New Balance EU size 42 typically equals US Men's 8.5 or Women's 10. New Balance generally runs true to size, and measuring foot length in centimeters provides the most accurate result. Women's only sizes are B (medium for a women's shoe) width, while Men's sizes are D (medium for a Men's and Unisex shoe)

Overall, depending on the function of the shoe. Your toes should have free movement in the toe box (front of the shoe) to allow movement, and as you exercise, your feet tend to swell due to activity. Shoes touching the front of the shoe typically are too small and should be moved up a 1/2 of a size.

Consumers used to Nike's snug fit or Adidas's narrow profile often find themselves unsure whether to size up or down in New Balance. With the cultural resurgence of models like the 574 and 9060, start by choosing your normal size, as New Balance offers mostly a fuller, wider fit.

The 9060 runs big — one of the few NB lifestyle models where sizing down is consistently recommended. If you prefer a snug feel, going half a size down is the move.

Thick athletic socks or orthotic insoles can make roughly half a size difference, so those wearing orthotics should factor that into their width and length decision. Also, unisex shoes are automatically in width D, which is wide for a woman and normal for a man.

A recurring question, especially from parents of kids with wide or narrow feet who know the brand's adult width options. Kids' shoes come in a C width, which is a bit wider than a woman's width. This is normal for kids' shoes, and one should consider that also going up a half size could help the kids' shoes last longer as they will have more time to wear them before they outgrow the shoes.

New Balance has seen a cultural resurgence. Once considered "dad shoes," models like the 530 and 9060 are now fashion staples, endorsed by influencers and athletes alike — a shift that has significantly amplified sizing and styling questions.

The 9060 and 327 are often the most trend-focused choices. The 9060 is chunky and modern, while the 327 has more vintage fashion appeal. The 530 is the ultimate all-around casual sneaker for effortless everyday style.

The 9060 has gained popularity through collaborations with fashion brands and celebrity endorsements — Margot Robbie has been photographed wearing them with a tailored suit — establishing it as a sneaker that bridges streetwear and smart-casual dressing.

The 9060 has a chunkier, futuristic aesthetic with exaggerated midsoles, while the 327 stays true to its early 2000s roots with a sleeker profile and retro-inspired cushioning. The 550 and 574 both bring a vintage look with modern updates for fans of classic sneakers.

The 574 silhouette has earned it renewed status as a fashion-forward "dad shoe," with the New Balance 9060 named the brand's most sought-after shoe in 2025, and the 574 series maintaining steady desirability year over year.

For a casual outfit or long days in the city, the 530 or 574 are the most lightweight and easiest to style. For a more eye-catching streetwear silhouette, the 9060 and 327 are the logical choices.

Overall, New Balance shoes are worth the price as most styles are within or lower than the mid-range cost of most sneakers. The outstanding part is the quality derived from each style. New Balance shoes rarely miss with their quality commitment. They are definitely worth the price.

New Balance sneakers rarely receive negative comments about quality or durability. Lab testing confirms genuine suede and leather materials, with none of the claimed natural materials melting or burning under tests designed to reveal synthetic substitutes.

The Fresh Foam X 1080 impressed testers with exceptional durability and a highly breathable premium upper, making it an excellent choice for easy runs and recovery with strong long-term wear.

Performance models like the 1080 and Fresh Foam X series are engineered for biomechanical support during runs. Casual/lifestyle models like the 574, 327, and 9060 prioritize aesthetics and daily wearability. Premium heritage models like the Made in USA 990v6 and 992 combine craftsmanship with retro design for everyday use.

The New Balance 574 is consistently cited as the best all-around shoe for stability and plantar fasciitis, combining a breathable mesh upper with ENCAP midsole cushioning for unmatched stability. The 574's ENCAP midsole pairs a firmer perimeter with a softer core, creating structured cushioning that supports the arch while absorbing heel impact.

— New Balance's FuelCell foam is designed to provide energy return and add comfort for extended walking. Podiatrists praise certain models as "timeless," with broad age and use-case appeal for everything from daily wear to long travel days.

For plantar fasciitis and overpronation, New Balance experts recommend looking for well-cushioned platforms with at least 100 shock absorption in the heel, heel-to-toe drops of at least 8mm, high torsional rigidity, and stiff, well-padded heel counters.

New Balance is available in standard and wide sizing, and most models have removable footbeds, making them among the most orthotic-friendly athletic shoes on the market.