Before you grab a pair, there’s one question that always comes up: how does the New Balance 2002R actually fit? Does it run big, small, or true to size, and should you be sizing up or down?
That’s exactly what this New Balance 2002R sizing guide is here to answer. I’ve worn multiple pairs across different colorways and collabs, and in this article, I break down the real-world fit, how it feels on foot, and what size makes the most sense depending on your foot shape.
Whether you’re coming from other New Balance models or switching over from Nike or Adidas, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about 2002R fit, including whether they run big or small and how consistent the sizing really is across releases.
Oh, and if you’ve been eyeing other New Balance silhouettes too, especially slimmer, more tapered ones, I also put together a full New Balance 327 sizing guide that breaks down how those fit compared to the 2002R.
New Balance 2002R Sizing
The big question with the New Balance 2002R is sizing, and thankfully, this is one of the more straightforward models in the New Balance lineup.
But if you’re in a hurry and just want the short version, here it is:
Overall, New Balance 2002R fit true to size for most people, and that’s the size I personally stick with across the majority of pairs.
That said, not every 2002R fits exactly the same.
General fit:
- True to size works best for narrow, normal, and slightly wide feet
- Wide feet can still start true to size, but half a size up can feel better if you want more room
- The shoe doesn’t run short, and heel slip is rarely an issue
Colorways that feel a bit different
- Refined Future “Slate Grey”: Slightly snug compared to some pairs, but still wearable true to size
- Refined Future Lunar New Year: Noticeably more roomy and wide-foot friendly than average
- “Distressed” colorways: Feel a bit more padded and snug, but not enough to size up
Collaborations
- Most collabs fit just like the regular 2002R
- JJJJound 2002R (regular): Fits true to size
- JJJJound 2002R Gore-Tex: Still true to size, but feels more snug due to thicker, padded materials
- Joe Freshgoods 2002R: Runs a bit bigger than normal. True to size for room, half size down for a snug fit
Now that you’ve got the quick answer out of the way, let’s slow things down and get into the details…
Again, in my experience, the 2002R fits true to size.
My feet measure as a true size 9 on a Brannock device, leaning slightly wide, somewhere between a D and an E width. I’ve owned and worn plenty of 2002Rs over the years, and I consistently take a size 9 in this model.
The fit feels secure without being tight, and roomy enough that my toes aren’t fighting for space.
What really stands out about the 2002R is how consistent it feels compared to other New Balance models. While I bounce between an 8.5 and a 9 in many silhouettes, the 2002R is one of those shoes where I don’t feel the need to size down to manage extra length or size up for width.
For context, I usually go half a size down in models like the New Balance 990v3, 990v4, 990v5, 990v6, the 992, the 998, and most 550s because those tend to run longer.
On the flip side, I stick true to size in the 2002R, as well as models like the 9060, 860v2, 997, 1906, and the narrower-shaped 990v2.
Most Made in UK pairs like the 991, 1500, and 1530 also work best for me at true size.
Even when comparing across brands, the sizing feels familiar. I wear a size 9 in Nike models like the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Air Jordan 1 High, Air Jordan 3, and the Zoom Vomero 5, and the 2002R lines up well with those in terms of length.
Related: If the 2002R works for your feet, you’ll want to read about the fit of the New Balance 740 before ordering.
2020, 2021, 2022 Versions of the 2002R
One thing worth mentioning is that there are minor differences by year. The 2020 and 2021 2002R releases felt spot on true to size.
Some of the 2022 versions feel just a touch roomier, but not enough to justify changing sizes. Either way, I’d still recommend sticking with your actual measured foot size.
If your feet are very wide, going up half a size can make sense, especially if you prefer more breathing room in the forefoot. For everyone else, narrow, normal, or slightly wide feet, true to size has been the most reliable option.
Women’s Sizing Notes
For women, the recommendation stays simple: stick true to size. The 2002R offers a forgiving fit overall, but if you have very wide flat feet, sizing up half a size can help avoid pressure through the midfoot.
