When it comes to New Balance 991 sizing, I’d recommend staying true to size in both the 991v1 and 991v2. I’ve worn quite a few pairs of each, and I keep coming back to my regular US 9.
What’s interesting about the 991 is that it runs a little long, yet it can feel tight around the ball of your foot. I have slightly wide feet, and that’s exactly what I notice when I put on a new pair. The length is fine, but there’s some pressure across my forefoot that usually eases once I’ve worn the shoes for a while.
I’d stick with your normal size if you have narrow, average-width, or slightly wide feet. Very wide feet are another matter. The 991 isn’t as roomy as something like the 993, and going up half a size won’t necessarily fix that.
I’ve also noticed differences between certain collaborations. My JJJJound 991 feels a little roomier than a regular pair, and the Aimé Leon Dore Celery has more space around my forefoot than the Chocolate colorway. I still wear a 9 in all of them, though.
If you’re interested in other models, I’ve also written about whether New Balance shoes run small or big.
Here’s how I’d approach sizing the 991v1 and 991v2, depending on your foot shape.
Find Your NB 991 Size
- 991v1: I’d stay true to size. There’s a little extra length, but the forefoot can feel quite firm when the shoes are new. Mine became more comfortable after wearing them regularly.
- 991v2: True to size for me as well. It has much the same length and forefoot fit as the original, so I wouldn’t change sizes between the two.
- Normal feet: Your regular size should work in either version.
- Slightly wide feet: I’d still start true to size. That’s what I wear, although I do notice some tightness around the ball of my foot at first, especially in the 991v1.
- Narrow feet: You might prefer half a size down if you like your sneakers fitting close. I’d be more inclined to try that in the 991v2, although the 991v1 also has some extra length.
- Between sizes: I’d try the smaller size first, particularly if you already size down in the 990, 992, or 993. Just make sure the forefoot isn’t too tight.
- Very wide feet: You could try half a size up in the 991v1. I’m more hesitant about doing that with the 991v2 because it’s already a little long. The 993 might be worth looking at instead.
- High-volume feet: I’d start with your regular size. The upper can feel tight initially, and some of that pressure may ease as the materials soften. I wouldn’t rely on break-in if the shoe is painfully tight, though.
- Thick socks: True to size should still work for most people. If your feet are very wide and you regularly wear thick socks, I’d also try half a size up in the 991v1.
- Comfort-first fit: I wouldn’t automatically size up. I find my regular size comfortable once the materials have softened, and I prefer keeping the heel and midfoot secure.
- Break-in concerns: A little pressure around the ball of your foot isn’t unusual with either 991. I’ve experienced it myself. If the pressure is mild, give the materials some time, but don’t ignore actual pain or cramped toes.
New Balance 991 Sizing
Here’s everything in a short video:
Before getting into the individual models, here’s my sizing profile. It’ll give you a better idea of why I wear the sizes I do, especially if your feet are similar to mine.
My NB 991 Sizing Profile
- Brannock Size: 9D to 9E
- Foot Shape: Slightly wide forefoot
- Preferred Fit: Secure and comfortable with a little room in front of my toes
- Typical Nike Size: US 9 in most lifestyle models
- LeBron Size: US 9 in both the 991v1 and 991v2
I don’t like my sneakers moving around at the heel, but I also need enough space for my toes. My feet are slightly wide, so I’m used to some shoes feeling tighter across the ball of my foot than others.
With both versions of the 991, a size 9 gives me the length I want. They’re a little snug when new, particularly around the forefoot, but I’ve found that the materials become softer after I’ve worn them for a while.
I haven’t felt the need to change sizes in either model.
New Balance 991v1 Sizing
I wear my regular US 9 in the New Balance 991v1. It’s one of the tighter Made in UK models I’ve tried around the ball of my foot, but I wouldn’t go up half a size.
Prefer video?
My Brannock measurement is a US 9, with my width falling between D and E. When I first tried the 991v1 in a 9, I was happy with the length. There was enough space in front of my toes, and my heel wasn’t moving around.
If you’re not sure about your own width, I’ve put together a sneaker width chart that might help.
What I noticed more than anything was how firm the shoe felt around the ball of my foot.
I’ve owned several 991v1s, and that feeling has been pretty consistent. The upper holds my forefoot quite closely, especially when the shoes are brand new. It’s not painful, but coming from something like a 990v6 or 993, you can definitely feel the difference.
I wouldn’t call the 991v1 a roomy sneaker.
