Whenever a collab like this drops, it’s always the same question: Do they run big or small?
And I get it.
The Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 sizing is not something most of us had experience with before these releases, and when you’re spending real money, ordering the wrong size isn’t fun.
When I picked up the Cyborg Tears and the Hornet Tusk, I didn’t have a clear answer either. I didn’t know if they would run big, run small, fit narrow, or surprise me completely.
I just went with my true size and hoped for the best.
After wearing both pairs properly, walking in them, and actually paying attention to how they feel throughout the day, I have a much clearer opinion on how the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 fits.
If you’re trying to figure out whether to go true to size, half size down, or adjust because of width, I’ll break it down exactly how it worked for me and who I think should size differently.
Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 Sizing Guide
When the Action Bronson 1890 dropped, I didn’t overthink it. I just grabbed them in my true size, which is a US 9.
I’ve worn enough New Balance over the years to have a rough idea of what works for me, but this model felt different on paper, and I’ll be honest, I had no clue how it was going to fit.
For reference, my feet lean slightly wide. Not wide enough where I need a wide option, but definitely not narrow. So whenever a shoe has a tapered shape, I feel it right away.
I ended up picking up both the Cyborg Tears and the Hornet Tusk colorways in the same size. And after wearing them a lot, even side by side, here’s exactly what I experienced…
The First Thing I Noticed: Length
Both pairs run a little long.
In my true size 9, I had just about a thumb’s width of space between my big toe and the front of the shoe. For me, that’s acceptable.
I don’t mind a bit of extra room.
But if you’re someone who likes that exact one-to-one, race-day type of fit where your toe almost touches the front, you might think these feel slightly roomy lengthwise.
The interesting part is that even though they run long, they don’t feel sloppy. And that’s because of the shape.
The Shape: Slightly Narrow Up Front
The 1890 has a more tapered forefoot compared to something like a 2002R or a 1906R. I immediately felt that the toe box hugs a little more.
So what happens is this:
- The length gives you a bit of extra space.
- The narrower shape keeps your foot from sliding around.
That balance is why true to size ended up working for me.
If this shoe were wide and long, I would’ve considered sizing down. But because it leans narrow, going down half a size would’ve been risky for my slightly wide feet.
If I had to compare it to another New Balance model, it reminds me most of the 860v2 in terms of width, but it runs longer than that shoe.
Cyborg Tears vs. Hornet Tusk: Same Size, Different Feel
Before I had both pairs in hand, I was convinced the fit would be different.
The Cyborg Tears has that infused upper, while the Hornet Tusk uses more open mesh with sewn overlays. I thought for sure the forefoot feel would change the sizing.
Technically, they measure the same. Length is the same. Width is the same.
But on foot, they don’t feel identical.
The Cyborg Tears feels more structured. When you walk, the upper pushes back slightly as it creases. There’s a bit more resistance in the toe box.
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It’s not uncomfortable, but you’re aware of it. Because of that structure, the narrowness feels more noticeable.
The Hornet Tusk surprised me. The mesh makes the shoe feel smoother and more forgiving. Even though the dimensions are the same, it feels roomier because the upper moves more naturally with your foot.
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It doesn’t fight you when you step.
If you’re sensitive to pressure around the toes, the Hornet Tusk feels more relaxed overall.
But here’s the key point: my sizing recommendation doesn’t change between the two.
Should You Size Down?
This is where people start overthinking it.
Yes, the shoe runs a bit long, but it also runs slightly narrow. Those two things kind of cancel each other out.
I would only consider going half size down if:
- You have narrow feet
- You love a tight, performance-style fit
- You hate seeing extra space in front of your toes
If you have normal width feet, I think true to size is still the safest bet.
If you have slightly wide feet like me, I definitely wouldn’t size down. You’ll fix the length but potentially create forefoot pressure, especially in the Cyborg Tears.
How It Fits Compared to Other New Balance Pairs I Own
Just so you understand where I’m coming from, here’s how I size other models:
- US 9 in 2002R
- US 9 in 1906R
- US 9 in 860v2
- US 9 in Made in UK models like the 991 and 1500
- US 8.5 in many Made in USA pairs like the 990 series, 992, and 993
The 1890 definitely does not fit like the Made in USA 990s where I go half size down. If I tried an 8.5 in the 1890, I think the toe box would feel too tight for my foot shape.
It sits closer to my 860v2 fit, just with a little extra length up front.