Related: Curious how the 2002R sizing stacks up against the latest release? My New Balance 2010 sizing breakdown covers toe box space, width, and overall comfort.
New Balance 2002R Colorway & Collaboration Fit Differences
One thing I’ve noticed over time with the 2002R is that while the model is generally consistent, some colorways and collaborations do fit a little differently.
Most of the time, I’m true to size in the 2002R, but there are a few exceptions where the materials or construction change the feel on foot.
Related: The 2002R feels more structured, while the 530 leans roomier. Check out my New Balance 530 sizing guide to see the difference.
Refined Future Pack – “Slate Grey”
The Refined Future Pack is a good example of how subtle differences can affect fit.
For the Slate Grey pair, I stayed true to size (9) and had no issues. The fit felt slightly snug, but still comfortable and wearable. I could see myself going down to an 8.5 if I wanted a very tight, one-to-one fit, but I don’t think it’s necessary for most people.
If you have narrow or normal-width feet and prefer that locked-in feel, sizing down half a size could work here. That said, it’s not as extreme as some other Refined Future releases.
Lunar New Year 2002R (Refined Future)
Interestingly, the Lunar New Year version felt more roomy than expected.
The toe box and overall interior volume felt more wide-foot friendly than most 2002Rs I’ve worn. It wasn’t so spacious that I felt forced to size down, but the difference was noticeable.
If you’re in between sizes and want a snug fit, going with the smaller of the two sizes makes sense here. If you like a little breathing room up front, sticking with your normal 2002R size works perfectly fine.
This could come down to manufacturing inconsistencies, so if you own this pair, your experience may vary slightly.
JJJJound x New Balance 2002R
Regular JJJJound 2002R
The regular JJJJound collaboration fits exactly like a standard 2002R. I went true to size and had zero issues.
Whatever size you normally wear in the 2002R, whether that’s true to size or slightly adjusted, you can stick with that same size here.
JJJJound x New Balance 2002R Gore-Tex
The Gore-Tex version is where things feel a bit different.
While it still runs true to size overall, the upper feels more snug and structured, mainly because of the Gore-Tex lining and added padding.
I stayed true to size and was comfortable, but the shoe definitely feels tighter than most other 2002Rs.
If you’re someone who usually falls between sizes, rounding up to the larger size can make sense for this pair. The same applies if you plan on wearing thicker socks. Otherwise, sticking with your regular 2002R size works just fine.
New Balance 2002R “Distressed”
The Distressed 2002R fits true to size, but with a slightly snug feel.
The combination of canvas and thick suede overlays makes the shoe feel more padded than usual. It’s not tight enough to size up, but it does feel more structured than standard mesh-based 2002Rs.
If you like a secure, one-to-one fit, I’d go true to size.
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 2002R
This pair fits a bit bigger than a typical 2002R.
I tried both my true size and half a size down, and I felt like the smaller size gave me the better overall fit. If you like a roomier feel, true to size will be fine.
If you prefer something more snug and controlled, going half a size down works well for this release.
Collabs That Fit Like the Regular 2002R
The following collaborations fit true to size, just like a standard New Balance 2002R. I’d recommend sticking with whatever size you normally wear in the model:
- Salehe Bembury x New Balance 2002R
- Kith x New Balance 2002R
- DTLR x New Balance 2002R
- Auralee x New Balance 2002R
- Atmos x New Balance 2002R
- BAPE x New Balance 2002R
- SSENSE x New Balance 2002R
- Bryant Giles x New Balance 2002R
- Up There x New Balance 2002R
New Balance 2002R Mule Sizing
Sizing on the 2002R Mule is actually pretty straightforward if you already know your size in the regular 2002R.
In my experience, these fit true to size, just like the standard 2002R sneakers. My foot measures as a true size 9, slightly on the wider side, and I went with a size 9 in the mule. The fit felt right overall and didn’t feel too long or too short.
That said, I was also able to try on a half size down (8.5) in-store, and I do think that size can work depending on how you plan to wear them.
If you’re planning to go mostly sockless, sizing down half a size can give you a cleaner, more secure fit. If you’re wearing socks, especially thicker ones, true to size is definitely the better option.