After wearing mine for a few weeks, though, I noticed that the pressure wasn’t as obvious anymore. The materials had softened, and I could walk around in them comfortably without thinking about that tightness.
The length hadn’t changed, of course. I just wasn’t feeling the same resistance from the upper when I walked.
That’s why I’m happy sticking with my regular size 9. A 9.5 would give me more length than I want, and I don’t think I need it just to deal with that initial tightness.
If this guide made sizing a little easier, you can add Size Chart Guru as a Preferred Source on Google.
Related: If you normally wear the 990 series, you’ll want to see how the New Balance Abzorb 2010 fits so you know whether to stick true to size or go a half size down.
Who Should Stay True to Size?
I’d stick with your regular size in the 991v1 if you have narrow, normal-width, or slightly wide feet.
I also think true to size makes sense if you like your shoes secure around the midfoot rather than loose. That’s how I prefer mine, and the size 9 gives me that fit without sacrificing toe room.
The one thing I’d be prepared for is some initial tightness around the ball of your foot. I’ve had that with several pairs, and it usually becomes less noticeable after some wear.
I wouldn’t buy a bigger size just because a new 991v1 feels a little firm.
What About Wide Feet?
If your feet are genuinely wide, I’d be more careful with the 991v1.
My feet are only slightly wide, and I can already feel how closely the upper fits around my forefoot. I can imagine someone with much wider feet finding that uncomfortable, especially if they’re used to shoes with a generous toe box.
Going up half a size is worth trying. You might get enough extra space around the ball of your foot to make the shoe wearable.
The problem is that you’ll also be adding length. My regular size 9 already has enough room in front of my toes, so I wouldn’t want to go bigger myself.
If the half-size increase makes the shoe too long, I’d rather look at another New Balance model than force the 991v1 to fit.
Not sure whether your feet are actually wide? Here’s how to check if you have wide feet before deciding what size to order.
How 991 Compares to Other New Balance Models
My New Balance sizing varies quite a bit depending on the model, even though I usually end up choosing between a US 8.5 and 9.
I wear a size 9 in the Action Bronson x New Balance 1890, 1500, 2002R, 860v2, 1906R, and 9060. With the 990 series, 992, 993, and 550, I usually go down to an 8.5.
The 991v1 is one of those shoes where I need my regular size 9. I know it runs a little long, but the forefoot is snug enough that I wouldn’t want to lose any more room by going down half a size.
Now, do all New Balance 991v1s fit the same?
Most of the pairs I’ve worn fit pretty much alike. Once you’ve figured out your size in a regular 991v1, I’d generally stick with it for other colorways and collaborations.
I’ve come across a few exceptions, though. Some have a little more room around the toes, while others feel almost exactly like the standard version.
I can’t say for certain whether it’s the materials or small differences in how they’re made, but I’ve noticed it across several pairs I own.
JJJJound x New Balance 991
My JJJJound 991 felt a little roomier than most of my other 991v1s from the first time I put them on.
I bought my usual size 9, and there was less pressure around the ball of my foot. I also had a bit more room in the toe box, which was nice because that’s usually where I notice the 991 fitting quite closely.
I wouldn’t go down half a size because of it. The difference isn’t that big, and I was perfectly happy with the length.
I’m not sure whether the materials have something to do with it or whether my pair just happened to fit a little differently. Either way, I’d buy another JJJJound 991 in a 9.
Related: If you’re used to the roomier fit of the New Balance 327, the 991 may feel noticeably more structured through the forefoot. My New Balance 327 sizing guide covers those fit differences in detail.
Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 991
I own both the Chocolate and Celery colorways, and they don’t feel quite the same on my feet.
The Chocolate fits much like my regular 991v1s. It’s fairly snug around the ball of my foot, especially when new, and I can feel the upper holding my forefoot quite closely.
The Celery has more room. I noticed that straight away, particularly around my toes. I didn’t get as much of that initial pressure I normally feel with the 991v1.
Both pairs are a US 9, so it isn’t a size difference. I suspect the mesh and suede might explain some of it, although I can’t say for sure.
I’d still order my regular size in either colorway. The Celery is just a little more comfortable for my slightly wide feet right out of the box.
Related: Compared to the New Balance 740, the 991 has a more premium, structured fit with less room around the forefoot. Read my New Balance 740 sizing guide for a full breakdown.
Sneakersnstuff x New Balance 991
The Sneakersnstuff collaboration is probably the longest-fitting 991v1 I’ve tried.
