I recently put my hands on over 30 different types of New Balance shoes to evaluate them on many things, including sizing and width. After trying those 30+ shoes, what is my conclusion? Do New Balance shoes fit wide or narrow?
New Balance width will vary by model. Although New Balance also offers many shoes that have a regular amount of width, they are well known for having a large selection of shoes that are designed to be a bit roomier and wider in the forefoot and toe box. There are a few ways to navigate this page: you can click here to jump to the section where I list the wider fit New Balance options, you can click here to see regular and narrow fit options, or you can simply scroll down just below this paragraph and click on the specific shoe you are interested in.
Lifestyle
237 | 327 | 515 | 550 | 574 | 57/40 | 720 | 992 | 993 | 997 | CT302 | Numeric | XC-72
Walking/Training
577 | 608 | 624 | 813 | W840v3 | 847 | 877 | 928 | 1300
Running
840 | 860 | 880 | 990 | 1080 | 1540 | 2002r | FF Cruz | FF More | FC Rebel | FC Propel | FF Roav | Nergize | FF Arishi | FF Hierro
If your style number is not listed above, you can click here for more sizing information.
*It’s important to understand that the focus of this article will be to discuss the width of New Balance standard shoes. Many of these shoes are offered in both wide and narrow sizes, so you can find a width sizing to match your specific needs. This article is just to give you a better idea how the shoe, in standard width, is designed to fit.
The New Balance shoes that are designed to be roomier and wider likely will not be wide enough, in standard form, to overcome the need for wide sizing. It is usually best to order wide sizing for a shoe (if that’s what you typically wear) even if that shoe is designed to be a little bit roomier than a standard shoe.
This New Balance width guide is updated periodically to include new style releases.
New Balance Width Guide
New Balance 237 Width
New Balance 237 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
In my experience, New Balance 237 do not fit too wide or too narrow. The material of the upper is very flexible (the 237 was originally a running shoe in the 1970’s), so it almost feels like it forms to my foot (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Overall, the toe box area has what I would describe as average width.
For example, here is my New Balance 237 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small with a narrow design and toe box.
As you can see, the 237 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. Also, as I mentioned above, the material is flexible and doesn’t choke the foot.
But the 237 also isn’t noticeably wide.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 237 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 237 comparison photos that I took which compare the 237 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot videos).
New Balance 327 Width
New Balance 327 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
In my experience, New Balance 327 do not fit too wide or too narrow. The material of the upper is very flexible (the 327 is a more-modern take on classic running shoes), so it almost feels like it forms to my foot (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Overall, the toe box area has what I would describe as average width.
For example, here are the New Balance 327 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (the Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow design and toe box).
As you can see, the 327 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. Also, as I mentioned above, the material is flexible and doesn’t choke the foot.
But the 327 also isn’t noticeably wide.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 327 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 327 New Balance Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the 327 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot videos).
New Balance 515 Width
The New Balance 515 shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area.
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 515 shoes fit true to size for most people regarding length. However, some people find that the 515 fits just a little bit smaller than their normal shoe size (show me comparison photos). If you are in-between sizes, it may be best to size up for length.
To give you a better idea how wide the 515 fits, here is the Balance 515 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box (both size 12).
As you can see, the 515 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 515 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 515 comparison photos that I took which compare the 515 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width).
New Balance 574 Width
The New Balance 574 shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area.
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 574 shoes fit true to size for most people. However, some people find that the 574 fits just a little bit smaller than their normal shoe size regarding length (show me comparison photos). If you are in-between sizes, it may be best to size up for length.
To give you a better idea how wide the 574 fits, here is the Balance 574 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box (both size 12).
As you can see, the 574 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 574 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 574 comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 574 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 57/40 Width
The New Balance 57/40 is a more modern, chunkier, take on the classic New Balance 574 shoe that we just discussed above. In my experience, New Balance 5740 shoes do fit more narrow than the 574 shoes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
New Balance actually confirms this on the product page saying that the 57/40 has “an overall sleeker silhouette provided by a slimmer last.” A last (or last mold) is what is used during the shoe-building process to form the fit of a shoe.
