New Balance Size Guide
New Balance is renowned for athletic footwear and sportswear designed for running, training, and everyday wear. The brand follows a distinctive sizing philosophy that sets it apart from many competitors. Notably, New Balance employs a half-size conversion between UK and US sizes — a practice shared with only a handful of other major footwear brands. This means a US men's size 10 converts to UK 9.5, rather than the standard UK 9 found at Nike or Reebok. New Balance shoes are engineered for performance and comfort, making accurate sizing essential for optimal fit and support.
How to Measure
- Remove your shoes and stand on a flat surface with your weight distributed evenly on both feet.
- Place a ruler or measuring tape vertically against a wall, ensuring it is perpendicular to the floor.
- Position your heel firmly against the wall, with the back of your heel touching the starting point of the ruler.
- Measure the distance from your heel to the tip of your longest toe in centimetres or millimetres.
- Repeat the measurement for both feet, as feet often differ in size by up to a full shoe size.
- Use the larger measurement when consulting the size chart below.
- For the most accurate fit, measure your feet in the afternoon or evening when feet are naturally swollen from daily activity.
Men's Shoe Size Chart
| UK | US | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 4 | 36 | 22 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 37 | 22.5 |
| 4.5 | 5 | 37.5 | 23 |
| 5 | 5.5 | 38 | 23.5 |
| 5.5 | 6 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 6 | 6.5 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 6.5 | 7 | 40 | 25 |
| 7 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 7.5 | 8 | 41.5 | 26 |
| 8 | 8.5 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 8.5 | 9 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9 | 9.5 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 9.5 | 10 | 44 | 28 |
| 10 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 10.5 | 11 | 45 | 29 |
| 11 | 11.5 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 11.5 | 12 | 46.5 | 30 |
| 12 | 12.5 | 47 | 30.5 |
| 12.5 | 13 | 47.5 | 31 |
| 13.5 | 14 | 49 | 32 |
| 14.5 | 15 | 50 | 33 |
| 15.5 | 16 | 51 | 34 |
| 16.5 | 17 | 52 | 35 |
| 17.5 | 18 | 53 | 36 |
| 18.5 | 19 | 54 | 37 |
| 19.5 | 20 | 55 | 38 |
Women's Shoe Size Chart
| UK | US | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 35 | 22 |
| 3.5 | 5.5 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 4 | 6 | 36.5 | 23 |
| 4.5 | 6.5 | 37 | 23.5 |
| 5 | 7 | 37.5 | 24 |
| 5.5 | 7.5 | 38 | 24.5 |
| 6 | 8 | 39 | 25 |
| 6.5 | 8.5 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 7 | 9 | 40.5 | 26 |
| 7.5 | 9.5 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 8 | 10 | 41.5 | 27 |
| 8.5 | 10.5 | 42.5 | 27.5 |
| 9 | 11 | 43 | 28 |
| 9.5 | 11.5 | 43.5 | 28.5 |
| 10 | 12 | 44 | 29 |
| 10.5 | 12.5 | 45 | 29.5 |
| 11 | 13 | 45.5 | 30 |
| 11.5 | 13.5 | 46 | 30.5 |
| 12 | 14 | 46.5 | 31 |
| 13 | 15 | 48 | 32 |
Children's Shoe Size Chart (Infant, 0–4 Years)
| UK | US | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1 | 16 | 8.5 |
| 1 | 1.5 | 16.5 | 9 |
| 1.5 | 2 | 17 | 9.5 |
| 2 | 2.5 | 18 | 10 |
| 2.5 | 3 | 18.5 | 10.5 |
| 3 | 3.5 | 19 | 11 |
| 3.5 | 4 | 20 | 11.5 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 20.5 | 12 |
| 4.5 | 5 | 21 | 12.5 |
| 5 | 5.5 | 21.5 | 13 |
| 5.5 | 6 | 22.5 | 13.5 |
| 6 | 6.5 | 23 | 14 |
| 6.5 | 7 | 23.5 | 14.5 |
| 7 | 7.5 | 24 | 15 |
| 7.5 | 8 | 25 | 15.5 |
| 8 | 8.5 | 25.5 | 16 |
| 8.5 | 9 | 26 | 16.5 |
| 9 | 9.5 | 26.5 | 17 |
| 9.5 | 10 | 27.5 | 17.5 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Running Shoes
New Balance running shoes are engineered for stability, cushioning, and performance. Most models fit true to size according to your measured foot length in centimetres. The brand offers multiple support levels, from neutral cushioned trainers to stability-focused shoes with medial posts. When selecting a running shoe, ensure you have approximately one thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe to allow for natural foot swelling during runs.
Training & Cross-Training Shoes
New Balance training shoes and cross-trainers are designed for multi-directional movement and lateral support. These shoes typically fit true to size and offer reinforced midsoles for stability during varied activities. Wide-width options are available in select models, particularly in the 990 series and Fresh Foam collections, ideal for those needing extra room across the midfoot.
Casual Sneakers & Lifestyle Shoes
The iconic New Balance 574 and similar lifestyle models run true to size and offer a relaxed, comfortable fit suitable for everyday wear. These shoes often feature spacious toeboxes, making them an excellent choice if you prefer additional room for comfort. Ensure the heel sits snugly without slipping when wearing these models, as a loose heel can cause blistering during extended wear.
Skate Shoes
New Balance Numeric skate shoes are built for durability and performance on the board. These trainers run true to size but are engineered with a closer fit through the midfoot to provide stability during tricks. Many skaters prefer a slightly snugger fit for board control, but ensure your toes can still wiggle freely in the toebox.
Sizing Tips
- Unique UK–US Conversion: New Balance uses a half-size conversion between UK and US sizes, unlike most competitors. A US 10 men's is UK 9.5, not UK 9. Always double-check your size conversion using the tables above.
- Measure Both Feet: Your left and right feet may differ in size by up to a full shoe size. Always measure and fit to your larger foot to ensure comfort and proper support.
- Time Your Measurement: Feet naturally swell throughout the day and during physical activity. Measure and try on shoes in the afternoon or evening for the most accurate fit.
- Heel & Midfoot Fit: Your heel should fit snug with minimal slipping, and the midfoot under your arch should be comfortably supportive without pinching. You should have enough room in the toebox to wiggle your toes freely.
- Consider Activity Type: Running shoes may fit slightly different than casual trainers. If you purchase shoes for a specific sport, try them on while wearing the socks you plan to wear during that activity.
- Sizing Up When Between Sizes: If your foot measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger size. You can always adjust fit with insoles, thicker socks, or alternative lacing patterns rather than forcing your foot into a shoe that is too small.
- Wide Options Available: New Balance offers wide-width shoes in many of their popular models, particularly in running and training ranges. Look for the "W" designation or "WIDE" label when browsing.
- Break-In Period: Most New Balance shoes require a short break-in period. Wear them around the house or for short outings first to ensure they mould to your feet correctly before extended use.