How to Measure Your Feet for the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890
Again, the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 runs a bit long and slightly narrow, so knowing your true foot size helps you decide whether you should stick to your normal size, size up, or even try a half size down.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the best ways to measure your feet, with practical tips and things most people overlook.
Try the Shoe In Person (Best Option)
Hands down the best way to figure out the right size for the 1890 is to try the exact model on in a store.
Nothing replaces the real-world feel of the shoe on your foot. When you try them on:
- Wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoe
- Lace them up properly. Don’t just slip them on
- Stand and walk around for several minutes
- Pay attention to how the upper feels around your forefoot
- Notice how much space is in front of your toes
Especially with a shoe like the 1890 that can feel narrow in the forefoot, trying them on will give you real feedback that no chart or measurement can replicate.
Get Measured by a Professional
If you can’t find the 1890 in-store (which happens a lot with limited or collab releases), having your feet measured professionally is the next best thing.
Most running and athletic stores use a Brannock device, and a fitter can tell you:
- Your true length
- Your width (important for a shoe like the 1890)
- Whether you lean narrow, standard, or wide
A professional fitter can also spot issues like heel slippage or excessive pressure points, which matter when a shoe runs narrow.
Using a Brannock Device at Home (Most Accurate DIY Tool)
If you have access to a Brannock device or buy one yourself, this is the most accurate way to measure both length and width.
Here’s how to use it:
- Stand Up. Always measure while standing. Your foot spreads under weight.
- Place Heel Firmly. Slide your heel back into the heel cup.
- Length First. Check the longest toe (often the second toe, not the big toe).
- Width Next. Slide the width bar until you feel light pressure on the side of your foot.
- Measure Both Feet. Most people have one foot slightly larger; use the larger measurement.
The Brannock gives you three key pieces of information:
- Full length size
- Width size (C, D, E, etc.)
- Ball-of-foot length
This last one is underrated because it influences where your foot flexes in the shoe. That’s especially important in a tapered shoe like the 1890.
Measuring at Home Without a Brannock
If you don’t have access to a Brannock device, you can use this reliable wall method:
What You Need:
- Piece of paper
- Pen or pencil
- Ruler or tape measure
- Wall
Steps:
- Place the paper flat against the wall.
- Stand with your heel lightly touching the wall.
- Distribute your weight evenly.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure from the wall edge to the mark in centimeters or inches.
- Repeat with the other foot.
- Use the larger measurement when choosing your shoe size.
This tells you your max length. If it’s close to a half size, you might prefer the bigger size for more comfort.
Don’t Forget Width
Measuring length is only part of the puzzle. Width matters a lot with the 1890 because it’s a bit narrow compared to some other New Balance models.
If you notice:
- Pressure on the sides of your forefoot in shoes that are your “normal” length
- A slight bunching across the top of your foot
- A snug feeling even when length feels fine
…you may be wider than standard, and you might benefit from sizing up to maintain comfort, especially in the toe box.
Consider Sock Type
This is one detail people often overlook.
Thick socks add volume inside the shoe. If you always wear thicker athletic or crew socks, factor that in when measuring.
- Thin socks make a snug true-to-size fit feel more comfortable.
- Thick socks might push you toward a half size up.
Always measure wearing the socks you plan to use most often.
Time of Day Matters
Feet swell throughout the day. If you measure early in the morning, you’re likely getting the smallest size your foot will be all day.
For the most accurate measurement:
- Measure late afternoon or evening
- After walking or standing for a bit
This gives you your correct size; the size your foot expands to during normal use.
Insole and Foot Shape Matters Too
If you use custom insoles, orthotics, or plan to swap the factory insole, include that in your test.
Swapping insoles changes:
- How the foot sits in the shoe
- How much room you feel up front
Your arch type also influences fit. High arches tend to make shoes feel narrower midfoot, while flatter feet spread more under load.
My Final Take on the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890 Sizing
I took a gamble going true to size, and after wearing both colorways a lot, even putting one on each foot at the same time just to compare, I’m confident in saying true to size works for most people.
Just understand what you’re getting:
- Slightly long in length
- Slightly narrow in shape
- Cyborg Tears feels more structured
- Hornet Tusk feels more forgiving
If you have narrow feet and like a snug fit, you can experiment with half a size down. Everyone’s preference is different.
But for normal to slightly wide feet, I’d stick with your regular size and live with the bit of extra length. It’s way easier to deal with a touch of space than a cramped toe box.
That’s been my experience after real wear, not just trying them on for five minutes.
And as always, if you’ve tried the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890, drop your size and experience in the comments so other readers can compare and make the best decision for their feet.