Finding the right fit is crucial when choosing between Nike and New Balance sneakers. Although these two brands may seem similar, they differ in length, width, and overall feel.
Understanding these subtle differences can save you from ordering the wrong size and ensure maximum comfort, whether you’re hitting the gym or wearing sneakers every day.
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 breakdown of typical length 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 vs. New Balance Width Differences
Both brands offer options for wider feet, but their approach differs:
- 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.
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:
- Nike Pegasus 41 – Mesh uppers provide a snug, foot-hugging fit
- Entire Nike Free Range – Internal webbing can create a locked-in feel
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.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Nike and New Balance largely depends on your foot shape and fit preference:
- New Balance runs slightly larger and wider, ideal for wide, flat feet or anyone wanting extra room.
- Nike generally fits narrower, especially in performance models, but wide-fit options are available for more comfort.
If you can, try on both brands in-store to find the best fit. When ordering online, use this sizing and fit guide to make an informed decision and avoid returns.