Regarding Length: New Balance 57/40 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a length that is very comparable to similar types of shoes (show me comparison photos).
Even though the 57/40 was built on a slimmer last, it wasn’t the most narrow shoe I have ever tried (but I did feel like it ran a bit narrow).
For comparison, here is my New Balance 57/40 compared to my Nike Cortez. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow toe box (please note that the 57/40 white midsole flares out from the side of the shoe, which makes it appear a bit wider than it really is) both size 12:
As you can see, the 5740 shoe, although a bit narrow, does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But the 5740 definitely is not a wide fit shoe. To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 5740 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 57/40 comparison photos that I took which compare the 57/40 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 577 Width
The New Balance 577 shoe is a leather walking casual shoe built to provide support and stability. It is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 577 shoes fit true to size for most people. However, some people find that the 577 fits just a little bit smaller than their normal shoe size regarding length (show me comparison photos). If you are in-between sizes, it may be best to size up a half size.
To give you a better idea how wide the 577 fits, here is the Balance 577 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box (both size 12).
As you can see, the 577 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 577 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12. Please note that the New Balance 577 (on the right) has a midsole that flares out a bit on the right side, which can make it look a bit wider than it really is:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 577 comparison photos that I took which compare the 577 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 608 Width
The New Balance 608 is a versatile leather shoe that can be used as a trainer or as a casual shoe. It is built using the MX-001 last, which is designed to create a standard fit in the forefoot and toe box. In my experience, New Balance 608 shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 608 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual sneakers (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area has average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance 608 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 608 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But these shoes also are not designed to be wider than regular shoes. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 608 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 608 comparison photos that I took which compare the 608 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 624 Width
The New Balance 624 is a versatile leather shoe that can be used as a trainer or as a casual shoe. It is built using the MX-001 last, which is designed to create a standard fit in the forefoot and toe box. In my experience, New Balance 624 shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 624 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual sneakers (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area has average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance 624 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 624 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 624 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 624 comparison photos that I took which compare the 624 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 720 Width
The New Balance 720 is an updated version of a retro running shoe. It has a lightweight design and can be used for a variety of reasons (it is mainly used as a casual shoe).
In my experience, New Balance 720 shoes do not fit wide. I would actually describe the fit as a bit narrow compared to other similar styles, but because the material is so flexible, the shoe does a good job at conforming to the foot (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 720 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For comparison, here is my New Balance 720 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow design and toe box.
And below is the width of my New Balance 720 shoes compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 720 comparison photos that I took which compare the 720 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 813 Width
The New Balance 813 is a leather walking/casual shoe built with motion-control technology for stabilized support. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 813 shoes fit true to size for most people. However, some people find that the 813 fits just a little bit smaller than their normal shoe size regarding length (show me comparison photos). If you are in-between sizes, it may be best to size up.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance 813 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow design and toe box.
As you can see, the 813 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 813 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 813 comparison photos that I took which compare the 813 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 840 Width
The New Balance 840 is a casual/running shoe that has more support under the foot than modern “squishy” running shoes. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 840 shoes fit true to size. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance 840 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small with a narrow, snug toe box.
As you can see, the 840 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 840 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 840 comparison photos that I took which compare the 840 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance W840v3 Width
The New Balance W840v3 is a leather walking/casual shoe built with breathable leather and I found it to be more flexible than other leather walking shoes. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance W840 shoes fit true to size. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance W840 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box (both size 12).