I went with a size 9, as usual, but I had just over a finger’s width of space in front of my toes. That’s a little more than I normally get in this model.
Across the forefoot, though, it felt like my other 991s. I still had that familiar close fit around the ball of my foot, so the extra length didn’t make the shoe feel particularly roomy.
I kept the size 9 and was happy with it. My feet are slightly wide, and I wouldn’t want to make the forefoot any tighter just to shorten the shoe.
Someone with narrow feet might feel differently, especially if they prefer their sneakers fitting very close. I could see half a size down being worth trying in that case, but I’d still start with your normal 991v1 size.
Related: The New Balance 9060 generally feels roomier and more forgiving than the 991, especially around the toe box. My New Balance 9060 sizing guide covers those differences in detail.
Consistent-Fit Collaborations
I didn’t notice any meaningful sizing differences with these two collaborations:
- Run The Boroughs x New Balance 991
- Stray Rats x New Balance 991
Both fit like my regular 991v1s, and I wear a US 9 in them.
If you already know your size in the standard model, I wouldn’t change it for either of these. And if you’re also looking at Asics, I’ve got an Asics GT-2160 sizing guide where I talk about how that model fits.
New Balance 991v2 Sizing
I wear a US 9 in the New Balance 991v2, the same size I wear in the 991v1. I’ve tried several pairs, and I haven’t found a reason to go up or down half a size.
My feet measure a US 9 on the Brannock device, somewhere between D and E in width. The first thing I noticed with the 991v2 was the extra length. I had a little over an index finger’s width of room in front of my toes, which is actually how I like my sneakers to fit.
The forefoot is another story.
It’s not particularly wide, and I could feel some pressure around the ball of my foot, close to where the bottom laces sit. I get something similar in the 991v1, so it wasn’t a surprise.
It wasn’t painful, though. I could walk comfortably, and my foot wasn’t sliding around inside the shoe.
After wearing the 991v2 regularly, I noticed that the pressure had eased. The upper felt less stiff around my forefoot, and I wasn’t thinking about the fit as much when walking.
I wouldn’t say the 991v2 is noticeably wider than the 991v1. At least with the pairs I’ve worn, they’re pretty close. Both have that slightly long shape with a forefoot that fits more closely than you might expect.
That’s why I’d stick with your normal size in the 991v2, particularly if your feet are anything like mine.
Related: For anyone cross-shopping chunkier runners, my New Balance 1000 size guide explains why that model feels roomier on foot.
Who Should Stay True to Size?
I’d recommend your regular size if you have normal-width or slightly wide feet. The same goes for average-volume feet and anyone who likes a fairly secure fit.
My feet are slightly wide, and I haven’t needed to size up. There’s already plenty of length in my size 9, and the tightness around the ball of my foot has eased with wear.
If your regular New Balance size tends to fit you comfortably, that’s where I’d start with the 991v2.
What About Narrow Feet?
If you have narrow feet, half a size down might be worth trying.
The 991v2 has a little extra length, so I can understand why someone with a narrower foot might prefer the shorter size, particularly if they don’t like much space in front of their toes.
I wouldn’t automatically size down, though. The forefoot still fits quite closely, and you don’t want your toes getting cramped just to remove a little extra length.
I usually wear an 8.5 in the 990 series, 992, and 993, but I wouldn’t choose that size in the 991v2. If you also size down in those models and have narrow feet, an 8.5 might be worth trying. Just remember that the 991v2 fits more closely around the forefoot.
Related: I also have a New Balance 530 fit sizing guide if you’re comparing the 991 with that model.
What About Wide Feet?
I’d be careful about sizing up in the 991v2 just to get more width.
The shoe already runs a little long. Going up half a size might relieve some pressure around your forefoot, but you’ll also have more space in front of your toes, and that might be more than you want.
For someone with slightly wide feet like mine, true to size has been fine. I get some initial tightness, but nothing painful, and it becomes less noticeable after wearing the shoes.
For very wide feet, I’d be looking at the 993 or some of the roomier 990 models. You can certainly try a half size up in the 991v2, but I wouldn’t settle for a shoe that’s too long just because the extra width feels better.
Does the 991v2 Fit Differently From the 991v1?
Not much, at least not in the pairs I’ve worn.
I wear a US 9 in both, and the length is pretty similar. The 991v2 still has that close fit around the ball of my foot, although I find it a little more comfortable underfoot than the original.
I’ve also noticed the upper becoming less stiff after wearing it for a while, much like the 991v1.
