Are New Balance 990 True to Size?

Quick Answer
The New Balance 990 generally fits true to size, with a roomy toe box and one of the widest ranges of width options of any sneaker on the market. Most people can confidently order their usual size.
Find Your Fit
What's your foot type? Pick one for a direct answer on the New Balance 990.
What Reddit says: real owners debate New Balance 990 sizing in this thread →
Detailed Sizing Information
The 990 was built as a stability running shoe, so it has a wider, more supportive last than most lifestyle sneakers. New Balance sells the 990 in narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide fits, which makes it one of the easiest sneakers to dial in a precise fit for.
Sizing Recommendations by Foot Type
- Wide Feet: True to size in a wide (2E) or extra-wide (4E) width, rather than sizing up.
- Narrow Feet: Consider the narrow (B) width for a more locked-in fit at true to size.
- Normal Feet: True to size in the standard (D) width is usually the best option.
Size Conversion Chart
General US / UK / EU / CM reference for adult sizing. Women's US sizing typically runs about 1.5 sizes larger than the equivalent men's US size. This is a general industry chart, not brand- or model-specific — use it as your numeric starting point, then apply the true-to-size guidance above for this particular shoe.
| US Men's | US Women's | UK | EU | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 39 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7 | 41 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 7.5 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 8.5 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9 | 44 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 9.5 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10 | 45 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 10.5 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11 | 46 | 30 |
| 13 | 14.5 | 12 | 47 | 31 |
| 14 | 15.5 | 13 | 48 | 32 |
Fit Variations by Model and Version
990v5 and 990v6
Both recent versions keep the same true-to-size fit and width options, with only minor cushioning updates between them.
Made in USA vs. Standard Releases
The Made in USA 990 uses the same last and sizing as other 990 releases, so no adjustment is needed between them.
User Experiences and Reviews
Wearers consistently describe the 990 as true to size, with the main praise being how well the width options solve fit issues that plague other brands. Few people report needing to size up or down.
Comparison to Other New Balance Models
| Model | Sizing Compared to 990 | Fit Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance 9060 | True to Size | Similar dad-shoe fit, chunkier midsole |
| New Balance 550 | Narrower Fit | 550's court-shoe shape is snugger through the toe box |
Common Questions About New Balance 990 Sizing
Do New Balance 990s run true to size?
Yes, most people find them true to size, and the width options make dialing in the fit easy.
Are 990s good for wide feet?
Yes, they're available in wide and extra-wide options, making them one of the best choices for wide feet.