As you can see, the W840 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance W840 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the W840 comparison photos that I took which compare the MW840 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 847 Width
The New Balance 847 is a walking/casual shoe built with mesh on the upper to offer more lightweight breathability than other walking shoes. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 847 shoes fit true to size. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance 847 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 847 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 847 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 847 comparison photos that I took which compare the 847 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 860 Width
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 is a running shoe with a bit more stability under the foot than more modern “squishy” running shoes. This shoe is built using a performance last that delivers a standard width that isn’t too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 860 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance Fresh Foam 860 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 860 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But the 860 standard also isn’t noticeably wide. If you have wide feet, these shoes are available in both wide and extra wide.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 860 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 860 comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 860 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 877 Width
The New Balance 877 is a walking shoe that can also be used for all-day wear. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area. When I recently tried over 30 New Balance shoes, I thought this was one of the roomiest toe boxes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: The New Balance 877 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual sneakers regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance 877 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, snug toe box.
As you can see, the 877 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. You may also notice the toe box is almost squared to create a extra space. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 877 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 877 comparison photos that I took which compare the 877 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 880 Width
The 880 is a New Balance running shoe. This is a modern running shoe that gives you that “squishy” feeling under your foot. This shoe is built using a performance last that delivers a standard width that isn’t too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 880 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area has average width. For example, here is my New Balance 880 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v12 sizing fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But the 880 standard also isn’t noticeably wide. If you have wide feet, these shoes are available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 880 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 880 comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 880 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 928 Width
The New Balance 928 is a walking shoe, but it can also be used as a casual or work shoe. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area. When I recently tried over 30 New Balance shoes, I thought this was one of the roomiest fits (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 928 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance 928 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 928 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But the 928 standard still likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 928 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 928 comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 928 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 1080 Width
The 1080 is a New Balance running shoe and, in my opinion, is one of the most comfortable shoes that New Balance offers.
This is a modern running shoe that gives you that “squishy” feeling under your foot. This shoe is built using a PL-8 performance last that delivers a standard width that isn’t too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 1080 shoes fit true to size for most people. However, some people find that the 1080 fits just a little bit larger than their normal shoe size regarding length (show me comparison photos). If you prefer a snug fit, you may need to size down a half size.
Overall, the toe box area is average width.
For comparison, here is my New Balance 1080 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 1080 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But the 1080 standard also isn’t noticeably wide. If you have wide feet, these shoes are available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 1080 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 1080 comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 1080 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 990 Width
The New Balance 990 is part of the New Balance Made in USA collection, and can be used as a running shoe or casual shoe. This shoe is built using the SL-1 last, which is designed to create a standard fit.
In my experience, New Balance 990v5 shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 990 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area has average width. For example, here is my New Balance 990v5 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 990v5 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But the 990v5 standard also isn’t noticeably wide. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 990v5 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 990v5 comparison photos that I took for both men and women which compare the 990 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 992 Width
New Balance 992 shoes fit a little bit larger than normal shoe sizing. If you are in-between shoe sizes, it is probably best to size down. I ordered my normal sizing, and although they fit, it was definitely a looser fit than normal.
The New Balance 992 is part of the New Balance Made in USA collection, and is mainly used as a casual shoe. In my experience, New Balance 992 do not fit narrow. They have a loose, wider fit than runs bigger than my normal shoe sizing (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Here’s a look at mine:
For comparison, here is my New Balance 992 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small with a narrow, snug toe box.
Believe it or not, those are both size 12 shoes. As you can see, the 992 shoe fits much wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 992 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 992 comparison photos that I took which compare the 992 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 993 Width
New Balance 993 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a roomy fit, especially around the collar. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
The New Balance 993 is part of the New Balance Made in USA collection, and is mainly used as a casual shoe. In my experience, New Balance 993 do fit a bit wider than other types of casual shoes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Here’s mine:
Do not expect a slim, narrow fit. For comparison, here is my New Balance 993 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for fitting small and having a narrow design.