If you’re comfortable in your current 991v1 size, I’d keep that size when buying the 991v2.
Related: My New Balance 574 sizing is worth checking if you want to compare the 991 with a more relaxed everyday sneaker.
Colorway and Collaboration Differences
Most of the 991v2 pairs I’ve tried fit much the same, but I’ve come across a few that felt a little different around the forefoot.
New Balance 991v2 “Silver Blue / Turbulence”
Out of all the standard 991v2 colorways I’ve worn, this was probably the most forgiving.
Lengthwise, the fit was identical to my other pairs, but there was noticeably less pressure around the ball of my foot. The forefoot felt slightly more accommodating right out of the box, requiring less break-in time than usual.
From what I’ve seen, this appears to be more of a material or manufacturing variation than a true sizing difference.
Because of that, I’d still recommend staying true to size.
If anything, this is simply one of the more comfortable 991v2 colorways for slightly wider feet.
Salehe Bembury x New Balance 991v2
I went with my regular US 9 in the Salehe Bembury 991v2, and I didn’t get that familiar tightness around the ball of my foot.
That’s something I usually notice when I first wear a new 991v2, so it was nice not having to deal with it this time. The forefoot had a little more give, and I could wear the shoes comfortably straight out of the box.
The suede might have something to do with that, although I can’t say for certain.
I’d still buy my usual size 9. I didn’t notice anything about the fit that would make me want to go smaller or bigger.
Collaborations That Fit Like a Standard 991v2
Several collaborations felt virtually identical to my regular 991v2 pairs:
- Stone Island x New Balance 991v2
- Kith x Danielle Cathari x New Balance 991v2
- Up There x New Balance 991v2
- Kith x New Balance 991v2
- thisisneverthat x New Balance 991v2
If you already know your 991v2 size, you can confidently buy these in the same size.
New Balance 991 vs 990 Sizing
I wear a US 9 in both the 991v1 and 991v2, but I usually go down to an 8.5 in the 990 series.
The 991 fits closer around the ball of my foot. Most of the 990s I’ve tried give me more space there, and I can get away with a smaller size without feeling squeezed.
The 990v3, 990v4, 990v5, and especially the 990v6 also tend to have some extra length. That’s partly why sizing down half a size is so common with those models.
The 991 has a little extra length too. I just wouldn’t want to lose any of the room I have around my forefoot by going down to an 8.5.
New Balance 991 vs 990v1 and 990v2
The 990v1 and 990v2 have a closer fit than some of the later 990 models, particularly around the forefoot.
I’d start with the same size in these and the 991. I wouldn’t rush to size down in either of the older 990s, especially if your feet are on the wider side.
The 990v1 and 990v2 also feel quite different from the later 990s. There’s less space around the front of the foot, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re coming from something like the 990v5 or 990v6.
New Balance 991 vs 990v3, 990v4, and 990v5
An 8.5 works for me in the 990v3, 990v4, and 990v5. That’s half a size below my Brannock measurement, and I still have enough space around the ball of my foot.
The 991 is a different story, which is why I buy that one in a 9.
You might be comfortable in your normal size, or you might prefer half a size down, especially if you have narrow feet or don’t like much space in front of your toes.
With the 991, I’d be more hesitant to size down. Even though it runs a little long, there’s less spare room around the ball of the foot. My size 9 is already fairly snug there when new.
New Balance 991 vs 990v6
Of all the 990s, the 990v6 is the one where I’d be most inclined to try half a size down.
It feels longer than the 991, and there’s more space around the forefoot too.
Compared to the 991v1 and 991v2, the 990v6 feels:
- Longer
- Roomier through the forefoot
- Less restrictive around the ball of the foot
- More accommodating for wider feet
I wouldn’t carry my 990v6 size straight over to the 991. I can wear an 8.5 in the 990 series, but I need the extra room of a 9 in the 991, particularly across the forefoot.
For very wide feet, I’d look at the 990v5, 990v6, or 993 before the 991. They generally give you more space around the front of the foot, and you may have an easier time finding a comfortable fit without going up in length.
If you’re unsure what the width letters mean, I’ve explained B, D, E, EE, 2E, 4E and the other common markings in my shoe width guide.
New Balance 991 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 991 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 | — |
How to Measure Your Feet for the New Balance 991
I’d check both your foot length and width before ordering the 991, especially if you’ve never tried one on.
My feet measure a US 9 between D and E on the Brannock device. I wear a 9 in both versions of the 991, but I can still feel some tightness around the ball of my foot when they’re new.
