shoes accommodate wide feet very well.

Think About Socks and Inserts

Wearing thick socks or custom inserts means you may need to size up. Thinner socks allows for the truest fit of the shoe itself.

Consider Shoe Usage

Buy athletic shoes like New Balance running shoes or cross trainers a 1⁄2 size larger than casual lifestyle models to allow room for feet swelling when active.

Finding the Right Kids’ Sizes

When shopping for New Balance shoes for kids, many of the same sizing recommendations apply. New Balance kids shoes generally run about a 1⁄2 size bigger than Nike. Size charts can provide children’s sizes based on foot length and age.

Pay Attention to Width

Children’s feet also come in narrow or wide widths. Make sure shoes aren’t painfully tight but also avoid too much roominess which can lead to tripping.

Try Both Sizes Side-By-Side

Have kids walk around the store in two sizes of the same model New Balance shoe to help determine the best youth size fit.

Consider Growth Spurts

It’s smart to buy athletic shoes just slightly big to allow growing room for a few months. But shoes that are way too large can also trip kids up.

New Balance Sizing Charts Can Help

One of the best references for finding your accurate New Balance shoe size is to consult the sizing charts available on the New Balance website and retailer websites. They provide very detailed size and fit info.

Size Charts List Exact Measurements

The charts list exact foot length measurements that correspond to every full and half shoe size. So you can measure your foot to determine the closest match.

Width Sizing Guidance

Charts recommend the appropriate standard (D) width or wide width options depending on foot volume and shape for both men’s and women’s sizes.

Comparison to Other Brand Sizes

Many New Balance size guides specifically tell you how their sizes compare on average to shoe sizes from brands like Nike, ASICS, Brooks, Adidas, and Saucony.

So while it takes some effort to figure out, finding your perfect New Balance size is worth it for the unbeatable comfort the brand provides. Once you dial in the right fit for your foot type, you'll be in shoe heaven!

FAQs

Why do New Balance shoes fit bigger than Nike?

New Balance shoes tend to have a wider toe box and forefoot to accommodate orthotics and wide feet. The shoe lasts may also simply be shaped differently.

What New Balance styles fit the largest?

Styles like the 574, 990v5, 860v11, and FuelCell Propel v2 run about a half to full size larger than normal shoe sizes.

Should I order multiple sizes when buying online?

Yes, it's a good idea to order your regular size and half a size down when purchasing New Balance shoes online. Then you can compare the fit.

How can size charts help determine my size?

Use the detailed size charts on NewBalance.com that provide exact foot measurements for each full and half size. They also compare to other major brands.