As you can see, the 993 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. Still, if you have wide feet, it is probably best to order wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 993 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 993 comparison photos that I took which compare the 993 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 997 Width
New Balance 997 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
The New Balance 997 is is a retro casual shoe with an athletic design that can be used for a variety of reasons. In my experience, New Balance 997 shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Overall, the toe box area has average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance 997 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the 997 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 997 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 997 comparison photos that I took which compare the 997 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 1540 Width
The New Balance 1540 is a walking/running shoe that can also be worn casually. These shoes are designed to offer rear foot movement control. This shoe is built using the SL-2 last, which is designed to create a wider forefoot and deeper toe box area (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
It’s important to understand that although the SL-2 last creates a wider fit compared to normal lasts, it won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. You will likely still need to order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider than standard shoes.
Regarding Length: New Balance 1540 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
For width comparison, here is my New Balance 1540 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow design and toe box.
As you can see, the 1540 shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
But, again, even though this shoe is a little bit wider than regular shoes, it likely won’t be enough to overcome the need for wide sizing. This style is available in wide and narrow sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 1540 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 1540 comparison photos that I took which compare the 1540 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 2002r Width
The New Balance 2002r is a throwback running shoe based on the design of the early 2000’s. These shoes are made using the SL-1v2 last which is designed to deliver a standard width. In my experience, New Balance 2002r shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance 2002r shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance 2002r compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow design.
But the 2002r standard also isn’t noticeably wide.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance 2002r shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 2002r comparison photos that I took which compare the 2002r side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Fresh Foam More Width
The New Balance Fresh Foam More is one of the most comfortable New Balance running shoes that I tried. This shoe is built using the PL-4 performance last, which is designed to deliver a standard width.
In my experience, New Balance Fresh Foam More shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow. This style is available in wide sizes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance Fresh Foam More shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For width comparison, here is my New Balance Fresh Foam More compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the Fresh Foam More shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance Fresh Foam More shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Fresh Foam More comparison photos that I took which compare the Fresh Foam More side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Width
The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi is one of the most lightweight New Balance running shoes that I tried. This shoe is built using the PL-8v2 last, which in my experience, do not fit too wide or too narrow.
Regarding Length: New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the Fresh Foam Arishi shoe does fit a bit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But these shoes are definitely not a wide-fitting shoe either. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Fresh Foam Arishi comparison photos that I took which compare the Fresh Foam Arishi side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro Width
The New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro is a comfortable trail running shoe with an aggressive outsole and a reinforced toe box. This shoe is built using the PL-8v2 last, which in my experience, do not fit too wide or too narrow.
Regarding Length: New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v7 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the Fresh Foam Hierro shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. This style is available in wide sizes.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Fresh Foam Hierro comparison photos that I took which compare the Fresh Foam Hierro side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz Width
New Balance Cruz shoes run smaller than normal shoe sizing. Yes, the upper is made with a stretchable fabric, which helps account for the small sizing. Still, I would recommend sizing up a half size unless you prefer a snug fit.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz is a lightweight running shoe. In my experience, New Balance Cruz has a snug design, but because the fabric is stretchable, it conforms to a wider range of foot shapes compared to normal shoes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Here’s mine:
For comparison, here is my New Balance Cruz compared to my Nike Cortez shoes. The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the Cruz shoe fits a little bit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. Because the upper is made with a two-way stretch knit fabric, this shoes conforms well to a wider foot.
But don’t expect the Cruz to fit wide. If you have wide feet, you will definitely want to order wide sizing.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my size 12 New Balance Cruz shoes (standard) compared to my size 12 Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Fresh Foam Cruz comparison photos that I took which compare the Fresh Foam Cruz side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Width
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav is a lightweight running shoe. This shoe is built on a PL-8 performance last that is designed to deliver a standard fit. However, in my experience, New Balance Roav shoes have a narrow, shallow toe box that creates a snug fit near the toes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Below is a photo of the New Balance Roav toe box (left) compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam 860:
Perhaps it is the type of material used on the upper, but I just found the toe box to fit snug.