That’s why I wouldn’t choose a size based on length alone. You could have plenty of room in front of your toes and still find the forefoot uncomfortable.
I’ve also written a guide on how to measure your feet at home if you don’t have access to a shoe store.
1. Try the 991 On in Person (The Best Option)
If you can try the 991 on before buying, I’d do that.
You might already know your size in the 990v6 or 993, but those shoes have more room around the forefoot. The 991 can feel quite different, even when the length is similar.
When trying them on:
- Wear the socks you normally wear
- Stand up and walk around
- Pay attention to pressure around the ball of the foot
- Check how much room you have in front of your toes
- Make sure your heel feels secure
A little forefoot pressure is normal on a new pair of 991s. What you’re trying to determine is whether the fit feels snug or genuinely too tight.
2. Know Your Brannock Size
If you’ve never measured your feet on a Brannock device, you’re basically guessing.
The Brannock measurement gives you:
- Your true foot length
- Your true foot width
- A reliable starting point for sizing
Whenever possible:
- Measure both feet
- Stand while measuring
- Put full weight on your feet
- Use the larger foot as your reference
For example, my feet measure a true US 9 on a Brannock device with a width somewhere between D and E. That measurement explains why a size 9 works for me in both the 991v1 and 991v2, despite the snug forefoot.
3. Measure Your Feet at Home
If you don’t have access to a Brannock device, you can still get a very accurate measurement.
You’ll need:
- A sheet of paper
- A pen or pencil
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A wall
Steps:
- Place the paper against a wall.
- Stand on it with your heel touching the wall.
- Wear the socks you normally wear with sneakers.
- Put your full weight on your foot.
- Mark the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure from the wall to the mark.
- Repeat with the other foot.
- Use the larger measurement.
Once you have your measurement, compare it with New Balance’s official size chart below:
| 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 |
| 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 |
4. Don’t Ignore Width
This is probably the most important part of sizing the 991.
Many people assume they need a different size when the real issue is width.
The 991v1 and 991v2 both have a relatively structured forefoot. With my slightly wide feet, I can feel the upper pressing against the ball of my foot when I first put on a new pair.
It hasn’t been a reason for me to size up, though. Once I’ve worn the shoes for a while, that area doesn’t feel quite as tight, and I can walk comfortably in my regular size 9.
I wouldn’t rush to buy a larger size just because a new pair feels a little firm.
But if you normally need wide-width sneakers and the sides of your feet are already being squeezed, I wouldn’t count on breaking them in. The 991 might simply be too narrow for your feet, regardless of how much you wear it.
5. Your Preferred Sneaker Fit Matters
I prefer my sneakers secure around the heel and midfoot, with enough space up front that my toes aren’t crowded. That’s what I get from my size 9 in the 991.
If you have narrow feet and usually prefer less space in front of your toes, I can understand wanting to try half a size down. Just be careful about the forefoot. It’s already quite fitted in your regular size.
Think about the socks you’ll wear, too. A 991 that feels comfortable with thin socks might be a lot tighter with thick ones.
And if you’re planning to wear them for long walks, I’d make sure the ball of your foot isn’t being squeezed. I don’t mind a little stiffness when they’re new, but I wouldn’t buy a painfully tight pair hoping it’ll eventually feel better.
6. How Should the New Balance 991 Feel on Foot?
The first time I wore a 991, I noticed how closely it held my foot around the midfoot and forefoot.
The 991 is supposed to feel:
- Secure through the midfoot
- Structured through the forefoot
- Slightly long in length
- Supportive rather than overly roomy
Compared to something like the 993, the 991 holds my foot more closely. I can feel the upper around the ball of my foot, particularly when the shoes are new.
That feeling has become less noticeable after wearing my pairs for a while. I’d be concerned if my toes were cramped or the pressure was painful, but a little initial firmness hasn’t been a problem for me.
New Balance 991 Sizing FAQ
Is the New Balance 991v1 true to size?
Yes, I’d go true to size in the New Balance 991v1.
I’m a US 9 on the Brannock device, and that’s what I wear. There’s enough length for my toes, although I do feel some tightness around the ball of my foot when the shoes are new.
My feet are slightly wide, and I haven’t needed to go up half a size. After a few weeks of wearing mine, I could feel the upper giving a little around the ball of my foot, and the shoes weren’t as tight as they were initially.
Is the New Balance 991v2 true to size?
I wear a US 9 in the 991v2, exactly what I wear in the original 991.
