How Does The New Balance 998 Fit? [Easy Sizing Guide]

Thinking about buying a pair of New Balance 998s but not sure how they fit? Check out this exclusive sizing guide based on real-world information to help you get the perfect size.

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New Balance 998

Original Release: 1993
Style: Retro Runner

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The Answer:

The New Balance 998 is a “Made in the USA” retro running shoe that originally released back in 1993 in both men’s and women’s sizes.

Generally speaking, the New Balance 998 retros are known for having a larger standard width than other comparable running shoes on the market, new or old.

“I’ve personally owned over 6 pairs of New Balance 998s over the years, with all of them being manufactured in different years ranging from 2012 to 2019. ”

— Jared W. | @jaredxwatson

Sizing Tips & Suggestions

Sometimes it’s difficult offering sizing suggestions knowing that there are so many varying fit preferences and foot sizes. Even still, here’s my best attempt at offering sizing advice for those interested in purchasing a pair of New Balance 998s for the first time.

Narrow Footers: If you consider yourself to have narrow feet, you can easily go down a half-size from your normal shoe size with the 998s.

Wide Footers: Those with wider feet should definitely stay true to size and possibly go up a half-size depending on how loosely you like your shoes to fit.

Those Who Prefer A Snug Fit: If you’re a person who prefers for their shoes to have a snug fit, then definitely go down a half-size.

Those Prefer A Roomier Fit: If you’re a person who prefers for their shoes to have a roomier fit, you should stay true-to-size and those with wider feet could potentially go up a half size.

My Personal experience

I’ve personally owned over 6 pairs of New Balance 998s starting back to 2013 when I bought my first pair. Over the years, I’ve noticed that pre-2016 models of the 998 model fit a small bit longer than those that released after. This may just be my imagination, but it’s worth noting