Lockdown & On-Foot Feel
One thing worth pointing out is that the lockdown is noticeably weaker compared to a regular 2002R. Since this is a laceless mule, your foot doesn’t feel as locked in or secured as it does in the standard version of the shoe.
Even compared to other slides or slip-on styles I own, the lockdown feels a bit underwhelming. Part of that might just be expectation.
I’m so used to how snug and supportive the regular 2002R feels that when I slip these on, I naturally expect the same level of hold. Instead, the fit feels looser and more relaxed, with less structure keeping your foot in place.
It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s something to be aware of. These feel much more like a casual, easy-on shoe than something meant for long walks or lots of movement.
If you can, I’d highly recommend trying them on in person just to see how that open-back feel works for your foot. And if you’ve already worn a pair, it’s definitely one of those models where personal preference plays a big role, so hearing other people’s experiences helps a lot.
New Balance 2002R Size Chart
Men
| US Men | US Women | UK | EU | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22 |
| 4.5 | 6 | 4 | 37 | 22.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23 |
| 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 38 | 23.5 |
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 9 | 7 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41.5 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 11 | 9 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 10 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 45 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 13 | 11 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11.5 | 46.5 | 30 |
| 12.5 | 14 | 12 | 47 | 30.5 |
| 13 | 15 | 12.5 | 47.5 | 31 |
| 14 | 13.5 | 49 | 32 | |
| 15 | 14.5 | 50 | 33 | |
| 16 | 15.5 | 51 | 34 | |
| 17 | 16.5 | 52 | 35 | |
| 18 | 17.5 | 53 | 36 | |
| 19 | 18.5 | 54 | 37 | |
| 20 | 19.5 | 55 | 38 |
Women
| US Women | US Men | UK | EU | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2.5 | 2 | 34 | 21 |
| 4.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 34.5 | 21.5 |
| 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 35 | 22 |
| 5.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 6 | 4.5 | 4 | 36.5 | 23 |
| 6.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 5.5 | 5 | 37.5 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 38 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6 | 39 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 7 | 40.5 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 8 | 41.5 | 27 |
| 10.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27.5 |
| 11 | 9.5 | 9 | 43 | 28 |
| 11.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 43.5 | 28.5 |
| 12 | 10.5 | 10 | 44 | 29 |
| 12.5 | 11 | 10.5 | 45 | 29.5 |
| 13 | 11.5 | 11 | 45.5 | 30 |
| 13.5 | 12 | 11.5 | 46 | 30.5 |
| 14 | 12.5 | 12 | 46.5 | 31 |
| 15 | 13 | 13 | 48 | 32 |
New Balance 2002R Width Chart
| Code | Men | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| 4A | — | X-Narrow |
| 2A | X-Narrow | Narrow |
| B | Narrow | Standard |
| D | Standard | Wide |
| 2E | Wide | X-Wide |
| 4E | X-Wide | XX-Wide |
| 6E | XX-Wide | — |
If you’re not sure what these width labels actually mean, I put together a full sneaker width guide that breaks down D, E, 2E, and how width really affects fit across different brands.
How to Measure Your Feet for the New Balance 2002R
The 2002R model fits fairly consistently, but knowing your true size makes choosing between true to size or half-size adjustments much easier.
The Best Option: Try the 2002R On in Person
If you can, try the 2002R in-store, as this is always the best move, which lets you check:
- Toe room while standing and walking
- Heel hold and overall lockdown
- Whether the midfoot feels supportive or snug
Wear the socks you actually plan to wear with the shoe and walk around for a few minutes.
Get Measured by a Fitting Professional
If the exact colorway isn’t available in-store, getting measured by a trained fitter still helps a lot.
A professional will:
- Measure both length and width accurately
- Check how your foot spreads under body weight
- Spot width or arch issues that might affect comfort
This is especially helpful if you’re slightly wide, flat-footed, or usually between sizes.
