990 Series
The MADE in USA 990 — and its 991/992/993 descendants — is the grey-suede running shoe that turned New Balance into a menswear staple.
10 live now · from $89
Explore 990 series →Brand profile
New Balance
Boston-founded, family-owned athletic brand making performance running shoes and lifestyle sneakers such as the 990 series, 574 and 2002R.
BostonOrigin
UnisexFocus
Athleisure / SportswearStyle
$$Price
16 brands like New Balance like ASICS, Saucony, Nike →
What to know about New Balance
Running tech underwrites the lifestyle shoes
Fresh Foam and FuelCell midsoles come from its performance running line, and those same platforms sit under lifestyle models like the 2002R and 990 series.
Two tiers under one logo
Mass-market models like the 574 and 327 sit at mid-tier prices, while the MADE in USA line is a separate, more expensive proposition.
Family-controlled since 1972
Founded in Boston in 1906 as an arch-support maker, it stayed private under the Davis family and hit $9.2 billion in sales in 2025, a fifth straight double-digit growth year.
The pieces that define New Balance
Shop New Balance →
2002R
Revived from an early-2000s running flagship, the 2002R is the brand's modern cult favorite with its mesh-and-suede upper and N-ergy heel.
1 live now · from $67
Explore 2002R →
Fresh Foam X 1080
The cushioned daily trainer that anchors New Balance's performance running credibility.
4 live now · from $103
Explore 1080 →Shop New Balance
Shop all New Balance ↗Available atLost & Found · END. · Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co. · Rooney · HAVEN
How New Balance fits
Overall fit
true to size
New Balance is widely regarded as true to size with a comfortable, roomy fit, and the availability of multiple width options is a major selling point for those with wider or narrower feet.
Tip: Order your normal sneaker size in most models; consider a half size down on lifestyle silhouettes like the 550 or 327 which run slightly long.
High confidence · based on 40 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackets | slightly large | regular to relaxed, cut with room for layering | True to size works for most; size down if you want a trim shell rather than a layering piece. |
| Trousers & pants | slightly large | relaxed sweatpants and track pants; woven styles sit closer to regular | Order your normal waist size and check the inseam, since legs often run long. |
| Sneakers | true to size | roomy toe box with medium-to-generous volume; multiple width options available | Take your normal sneaker size; if between sizes or on the 550/327, consider a half size down, and use the wide (2E/4E) options if you have broader feet. |
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | true to size | regular to slightly relaxed | Take your normal size, or size up if you prefer an oversized layering look. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | true to size | regular, athletic cut | Order your usual size; the fit is a standard athletic cut. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like New Balance
See all 16 brands like New Balance →
88% matchASICS
Heritage running tech with archive Sportstyle revivals
What changes: Japanese, no US-made premium line
84% matchSaucony
American running heritage with Originals dad-shoe lineage
What changes: Smaller apparel range, corporate-owned
74% matchNike
Bigger sneaker culture and hype-release engine
What changes: Far broader, more fashion-driven and hype-led
72% matchBrooks
Purely performance-focused running, no lifestyle detour
What changes: Almost no lifestyle or streetwear crossover
New Balance fit questions
Does New Balance run big or small?
New Balance fits true to size. Order your normal sneaker size in most models; consider a half size down on lifestyle silhouettes like the 550 or 327 which run slightly long. New Balance is widely regarded as true to size with a comfortable, roomy fit, and the availability of multiple width options is a major selling point for those with wider or narrower feet.
How does New Balance fit?
New Balance is widely regarded as true to size with a comfortable, roomy fit, and the availability of multiple width options is a major selling point for those with wider or narrower feet. Overall shape: regular to slightly roomy fit with generous toe box on many models.
How do New Balance jackets fit?
New Balance jackets fits slightly large. True to size works for most; size down if you want a trim shell rather than a layering piece. Shape: regular to relaxed, cut with room for layering.
How do New Balance trousers & pants fit?
New Balance trousers & pants fits slightly large. Order your normal waist size and check the inseam, since legs often run long. Shape: relaxed sweatpants and track pants; woven styles sit closer to regular.
How do New Balance sneakers fit?
New Balance sneakers fits true to size. Take your normal sneaker size; if between sizes or on the 550/327, consider a half size down, and use the wide (2E/4E) options if you have broader feet. Shape: roomy toe box with medium-to-generous volume; multiple width options available.
Brand facts
New Balance is a privately held athletic footwear and apparel maker founded in Boston in 1906 as an arch-support company and controlled by the Davis family since Jim Davis bought it in 1972. It pairs performance running built on Fresh Foam and FuelCell midsoles with lifestyle staples including the 990 series, 574, 327 and 2002R, plus a premium MADE in USA line. Global sales hit $9.2 billion in 2025, up 19 percent, a fifth straight year of double-digit growth, with roughly 80 new stores opened.
- Founded
- 1906
- Origin
- Boston, United States
- Made in
- United States
- Price
- $$
- Typical prices
- Sneakers $132–$211
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Athleisure / Sportswear, Streetwear, Gorpcore / Outdoor