Shoe Sizing FAQ

No. Nike tends to run about half a size small compared to Adidas. If you wear a US 10 in Adidas, you will probably need a US 10.5 in Nike. This is because Nike uses a narrower last (the mould the shoe is built around), which makes the toe box feel tighter.

Adidas models like the Ultraboost and Stan Smith generally fit true to size, while Nike Air Force 1s and Dunks often feel snug unless you size up. Always check the specific model, though. Nike running shoes like the Pegasus fit differently to Nike lifestyle shoes like the Blazer.

Read more in our Nike vs Adidas sizing breakdown.

Start with your foot length in centimetres. Measure your foot from heel to longest toe while standing, then compare that measurement against each brand's size chart. Most brands publish official charts on their websites.

As a quick rule: Adidas, New Balance and ASICS run close to true size. Nike and Converse run small - go up half a size. Vans run slightly large - go down half a size if you are between sizes.

You can also use the solemate.ai fit finder tool on our home page to get a personalised recommendation.

Every brand uses its own last shape, and that shape determines the width, arch and volume of the shoe. Nike builds on a narrower last. New Balance offers multiple width options. Adidas sits somewhere in the middle.

Materials also play a role. Knit uppers like Adidas Primeknit stretch and mould to your foot over time. Leather shoes like Nike Air Force 1s stay rigid and take longer to break in. The outsole construction, cushioning stack height and lacing system all change how a shoe feels on your foot, even at the same marked size.

We cover this in detail in our brand-by-brand sizing guide.

Go up to the larger size. A shoe that is slightly too big can be fixed with thicker socks or an insole. A shoe that is too small will cause blisters, black toenails and pain.

For running shoes, you want roughly a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. Your feet swell during the day and during exercise, so the extra room matters.

For dress shoes or boots that you will only wear for short periods, you can sometimes get away with the smaller size if the fit feels snug but not tight.

Width changes everything. If you have wide feet, sizing up for length will not fix a width problem - you will just end up with a shoe that is too long and still too tight across the ball of your foot.

New Balance is the best brand for wide footers because they offer D (standard), 2E (wide) and 4E (extra wide) options across most models. ASICS also stocks wide fits in their running range. Nike and Adidas rarely offer width options, so wide-footed buyers often need to size up a full size or choose models with roomier toe boxes.

For narrow feet, look at Nike or Puma, which tend to run slim. Check our wide feet shoe guide for model-specific picks.

Yes, and they should. Running shoes are built with extra toe box room to account for foot swell during a run. Most running shoe guides recommend buying half a size to a full size larger than your casual shoe size.

The cushioning stack is also thicker, which changes how the shoe wraps around your midfoot and heel. A Nike Pegasus in US 10 will feel different to a Nike Dunk in US 10, even though they are the same brand and marked size.

If you are buying your first pair of running shoes, get your gait analysed at a running store. Overpronation, neutral gait and supination all affect which shoe and size works best for you. Our running shoe sizing guide breaks this down further.