Regarding Length: New Balance Roav shoes fit true to size for most people regarding length. This is where you can see comparison sizing photos for length.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance Roav shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Fresh Foam Roav comparison photos that I took which compare the Fresh Foam Roav side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance FuelCell Propel Width
New Balance FuelCell Propel shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
The New Balance FuelCell Propel is a lightweight running shoe. In my experience, New Balance Propel shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow. This style is available in wide sizes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Here’s a look at mine:
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For comparison, here is my New Balance Propel compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small with a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the FuelCell Propel shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance FuelCell Propel shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Propel comparison photos that I took which compare the Propel side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance FuelCell Rebel Width
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a lightweight running shoe. This shoe is built using the PL-6 performance last which is designed to deliver a standard width.
In my experience, New Balance Rebel shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow. This style is available in wide sizes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Regarding Length: New Balance FuelCell Rebel shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic running shoes regarding length (show me comparison photos). I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For width comparison, here is my New Balance Rebel compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small and having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the FuelCell Rebel shoe does fit wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But they also do not fit too wide.
For comparison, below is the width of my New Balance FuelCell Rebel shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Rebel comparison photos that I took which compare the Rebel side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance 1300 Width
New Balance 1300 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic hiking shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
The New Balance 1300v1 is a versatile outdoor shoe often used for hiking. In my experience, New Balance 1300 shoes have a regular width. This shoe is available in wide sizes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Here’s a look at mine:
For comparison, here is the width of my New Balance 1300 (medium) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E, a popular extra wide shoe:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the 1300 New Balance comparison photos that I took which compare the 1300 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Numeric 272 Width
For most people, the New Balance Numeric shoes fit true to size. I ordered my normal sizing, and it fit comfortably, but it did run a little bit bigger than similar-styled skate shoes like Vans Classics.
The New Balance Numeric is a versatile casual skate shoe. I found the width of New Balance Numeric shoes to be very similar to other types of skate shoes (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
For sizing comparison, here is my New Balance Numeric 272 (right) compared to Vans Old Skool and Adidas Gazelle sizing:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the Numeric Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the Numeric side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance XC 72 Width
New Balance XC-72 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of athletic casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
The New Balance XC-72 is inspired by retro running shoes, but functions mainly as a casual shoe. In my experience, New Balance XC 72 do not fit too wide or too narrow. The material of the upper is very flexible (the XC 72 is made, in part, based off the design of retro running shoes), so it almost feels like it forms to my foot (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Here’s mine:
But overall, the toe box area has what I would describe as average width. For example, here is my New Balance XC 72 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for running small with a narrow design and toe box.
As you can see, the XC 72 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But the XC 72 standard also isn’t noticeably wide.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance XC 72 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe) both size 12:
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the XC-72 Sizing comparison photos that I took which compare the XC-72 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance CT302 Width
New Balance CT302 shoes fit true to size for most people. They have a fit that is very comparable to other types of casual shoes. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit comfortably.
The New Balance CT302 is a platform shoe and functions mainly as a casual shoe. In my experience, New Balance CT302 shoes do not fit too wide or too narrow (show me how this shoe responds on a foot).
Overall, the toe box area is average width. For example, here is my New Balance CT302 compared to my Nike Cortez shoes (both size 12). The Nike Cortez are well-known for having a narrow, shallow toe box.
As you can see, the CT302 shoe fits wider than the narrow Nike Cortez. But the CT302 standard also isn’t noticeably wide.
To get a better idea of how wide these shoes are, below is the width of my New Balance CT302 shoes (standard) compared to the Nike Air Monarch 4E (which is a popular extra wide shoe):
SEE MORE PHOTOS: This is where you can view all the CT302 comparison photos that I took which compare the CT302 side-by-side to other popular brands (and discuss fit in more detail, including width and on-foot video).
New Balance Width Questions
Do New Balance Shoes Fit Big or Small?
In general, most types of New Balance shoes fit true to size. Recently I tried over 30 different types of New Balance shoes, and out of all of those shoes, there were only 3 styles that I felt like either ran too big or too small.
