Nike vs New Balance Sizing: How Do Their Shoes Compare?

Nike's Swoosh logo in white vs. the New Balance logo in red. Both logos are in front of someone in cream-colored Nikes, and somneone in beige and brown New Balance shoes. Both images are blurry.
Connor Groom
By Connor Groom

Nike's Swoosh logo in white vs. the New Balance logo in red. Both logos are in front of someone in cream-colored Nikes, and somneone in beige and brown New Balance shoes. Both images are blurry.

Finding the right sneaker fit is essential when comparing Nike vs. New Balance. These two brands may look similar on the surface, but they differ in subtle (and sometimes surprising) ways, especially when it comes to length, width, and overall feel.

Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that the same size doesn’t always mean the same fit. This guide breaks it all down, so whether you’re a sneakerhead or simply trying to replace those beat-up everyday shoes, you’ll feel confident choosing your next pair.

How Should Sneakers Fit?

Nike and New Balance offer a wide range of sneakers, from casual styles to high-performance athletic shoes. Ensuring the proper fit is crucial for comfort and support, whether you're hitting the gym or wearing them daily.

General Fit Guidelines

According to Clarks, shoes should fit like this:

  • Leave one finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end. A good way to test is to press down at the front of your shoe while standing and seeing how much space you have left for your toe.
  • Make sure the natural bend of the shoe matches your foot’s flex point, usually near the ball of your foot.
  • The widest part of your foot should feel snug but never squeezed.

Nike vs. New Balance Size Guide

Here’s where things get interesting. New Balance shoes generally run slightly larger than Nike. I've experienced this myself, having ordered both brands online in the same size and instantly noticing the extra space in the toe box of the New Balance pair.

Here’s a real-world example of sizing differences:

  • A US 8.5 Nike is about 0.7 cm smaller than a US 8.5 in New Balance.
  • A US 6 Nike is 0.3 cm smaller than its New Balance counterpart.
  • A US 11 Nike is 1.1 cm shorter than a US 11 New Balance.

That’s not a huge difference, but if you’re between sizes, it can really affect how the shoe feels after a full day of wear.

Nike size chart next to Nike in white above New Balance's size chart with "NB" in white next to it. Both charts are in front of images of people wearing Nike and New Balance shoes.
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Credit: Nike / New Balance | Edited by RealSport101

Nike vs. New Balance Width Differences

Both brands make it easier to find the right width compared to others.

  • Nike provides a width chart (see below) indicating when a wide-fitting shoe is needed.
  • New Balance offers an extensive range of widths but does not specify when to choose wide-fit shoes.
Nike width chart's for men and women shoes.
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Credit: Nike | Edited by RealSport101

If you’re unsure of how width codes translate, here’s a quick guide for Men’s US 8 shoes:

  • B - Approx. 8.73cm
  • D - Approx. 9.68cm
  • 2E - Approx. 10.64cm
  • 4E - Approx. 11.59cm

Just remember: widths vary by size. A US 6 and a US 12 won’t have the same measurements for a “D” width.

Which Nike and New Balance Shoes Fit Wide Feet?

If you have wide feet, choosing the right model makes all the difference.

New Balance

New Balance sneakers tend to have a wider profile, making them a better choice for those with wide feet in general. However, the brand also offers various width options for its most popular models, including the New Balance 990v6.

Nike

Nike has made strides (pun intended) in offering wide-fit options, though the range is a bit more limited.

  • Nike Revolution 41 – Available in wide sizes
  • The Nike Air Force 1 also offers a naturally wider fit thanks to its chunkier, boxier design. I've noticed this with my own AF1s, though how they fit for you personally may differ from what I've experienced.

Ultimately, both brands offer wide-fit options, but New Balance has a broader range of width sizes.

Which Nike and New Balance Shoes Run Narrow?

Again, this really varies. However, certain Nike and New Balance shoes stand out as narrower than others.

Nike

Certain Nike running shoes have a narrower fit, including:

New Balance

Some New Balance running shoes also have a narrow fit due to knitted uppers. However, New Balance also has specially-made narrow-width trainers, such as 2A (X-Narrow), to accommodate different foot shapes.

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Image from Nike vs New Balance Sizing: How Do Their Shoes Compare?

Nike & New Balance Running Shoes

Running shoes tend to fit narrower, so if you need a tighter fit, check out the running ranges from Nike and NB here.

Shop Running at NikeShop Running at NB

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Nike and New Balance often comes down to foot shape and fit preference. Based on personal experience:

  • New Balance runs slightly larger and wider, making them ideal for people with wide or flat feet, or those who just like a roomier fit.
  • Nike tends to run a bit more narrow, especially in performance models. But if you choose the right style, or go for a specific wide-fit variant, you can still get a great fit without discomfort.

If you’re ever unsure, trying them on in-store is your safest bet. But if you're ordering online, I hope this guide and my trial-and-error experience help you find that perfect pair.