New Balance 992 Sizing: Do They Run Big or Small?

The New Balance 992 runs about half a size big. Most people with narrow or average feet will get a snugger, more secure fit by going half a size down from their usual size, and that is what we recommend. The 992 has a roomy toe box and a heel that can feel loose at true size.

If your feet are wide or you like a relaxed, cushioned feel, staying at your normal size is a reasonable choice. Just know that you will have extra length and some heel movement to manage.

The quick answer by foot type

• Narrow feet: half a size down. A full size down is too short.
• Average feet: half a size down for a secure fit, or true to size if you like extra room.
• Slightly wide feet: either works. Half down is a good first try, because the toe box is already forgiving.
• Wide feet: true to size. The extra length is a fair trade for width, and you can fine tune with lacing.

Why the 992 fits large

Two features explain it. First, the toe box is generous. People with wide feet often name the 992 as one of the comfortable New Balance models, and the extra volume lets the foot spread without pressure.

Second, the heel. At true size, many wearers notice the heel moves more than expected. A half size down brings the heel closer to the back of the shoe and keeps it there, which also makes the shoe feel more stable when walking quickly.

That combination, roomy in front and loose behind, is why this model leans large. It is a similar pattern to the 990 series, which New Balance fans also tend to size down in. Our New Balance sizing overview lists the 990 and 992 among the roomy models.

How the 992 compares with other models

This is the part most buyers want, because they already own other New Balance or Nike pairs. Here is how we translate sizes.

• 993 and the 990 series (v3 to v6): most people size down half a size in those too, so you can keep that habit in the 992.
• 991: true to size. If you take a 9 in the 992, you will usually need a 9.5 in the 991.
• 2002R, 1906R and 1500: these are generally true to size, so you will be half a size larger in them than in the 992. See the 2002R guide.
• Nike Air Max 90 and Air Jordan 1: a shopper who wears a 9.5 in those can usually step down to a 9 in the 992.
• Nike Zoom Vomero 5: the Vomero is true to size, so use the same translation: half a size down in the 992.
• 550 and 530: both run roomy and long as well. If you size down in those, the same rule probably applies here.

Treat these as starting points. If you own an Adidas or Asics pair, start from your true size and apply the same half-down rule.

Collaborations and special editions

Most 992 collaborations fit the same as the standard release because they share the same last. Occasionally a colorway uses a different material or lining and feels a touch snugger around the ball of the foot. If you read that a certain collab runs tighter, wider-footed buyers should stay true to size on that pair, and narrow-footed buyers can still try half a size down.

Limited releases also have a strict return policy more often than standard pairs, so it pays to decide your size from the standard model and apply a small adjustment, not the other way around.

Width and volume

The 992 is typically offered in standard width, and New Balance sells various models in extra widths, though availability differs by colorway and by retailer. Check the product page for a width selector. Our shoe width chart explains the letters.

Because the toe box is already generous, many wide-footed buyers do not need a wider width. If you do, true to size in a wide width keeps the proportions right. Going up a full size to buy width just makes the shoe long and sloppy.

Men's and women's sizes

New Balance women's sizes are 1.5 larger than men's. A men's 9 equals a women's 10.5. Women's standard width is B and men's is D, so wider women's feet sometimes do better in the men's shoe. Remember that the half-size-down rule applies after you convert. Our men's to women's guide goes deeper.

New Balance size chart

Use the charts to convert between US, UK and EU and to see the actual foot length that each size fits. CM (JP) is the number printed on the box and is longer than your foot.

If your foot is 26.2 cm, that is a men's US 9 in the chart. With the 992, we would then buy a US 8.5. Our foot measuring guide shows how to get an accurate measurement, and the shoe size calculator does the conversion for you.

If you are between sizes

This comes up a lot with the 992, because half sizes are exactly where the decision sits. Say your foot measures between a men's 9 and 9.5. At 9.5 the shoe will probably feel big, with the heel moving and a lot of space ahead of the toes. At 9 you get the secure fit the 992 does better than most. Choose the smaller size unless your feet are wide.

If you are a true half size, such as a 9.5, going to 9 is a normal half down. If you are a whole size such as 9, the half-size-down rule lands on 8.5, and that is where wearers with narrow feet are happiest. People with average feet can find 8.5 slightly tight and may prefer to stay at 9. Both are defensible. The difference is how much you value heel hold against open toe room.

Who should stay true to size

• Wide feet. The toe box is roomy, but wide feet fill it. Half a size down can make the forefoot feel full.
• Orthotic or insole users. Thick inserts reduce internal volume, so give the shoe its full length.
• Thick-sock wearers. Cold-weather socks take up the slack that the half size would have removed.
• Long days on your feet. Feet swell. A loose fit is more forgiving at the end of a long day.
• Anyone who dislikes a snug toe. There is no prize for the tightest fit.

If you fit more than one of these, true to size is the safe choice, and lacing is the tool to dial it in.

Lacing to fix a loose heel

If you order true to size and the heel slips, the fix costs nothing. Thread the laces through the top eyelet to make a loop on each side, cross the ends through the opposite loop and pull the laces tight. That locks the ankle against the collar and often removes the slip. A thin sock also gives less grip than a thicker one, so a change of sock can help as well.

Break-in, materials and comfort

The 992 uses a mix of suede and mesh over a cushioned sole. Because the upper is soft, it requires little break-in. Most people feel at home in the shoe from the first day, which is another reason to size for the snug side. The fabric will relax a little, and you do not want to start out with a shoe that already feels loose.

If you wear thick socks or use an orthotic, go with true to size. Those extras take up the volume that the half size down would have removed.

Mistakes to avoid

• Going a full size down. The 992 is half a size large, not a full size. A full size down cramps the toes.
• Ordering true to size and ignoring heel slip. A slipping heel makes the shoe feel sloppy and can cause blisters.
• Applying the 991 rule. The 991 is true to size and the 992 is not.

Our recommendation

Go half a size down from your usual size. Stay true to size if your feet are wide, if you wear orthotics or thick socks, or if you prefer a loose fit. Skip the full size down. For other roomy models, see the 9060 guide.