I thought the New Balance 992 fit larger than normal shoe sizing, and I though the New Balance Cruz and New Balance Nergize fit smaller than normal shoe sizing.
***If your style number was not listed at the top of the page, you can visit this New Balance width resource page available at NewBalance.com which will provide sizing help.
For more sizing information, visit our article that compares New Balance shoe sizing to Nike.
What is the Most Comfortable New Balance Shoe?
The answer to which New Balance shoe is most comfortable is largely dependent on your own specific needs. But after trying 30+ New Balance shoes, here are the shoes that jumped out to me as the most comfortable:
- New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 – I though this shoe (or the Rebel) was the most comfortable. The Fresh Foam 1080 is a running shoe that provides a squishy cushioning under the foot. Click here to see how the 1080 responds on my foot.
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel – I thought this shoe was almost as comfortable as the 1080. This is a lightweight, breathable running shoe and the “FuelCell” foam midsole creates a squishy cushioning under the foot as I walk. Click here to see how this shoe responds on a foot.
- New Balance Made in USA 993 – Out of the Made in USA line (990, 992, 993), I think the 993 shoes offer the most comfort and cushioning under the foot. This is a casual athletic shoe that can fit a wide range of needs. Click here to see how this shoe responds on a foot.
- New Balance MW840 – This was the most comfortable New Balance walking shoe that I tried. Thick padding around the collar helps stabilize the heel, and despite being made with a full leather upper, I found this shoe to be reasonably flexible. Click here to see how this shoe responds on a foot.
What New Balance Shoes Have a Standard Width?
Many types of New Balance shoes are created using last molds designed to deliver a regular fit regarding forefoot width and toe box depth. Below is a list of some of the most popular types of New Balance shoes that have a regular width:
- 990v5 – Lifestyle Athletic – click here to view
- 624 – Casual Trainer – click here to view
- 608 – Casual Trainer – click here to view
- Rebelv2 – Running Shoe – click here to view
- 860v12 – Running Shoe – click here to view
- 880v12 – Running Shoe – click here to view
- 1080v12 – Running Shoe – click here to view
- 237 – Lifestyle Retro – click here to view
- 327 – Lifestyle Retro – click here to view
What New Balance Shoes Fit Narrow?
After trying over 30 types of New Balance shoes, the large majority of New Balance shoes have what I would describe as a “true-to-size” width. The good news is, New Balance does offer narrow-sizing for many types of shoes.
Out of all the shoes I tried, I thought the New Balance 720, the New Balance 57/40, the New Balance 550, and New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz had snug designs. The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav also had what I thought was a shallow toe box.
What New Balance Shoes Fit the Widest?
If you prefer a wider forefoot area and a deeper, roomier toe box area, then a New Balance shoe using the SL-2 last will be a good option. The SL-2 last is a straight last commonly used for athletic shoes that creates a narrower fit around the heel, but a wider forefoot area in combination with a deeper toe box.
The SL-2 last is available for both men’s and women’s New Balance shoes. Here are some of the most popular New Balance shoes that use the SL-2:
- 928v3 – Walking Shoe – click here to view
- 847v4 – Walking Shoe – click here to view
- W840v3 – Walking Shoe – click here to view
- 813v1 – Walking Shoe – click here to view
- 577v1 – Walking Shoe – click here to view
- 840v5 – Running Shoe – click here to view
- 1540v3 – Running Shoe – click here to view
- 574 – Lifestyle Retro – click here to view
- 515 – Lifestyle Retro – click here to view
It’s important to understand that the SL-2 will *most likely* not be wide enough in standard form to overcome the need for wide sizing. In most cases, even on a wider last like the SL-2, you should still order wide sizing if you normally order wide sizing in shoes. The SL-2 will feel just a tiny bit wider that other standard shoes.
For the widest options, visit my article that discusses New Balance extra extra wide shoes.