The length is a little generous, and there’s still some pressure around the ball of my foot when the shoes are new. I haven’t found the 991v2 different enough in size to make me want to go up or down half a size.
If your 991v1 fits you well, I’d order that same size in the 991v2.
Is the New Balance 991v1 good for wide feet?
For slightly wide feet, I’d say yes. I fall between D and E on the Brannock device, and my regular size 9 works well.
If your feet are much wider, the 991v1 could be uncomfortable around the ball of your foot, even if the length is right.
Going up half a size might help, but I’d try it on first. The 991v1 isn’t particularly roomy, and you don’t want to end up with too much length just to get some extra width.
Is the New Balance 991v2 good for wide feet?
I can wear the 991v2 comfortably with my slightly wide feet, but I wouldn’t recommend it without some caution to someone who normally needs a wide-width shoe.
Slightly wide feet should be fine at true to size. Very wide feet may struggle with the forefoot shape, and sizing up isn’t always the best solution because the shoe already runs a little long.
I’d look at the 993 if you regularly need extra width. It’s roomier around the forefoot than the 991v2.
Do New Balance 991 run big or small?
Neither, at least from what I’ve experienced wearing both versions. My Brannock measurement is a US 9, and that’s the size I’ve kept across all my 991v1 and 991v2 pairs.
The length is actually a little generous. I have plenty of space in front of my toes, but around the ball of my foot, the shoe feels quite snug.
I can see why someone trying the 991 for the first time might think they need a bigger size, particularly if they’re used to a roomier New Balance model.
For my slightly wide feet, though, the size 9 has worked well in both versions.
Should I size down in the New Balance 991?
Most people shouldn’t.
If your feet are narrow and you don’t like much extra length, half a size down might be worth trying, particularly in the 991v2.
I wouldn’t do it with my slightly wide feet. The forefoot already fits quite closely in my regular size 9, and going down to an 8.5 would leave me with even less room.
Should I size up in the New Balance 991?
Only if you have very wide feet.
For most people, sizing up adds unnecessary length without solving the forefoot fit as much as you’d expect.
I’ve never needed anything bigger than a US 9 in either 991. My feet are slightly wide, and although I notice some pressure around the ball of my foot initially, it hasn’t been uncomfortable enough to make me want a 9.5.
Do New Balance 991 stretch?
A little, yes.
The length isn’t going to change much, but I’ve noticed the materials around the forefoot becoming softer after wearing my 991s regularly.
That includes the suede, mesh, and leather panels. The upper doesn’t hold my foot quite as tightly as it did when the shoes were new.
I wouldn’t expect a painfully narrow pair to become comfortable just from wearing it, though.
What’s the difference between the 991v1 and 991v2 fit?
I wear a US 9 in both, and I haven’t noticed enough of a sizing difference to recommend changing sizes.
The 991v1 and 991v2 both have a little extra length and fit quite closely around the ball of my foot. The 991v2 feels more comfortable underfoot to me, and some pairs haven’t needed as much breaking in.
But if you’re comfortable in your 991v1 size, I’d keep it for the 991v2.
How does the New Balance 991 compare to the 990v6?
I usually go half a size down in the 990 series, but I wear my regular US 9 in the 991.
The 990v6 has more length and gives my forefoot more space. The 991 feels closer around the ball of my foot, even though it also runs a little long.
If you wear an 8.5 in the 990v6, I wouldn’t automatically order an 8.5 in the 991. I’d try your regular size too, particularly if your feet are slightly wide.
Final Thoughts
After wearing quite a few pairs of the 991v1 and 991v2, I’m sticking with my regular US 9 in both.
I know the 991 runs a little long, but the length has never bothered me. It’s the pressure around the ball of my foot that I notice when I first put on a new pair. I’ve had that with several 991s, and in most cases, the materials have softened enough that I don’t notice it much after a while.
I wouldn’t go down to an 8.5 just to shorten the shoe. My feet are slightly wide, and I don’t want to lose any more room around the forefoot.
I’ve also found that not every collaboration feels identical. Some of my 991s have been comfortable straight out of the box, while others needed more wearing before the forefoot stopped feeling so firm. I still buy the same size.
For genuinely wide feet, I’d be more cautious. You could try half a size up in the 991v1, but if the shoe ends up too long, I’d look at something like the 993 instead.
What size are you wearing in your 991s? I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who’ve tried both generations or own some of the collaborations I’ve mentioned.
If you’ve noticed differences between colorways, or found that going half a size down or up worked better for your feet, let me know in the comments.