1. Blog Home
  2. Expert Advice
Do Nike Shoes Run Small? Fit Guide for New Buyers

Expert Advice

Do Nike Shoes Run Small? Fit Guide for New Buyers

Jul 7, 2025

Like all major athletic brands, Nike aims to be true to size, but there's still a perception out there that Nike shoes run smaller than Adidas and other sneakers. As it happens, some Nike shoes do run small, but generally the House of Swoosh runs a little larger than the Three Stripes. So as a rule of thumb, take a half-size smaller in Nikes than your typical size in Adidas. 

Ultimately, when it comes to figuring out whether to size up or down for Nikes, the answer is that it depends on the model. All the big shoe brands aim to be true to size, but above all, they aim for consistency. Some styles run large, some run small, and some are true to size (TTS). In each case, the fit should be predictable and consistent for every pair. 

Big or small, the important thing is that the shoe fits you right. Generally, you should have about a thumb's width at the toe and should be able to slide a finger snugly behind your heel in the shoe.  

Easy-Fit Checklist Before You Buy

Put questions like whether Nike running shoes run small to one side and focus on what really matters: Making sure your sneakers fit right. Our Easy-Fit Checklist provides some simple guidelines for ensuring you get the size you need:

 

  • Measure your feet: Use the Nike foot-measuring guide to be sure of the size of your feet.
  • Check model-specific tips: Design affects sizing. For example, since Nike Eclipse running shoes are fitted, it's recommended to size up. 
  • Test heel and toe space: Use your thumb or finger to test for space at the front and back of the shoe.
  • Consider shoe width: Wide feet might require a wide shoe size or a larger size for extra room.
  • Use size charts and conversions: Nike provides official size charts, allowing you to compare US, UK, and EU sizing and understand how certain men's, women's, and kids' sizes overlap. 

As the checklist suggests, it's not about trying to figure out what size 7.5 is in Nike or Adidas or Puma, but about understanding the criteria for determining a good fit. Different models will often have slightly different fits. For example, while Blazers tend to run small, Dunks are typically true to size, though you'll likely want to go a half-size up if you have wide feet.

Pair of Nike Air Force 1 '07 LV8 "Lt Khaki-Black”

What to Do If You're Between Sizes

If you're an in-between size, Nike recommends taking the larger size to ensure your feet aren't cramped.

 

Tools like the Nike Fit app, which scans your feet using your smartphone camera, can provide more precise size guidance without leaving your house.

Sneaker Shape Check: Toe Boxes, Width & Training Shoes

Nike shoes can run big, small or TTS, depending on a variety of factors, including design and material. 

 

For example, many Nike models have a narrow or snug toe box, which can leave wide-footed individuals feeling squished. This supports the notion that sneakers from the House of Swoosh run small. 

 

Training shoes with Zoom or snug uppers often run small, not least because many Nike running shoes are quite narrow. Take a half size up from your true size for extra room.

 

Other sneaker styles can run large or small (or neither) for all kinds of reasons, ranging from the spacious toe box on Air Force 1s (which causes them to typically run large) to the narrow shape of the Nike Blazer (which runs small). Even a typically true-to-size shoe, like the Dunk, can be too snug for people with wide feet, who'll often take a half-size up.

 

Air Force 1 Fit: Big Boxy Comfort or Downsize?

Air Force 1s feature a roomy toe box, so they typically run large. Nike recommends that most buyers go down a half size for optimal fit. If you have narrow feet, however, the advice flips: Stay true to size and enjoy a relaxed fit. 

 

Dunks & Jordans: TTS or Slightly Roomy

If you're looking to slip on a pair of Nike Dunk High Up Premium shoes, expect the high-top silhouette to bring a true-to-size fit. For wide feet, consider going half a size up or look for a loose lacing style for a roomier fit. Air Jordan 1s are well known for their consistently snug fit. Size up a half or even a full size if you want more room in your shoe.

 

Blazers: Expect a Tighter Fit

The classic Nike Blazer is an iconic basketball shoe for those who appreciate a retro '70s style. It's a good example of how a narrow toe box and shallower forefoot can create a tight fit requiring a half-size or full-size increase to get a more comfortable fit.

Woman modeling Nike Sportswear Collection Knit Tank Top, Gold Hinge Pleated Tennis Skort, and White Nike Shox R4 White-Metallic Silver

Women & Kids: Sizing Guidance Across Genders

 

Not seeing what you need in the women's shoes section? No worries. Women can typically wear men's sizing by subtracting one US size (so if you're a US women's 8, size down to a men's 7 for the same fit). Similarly, if your shoe feels too narrow, a regular width in men's sizes is typically equal to a women's wide in most Nike sneakers and shoes.

 

As with adult sizing, there's a perception that Nike kids' shoes run small. The Swoosh aims for a TTS fit for kids, but design and material differences between shoes can lead to differences in fit. 

 

Nike's three kids categories — Big Kids, Little Kids and Babies & Toddlers — can have overlap between them. Consult Nike's official size charts to match foot length and grown-out sizing. 

 

For more info on shoes for the little ones, read our sizing guide for kids' running shoes.

Skirts, Dresses & Feminine Styles: Bold or Subtle Mixes

How to style black sneakers for women? In fall or winter, layer a leather coat over dark denim, using socks with a contrasting color, or just plain black to match the shoe. Top footwear options include the ever-comfortable New Balance 574 range if you are on your feet a lot, or the eternal Adidas Gazelles — smooth nubuck uppers and classic Adidas stripes for contrast. 

 

In the warmer months, look to lightweight fabrics. Break out the linen shorts and crop tops, paired with sporty sandals or low-top sneakers. The Adidas Sambas or Nike Air Force 1s won't let you down.

Final Fit Check: Get the Right Nike Shoes First Time

Ultimately, it shouldn't matter whether Nike shoes run big or small. Tools like the official Nike size charts, the Nike Fit app, and specialist insights like our Air Jordan sizing guide help you zero in on the right size for you. Check out our selection of Nike sneakers and shoes online at Hibbett.com, via the Hibbett mobile app or at your local Hibbett store today. 

Related Categories

Shop the Story

You Might Also Like to Read

Recently Viewed

View All Articles