New Balance
New Balance in short
New Balance is an American footwear brand founded in 1906 that originated with arch supports before evolving into one of the world's most renowned running and lifestyle labels. It distinguishes itself through diverse width fittings (multiple widths per size) and iconic silhouettes such as the 990, 574, 327, and 550. Part of its production remains based in the US and the UK under the dedicated Made lines.
Facts and background
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1906, Boston (USA) |
| Known for | Running shoes and retro sneakers |
| Icons | 990, 574, 327, 550, 2002R |
| Distinction | Multiple width fittings per shoe size |
| Premium lines | Made in USA / Made in UK |
Whilst many sneaker brands offer only a single standard width, New Balance provides narrow, standard, and wide fittings. This is why individuals with wider feet consistently return to the brand.
Model comparison: which suits you best
| Model | Profile | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 990 | Classic, substantial | Standing and walking all day |
| 574 | Simple, accessible | Everyday wardrobe staple |
| 327 | Sleek, retro running silhouette | Pairing with tailored outfits |
| 550 | Basketball silhouette | Low-profile, clean, versatile |
| 2002R | Cushioned, technical | All-day comfort with a contemporary edge |
For optimal comfort, the 990 series and 2002R deliver the most cushioning; the 550 and 327 are flatter and serve primarily as a style choice.
Sizing and widths explained
The letter following your shoe size denotes the width. As a general guide:
- B — narrow (women's), D — standard (men's)
- 2E — wide, 4E — extra wide
If you have wider feet, opt for a broader width fitting rather than taking a larger shoe size: a longer shoe that is too narrow will continue to pinch across the ball of the foot. Furthermore, the 550 and 327 run slightly shorter in length compared to the 990 range.
Caring for suede and mesh
Many New Balance designs combine suede with mesh. Remove dry dirt using a soft brush before applying any liquid cleaner, work stains from the outside inwards, and allow footwear to dry at room temperature stuffed with paper. Never put them in the washing machine or place them on a radiator, as this damages glue bonds and cushioning.
Buying in the Netherlands
New Balance is widely available across sports shops, sneaker boutiques, and online retailers. The Made in USA and Made in UK collections are rarer and positioned at a higher price tier. Brands.nl does not sell products directly; purchases and returns are handled entirely by your chosen retailer.
New Balance at a glance: quick guide
| Question | Quick take |
|---|---|
| Most comfortable | 990 series and 2002R |
| Wide feet | Same length in 2E or 4E, rather than sizing up |
| Safest first choice | 574 or 327, depending on your preferred silhouette |
| Premium craftsmanship | Made in USA and Made in UK |
| Shoe care | Dry brushing, hand cleaning, never machine wash |
Similar brands on Brands.nl
- adidas — Retro silhouettes and athletic performance united under one label.
- Nike — Running heritage and the world's most renowned sneaker classics.
- PUMA — Iconic low-profile retro classics like the Suede and Speedcat.
Discover more labels in our brand directory and curated brand guides.
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Looking for an alternative approach to footwear? Read our brand guide on Floris van Bommel: Floris van Bommel is a Dutch footwear brand from Moergestel, renowned for men's shoes and sneakers detailed with rich textures and unexpected accents.
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Looking for a supportive fit? Read our brand guide on Hartjes: Hartjes is an Austrian footwear brand dedicated to ergonomic comfort and accommodating fits.
Frequently asked questions about New Balance
- Where does New Balance originate from?
- The brand was established in Boston in 1906, starting with orthopaedic arch supports before expanding into running footwear.
- What does the letter after my New Balance size mean?
- It indicates the width fitting: B denotes narrow, D standard, 2E wide, and 4E extra wide.
- Which New Balance model offers the greatest comfort?
- The 990 range and the 2002R feature the most supportive cushioning. The 550 and 327 have flatter profiles and are primarily chosen for style.
- Does the New Balance 550 fit true to size?
- The 550 runs slightly shorter in length than the 990 range; if you are between sizes, choosing half a size larger offers a better fit.
Geschreven door
Brands.nl editorial team
Brand editors — interior, fashion & lifestyle
Brands.nl is an independent Dutch brand guide that sells nothing itself. Our editors follow brands, materials and collections and describe them independently, so you know what you are buying and can find similar brands.
Onafhankelijk samengesteld: Brands.nl verkoopt zelf niets en baseert zich op merkdocumentatie, andere openbare bronnen en waar mogelijk eigen ervaring.
Laatst inhoudelijk gecontroleerd: 25 augustus 2026