New Balance vs Saucony: Which Fits Better? A Canadian Sizing Guide

Quick answer: they fit close, but not identically. Many New Balance lifestyle models (990, 2002R, 9060) tend to run about a half-size long, so a lot of people take a half-size down from their usual sneaker size. Saucony Originals (Jazz, Shadow) also lean slightly large and a touch narrow, so a half-size down is a common call there too — but if you have a wider foot, New Balance is usually the roomier, more accommodating brand thanks to its multiple width options. Below is how to think about it, and how to nail your size in either.

How New Balance fits

New Balance is the brand most people reach for when standard sneakers feel too narrow. Its heritage running silhouettes are built on generous lasts and, crucially, New Balance offers real width options on many models — narrow, standard (D), wide (2E) and beyond — which almost no other lifestyle brand does. Length-wise, models like the 990v6, 2002R and 9060 tend to feel a little long in standard width, so if you’re between sizes or have a medium-to-narrow foot, going down a half size often gives a cleaner fit. Wider feet usually do best staying true to size and, where available, choosing the wide width rather than sizing up.

How Saucony fits

Saucony’s Originals line — the Jazz Original, Shadow 6000, ProGrid Triumph and friends — are lower-volume, slightly sleeker shoes. They tend to run a little large in length and a touch narrow through the midfoot compared with New Balance. For most people a half-size down from your usual size lands well; if your feet are wide, Saucony will feel snugger than New Balance, so true-to-size (or trying them in store) is the safer play.

Side by side

If you have a wider foot, New Balance is generally the friendlier fit — the wide-width options make it the standout. If you have a narrow-to-standard foot and want a sleeker profile, Saucony is a clean choice. On length, both lean slightly long, so a half-size down is the common move for each — but always check the specific model, because a chunky 9060 and a slim Jazz Original don’t feel the same on foot.

How to get it right the first time

The surest method is to measure your foot in centimetres (heel to longest toe, standing, late in the day) and compare against the brand’s size chart for the exact model, rather than relying on your habitual size. Our Size Guide walks through measuring and converting, and if you’re deciding between a half-size, message us before ordering — we fit these shoes on real feet in the shop every day and can tell you how a specific pair runs. Prefer to try them on? Come see us at 588 Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna.

Where each shines at Gallery

We carry both New Balance and Saucony as authorized Canadian retailers. For the New Balance story and the models worth knowing, see our New Balance 990 guide; for more on heritage runners overall, our best sneakers in Canada edit covers both brands. Everything is guaranteed authentic and ships from Kelowna across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Do New Balance shoes run big or small?

Many New Balance lifestyle models, like the 990, 2002R and 9060, tend to run about a half-size long in standard width. Medium-to-narrow feet often size down a half; wider feet usually stay true to size and choose the wide width where offered.

Do Saucony sneakers run big or small?

Saucony Originals such as the Jazz and Shadow tend to run slightly large in length and a touch narrow through the midfoot, so many people take a half-size down from their usual size.

Which is better for wide feet, New Balance or Saucony?

New Balance, in most cases. It offers multiple width options (narrow, standard, wide and beyond) on many models, which makes it the more accommodating brand for wider feet. Saucony runs slimmer.

Should I size down in New Balance and Saucony?

Both lean slightly long, so a half-size down is a common choice for each — but check the specific model and your foot width. Measure your foot and compare to the model's size chart, and reach out if you're between sizes.