New Balance 990, 327 Sizing Guide: Choosing Between D and 2E
What do D, 2E, and 4E actually mean? Why New Balance is the best brand for people who value a custom-feeling fit.
While many brands focus on flashy colors, New Balance has built a global empire by focusing on 'fit.' They are one of the few mainstream brands that offer a variety of width options for a single shoe length. This makes them the 'holy grail' for people with non-standard foot shapes.
1. The New Balance Width System
When you look at a New Balance label, you’ll see the size followed by a letter. Here’s what those letters represent for men:
- D: The Standard width. If you don't know your width, start here.
- 2E: Wide. Designed for folks who find the sides of standard shoes too restrictive.
- 4E: Extra Wide. For the widest feet, offering massive volume in the toe box.
2. Why Width Matters for Performance
If your foot is too wide for the shoe's platform, you will 'over-spill' the midsole. This causes the upper to tear prematurely and ruins the aesthetic of the shoe (the famous 'N' logo will look distorted). More importantly, it can cut off circulation and lead to hot spots and blisters during long walks or runs. New Balance’s 990 series is particularly famous for its perfect balance of support and width availability.
3. How to Choose
If you’ve always felt like shoes are a bit tight but 'okay,' try on a 2E wide New Balance. For many, it's a life-changing moment where they realize what a shoe is actually supposed to feel like. You don't have to suffer for style!
Conclusion: The Practical Choice
New Balance may be a trend right now, but their commitment to sizing is timeless. If you want a shoe that feels like it was custom-made for your foot, stop looking at the colors and start looking at the width codes. Your feet are worth the extra effort.