New Balance Fit and Widths

How do they fit? New Balance is the only manufacturer to offer a majority of shoe models in multiple widths, from narrow 2A to extra-extra wide 6E. Just like people, feet come in all shapes. New Balance knows that proper fit means multiple widths, not just multiple sizes.

There is a ½” difference between a B and D width and a 3/8” difference between a 4E and 6E. It is important to note that this is the maximum difference in width. This occurs across the ball of the foot. There is less of a difference towards the top of the shoe and towards the heel.

What is Pronation?

It’s the natural rolling of the foot when walking at any pace faster than mall walking. (When mall walking, one walks heel to toe at a very slow pace.) The way one actually walks is by hitting the outside of the heel and gently rolling in, pushing off your big toe on the inside. That natural roll is called pronating.

Overpronation vs Underpronation.

If you step on the outside, curl right in and wind up on the inside of your foot-that’s over-pronating. New Balance builds up the arch on specific models to force your foot out so as not to let your whole arch collapse too soon. Other people hit on the outside of their heel and stay on the outside of their foot as they walk-like a duck almost-that’s called under-pronating or supinating.

How do you know when you are?

You can look at old shoes and see where the front of the shoe is worn.

• If the front of the shoe is worn on the outside then you’re not rolling in.
• If the front of the shoe is all worn off on the inside then you’re rolling in, too far too fast, and you are over-pronating and walking on your arch.
• If you are hitting on the outside rolling in and the middle of the shoe is worn, they you’re walking properly which means you should choose a neutral shoe that wouldn’t push you in and wouldn’t push you out.
• With respect to feel, your heel should fit snug with no slipping; the midfoot of the shoe under your arch and over the top of your foot should be snug but not tight; and you should have enough room to wiggle your toes.
• People are more than twice as likely to buy a shoe that is too small than too big. Clues that your shoes are too small or narrow include-foot cramping or “falling asleep” while running or just after running or the formation of blisters and calluses between or on your toes.