How to Measure Using a Brannock Device
If you have access to a Brannock device, use it properly:
- Wear the socks you’ll use with the 2002R
- Stand upright with full weight on the foot
- Place your heel firmly into the heel cup
- Measure length to the longest toe
- Slide the width bar to the widest part of your forefoot
- Measure both feet and use the larger measurement
If your foot measures between widths (for example, between D and E), the 2002R usually handles that well at true to size.
How to Measure Your Feet at Home
If you’re measuring at home, follow this method carefully:
What you’ll need
- A sheet of paper
- A pen
- A ruler or tape measure
- Socks you plan to wear
Steps
- Place the paper against a wall on a flat surface
- Stand with your heel touching the wall
- Put full weight on your foot
- Mark the longest toe
- Measure from the wall to the mark
- Repeat for the other foot and use the larger measurement
- Compare that measurement to a New Balance size chart to find your true size.
Important Fit Tips to Keep in Mind
- Measure your feet later in the day when they’re slightly swollen
- Always measure standing, not sitting
- Sock thickness matters. Thicker socks reduce internal space
- If you’re between sizes, decide whether you prefer snug or slightly roomy
For the 2002R specifically:
- Most people are best staying true to their measured size
- Very wide feet may prefer half a size up
- Mule versions may feel better half size down if worn sockless
New Balance 2002R Sizing FAQ
Is the New Balance 2002R too narrow?
No, the 2002R is not a narrow shoe overall. It works well for narrow, normal, and slightly wide feet. The toe box isn’t overly tapered, and the midfoot has enough structure. That said, if you have very wide feet, the shoe may feel a bit snug through the midfoot, especially on certain colorways with thicker materials. In that case, going up half a size can make the fit more comfortable.
Should you size up or down in New Balance?
It depends on the model, but for the 2002R specifically, I’d stick true to size for most people. This model doesn’t run excessively long or short, and it doesn’t need the half-size-down adjustment that many Made in USA New Balance models do. Only consider sizing up if you have very wide feet or plan to wear thick socks regularly.
Does the New Balance 2002R run big or small?
The 2002R runs true to size. It doesn’t feel oversized, and it doesn’t run short either. Compared to models like the 990 series, which often run long, the 2002R feels more straightforward in length and width. Whatever your foot actually measures as is usually the right size to buy.
Do New Balance fit smaller than Nike?
In many cases, New Balance and Nike fit very similarly in length. For example, if you wear a size 9 in Nike models like the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, or Zoom Vomero 5, that same size 9 usually works in the 2002R. The main difference is shape. New Balance often feels more stable and supportive underfoot, while Nike can feel a bit narrower depending on the model.
How tight should a New Balance feel?
A New Balance should feel secure but not restrictive. You want your heel locked in, your midfoot supported, and your toes able to move slightly. There should be about a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe. If the shoe feels painfully tight or causes pressure right away, the size is probably wrong. New Balance shoes may break in a bit, but they shouldn’t hurt out of the box.
Do New Balance run smaller than Adidas?
Generally, New Balance does not run smaller than Adidas. In fact, many Adidas models, especially lifestyle and running silhouettes, feel slightly narrower in the forefoot. If you wear the same size in Adidas, that size usually works in New Balance as well, and in the case of the 2002R, the New Balance may actually feel more accommodating width-wise.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, New Balance 2002R sizing is one of the least stressful things about this shoe, and that’s a big reason why it’s stayed so popular.
For me, sticking with my actual measured size has worked across most 2002R colorways and collaborations. Some pairs feel a touch snug, others a bit more roomy, but nothing so extreme that I felt forced to completely rethink my size.
If you like a secure, comfortable fit you can wear all day, I’d go true to size. If you’re on the wider side or plan on thicker socks, you’ve got a little flexibility without the shoe falling apart on foot.
If you’re building out a New Balance rotation or thinking about grabbing your first pair, the 2002R is a safe, comfortable place to start, and with the right size, it really shows why this model has become a staple.
If you own a pair of New Balance 2002R, how did they fit your feet? Did you stay true to size, size up, or size down? And did you notice any differences between regular pairs and collabs?