New Balance 990v5 vs Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
New Balance 990v5 vs Nike Air Max 90: side-by-side fit, toe-box width and the exact size to order in each — Nike Air Max 90 runs bigger. Free interactive sizing comparison.
Should you size down from the New Balance 990v5 to the Nike Air Max 90?
Yes — size down a half size. If you wear a US 10 in the 990v5, order about a US 9.5 in the Air Max 90.
How they compare
New Balance 990v5 → Nike Air Max 90: The New Balance 990v5 runs true to size and has a slightly wider toe box compared to the Nike Air Max 90. If you wear a US 10 in the 990v5, your target size for the Air Max 90 is US 9.5.
Nike Air Max 90 → New Balance 990v5: The Nike Air Max 90 runs about a half-size large and has a slightly narrower toe box compared to the New Balance 990v5. If you wear a US 10 in the Air Max 90, your target size for the 990v5 is US 10.5.
Spec comparison
| Spec | New Balance 990v5 | Nike Air Max 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length Fit | True to Size | Runs Large (~½ size) |
| Toe Box Profile | Wide | Standard |
| Arch Support | High | Moderate |
| Upper Material | Mesh/Pigskin Suede | Leather/Mesh |
Size conversion: New Balance 990v5 → Nike Air Max 90
If you wear these US sizes in the 990v5, here is the size to order in the Air Max 90.
| Your US size in 990v5 | Recommended Air Max 90 size |
|---|---|
| US 8 | US 7.5 |
| US 9 | US 8.5 |
| US 10 | US 9.5 |
| US 11 | US 10.5 |
| US 12 | US 11.5 |
Frequently asked questions
Which runs bigger, the New Balance 990v5 or the Nike Air Max 90?
The Nike Air Max 90 runs longer than the New Balance 990v5. The 990v5 is the snugger of the two, so you may want extra length going the other way.
If I wear a US 10 in the 990v5, what size is the Air Max 90?
Target a US 9.5 in the Air Max 90. A US 9 in the 990v5 maps to about US 8.5, and a US 11 to about US 10.5.
Is the 990v5 wider than the Air Max 90?
The New Balance 990v5 has a slightly wider toe box versus the Nike Air Max 90 (wide vs standard). Forefoot room is one of the biggest reasons two shoes at the same length still feel different.
How do the 990v5 and Air Max 90 compare on support and material?
The 990v5 pairs high arch support with a mesh/pigskin suede upper; the Air Max 90 has moderate support and a leather/mesh upper.
Try it: adjust the size and compare live
Verdict
The New Balance 990v5 runs true to size and has a slightly wider toe box compared to the Nike Air Max 90. If you wear a US 10 in the 990v5, your target size for the Air Max 90 is US 9.5.
| Spec | New Balance 990v5 | Nike Air Max 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length Fit | True to Size | Runs Large (~½ size) |
| Toe Box Profile | Wide | Standard |
| Arch Support | High | Moderate |
| Upper Material | Mesh/Pigskin Suede | Leather/Mesh |