The New Balance work boot in our range is the New Balance Industrial Calibre. It's a lace-up boot with a composite toe and a YKK side zip, and we list it in Black, Wheat and Chocolate. Every colour comes in a 2E (wide) fit, and Black and Wheat also come in a 4E X-Wide. Below is what New Balance says about the boot on our listings, which sizes each version comes in, and who it suits best.
What the Calibre listing says
All five of our Calibre listings carry the same feature list from New Balance. Grouped by what each feature is for:
- Protection: composite toe and anti-perforation midsole.
- Grip and weather: slip resistant outsole and a water resistant leather upper.
- Comfort and support: an "NB PU Comfort Insert" and heel counter support.
- Getting them on and off: a YKK zipper plus heel and tongue pull tabs, on a boot that also laces up.
- Other: listed as "Airport Friendly" and "Anti-static".
The two 4E listings add one more line: "Extra wide fit".
Our listings don't quote a safety standard number or a toe-cap impact rating for the Calibre. If your site or employer requires a specific standard, check the boot against that requirement before you order, or ask us first.
Colours, widths and sizes
| Colour | Width | Sizes listed on our site |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 2E | UK 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, then 6.5 to 11.5 in half sizes, 12.5 and 13.5 |
| Wheat | 2E | UK 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, then 6.5 to 11.5 in half sizes, 12.5 and 13.5 |
| Chocolate | 2E | UK 6.5 to 11.5 in half sizes, 12.5 and 13.5 |
| Black | 4E X-Wide | UK 6.5 to 11.5 in half sizes, 12.5 and 13.5 |
| Wheat | 4E X-Wide | UK 6.5 to 11.5 in half sizes, 12.5 and 13.5 |
These are the sizes on our product pages when this guide was written. Two things stand out. The smaller sizes, UK 3.5 to 5.5, are only listed in the 2E Black and Wheat. And none of the versions list a UK 12 or 13, so if you're normally a 12, you'll be choosing between an 11.5 and a 12.5. Check the product page for what's available in your size.
2E or 4E?
2E is New Balance's wide fit and 4E is its extra wide. If you're not sure which one your feet need, our guide to wide-fit work boots and what 2E, EE and 4E mean explains the letters and how to check the fit.
One practical note: the 2E and 4E listings in the same colour use the same product photo, so you can't judge the width from the picture. Go by the width in the product title. The 4E versions are the ones with "4E X-Wide" and style code MIDCLBRE4E; the 2E versions carry style code MIDCLBR.
Who the Calibre suits
It's a good fit for:
- Wide feet. There's no standard-width Calibre on our site; every version starts at 2E.
- People who fly for work. New Balance lists it as "Airport Friendly". That's the maker's description, not a guarantee you'll clear every scanner. Our guide to metal-free and composite-toe boots explains why, including the question of side zips.
- Anyone who wants laces and a zip. You can set the laces to your fit and use the zip to get in and out.
It may not be the right boot if:
- you need a boot sold as waterproof. The listing says "water resistant" leather, which isn't the same claim;
- your site specifies a steel toe cap, or an electrical hazard rating. The listing states anti-static, which is a different thing;
- you need a 4E or the Chocolate colour below UK 6.5.
Fit and care tips for a zip-sider
These are general tips, not instructions from New Balance:
- Lace the boot to fit the first time you wear it, with the socks you work in, then use the zip day to day. If you leave the laces too loose and rely on the zip, your heel can move around more.
- Keep grit and mud out of the zip teeth. A quick brush after a dirty shift helps the zip run smoothly.
- Water resistant leather still needs looking after. Clean off mud, let wet boots dry away from direct heat, and condition the leather now and then. Our work boot care guide covers cleaning and conditioning.
- Check the zip runs freely over your sock and trouser hem when you try them on. A zip that catches when the boots are new won't get better.
Common questions
Is the New Balance Calibre steel toe?
No. Every Calibre listing on our site states "Composite Toe".
Does the Calibre come in a standard width?
Not on our site. We list it in 2E (Black, Wheat, Chocolate) and 4E X-Wide (Black, Wheat).
Is it waterproof?
The listing describes a "Water Resistant Leather Upper". It doesn't describe the boot as waterproof.
Does it have laces or a zip?
Both. It's a lace-up boot with a YKK side zip.
Shop the New Balance Calibre
- New Balance Industrial Calibre Work Boot Black 2E
- New Balance Industrial Calibre Work Boot Wheat 2E
- New Balance Industrial Calibre Work Boot Chocolate 2E
- New Balance Industrial Calibre Work Boot Black 4E X-Wide
- New Balance Industrial Work Boot Wheat 4E X-Wide (MIDCLBRE4E)
- See the whole New Balance range, or compare other brands in our safety boots collection.
Sorting boots for a crew? Send us an enquiry with the sizes and widths your team needs, and we can help put boots and branded workwear together in one order.
