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How to Buy Shoes as a Gift: The Ultimate Sizing Guide

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How to Buy Sneakers as a Gift (Without Knowing Their Size)

Nov 10, 2026

If you have a sneakerhead in your life, you know there's only one gift they really want this holiday season. Buying someone else a pair of shoes is harder than it looks, though, especially if you don't know their shoe size and can't ask directly. You also want to make sure the style is something they'll love.

If you want to know how to buy shoes as a gift, you're in the right place. This guide from Hibbett offers sizing hacks, brand fit info and fashion hints to make sure you buy the best sneakerhead gifts this year.

Sneaky Ways to Find Their Perfect Shoe Size

If you want to avoid tipping off your loved one about their gift, you can't ask them outright for their shoe size. However, a few workarounds can help, especially if you have access to a pair of their shoes. Choose a pair they wear often, since those shoes probably fit their feet really well.


  • Check the size directly. Most sneakers have a size tag under the tongue or somewhere else inside.
  • Trace a pair of their current shoes. If you can't find a size tag, put the pair on a piece of paper, trace with a pencil, and measure the shoe size from the tracing.
  • Measure the shoes directly. You can also measure the shoes without tracing them.
  • When in doubt, size up. If someone is between sizes, size up.

Each sneaker brand fits differently, so use a size chart specific to the brand you want to buy, and be careful if you're buying a shoe from one brand and using another as the fit guide. Nike sizing, for instance, runs small for retro styles, but a bit large for some basketball shoes. New Balance and adidas have their own sizing quirks, too.

Man in Nike black puffer jacket, black Nike joggers, and black Nike Air Force 1

Decoding Size Conversions and Brand Fit Differences

Men, women and kids each have their own shoe size measurements. If you know a person's women's shoe size, you'll need to convert it if you want to buy them a pair of men's shoes. Thankfully, the math is simple: just subtract 1.5. If you know someone's men's size but want their women's size, add 1.5.


Adults with smaller feet can find amazing kicks in the kids' department, as long as they find the right size. To go from a women's size to a grade school kids' size, subtract two. For instance, a person who fits a women's size 7 is a men's size 5.5 and a GS size 5.


While the math is simple, actual fit can be a little more complicated. If possible, confirm your sizing with a brand-specific chart that lists measurements. If you know your gift recipient struggles with specific fit issues, such as width or in-step, stick with a shoe or brand they already like, or consider an online gift card instead.

Selecting Versatile Styles That Everyone Loves

Choose a gift that fits your gift recipient and the occasion. For instance, if you're getting graduation gifts for him, consider polished lifestyle shoes for a guy who wants to climb the corporate ladder, or durable trail shoes if he's looking to do some traveling.


If you're unsure of what they like, it's best to stick to classic styles and neutral colors. Even the flashiest sneakerhead appreciates wardrobe staples like white leather low-tops and heritage silhouettes, like the Air Jordan high-top.

The Ultimate Safety Net: Returns, Exchanges and Gift Cards

No one wants to give an unwanted present. At Hibbett, we have multiple ways to make sure your gift's a hit. Order online and choose in-store pickup to make sure your gift sneakers are right before you wrap them up. If they're not, choose a replacement pair from our large in-store selection.

Make sure you include a gift receipt on the big day. Our easy-to-use returns page and generous 60-day policy make it easy for them to get what they really want, whether that's a different size or a different style. For the very hard-to-buy-for, there's always a Hibbett gift card.

With thousands of gifts for men, women and kids, Hibbett can help you get the perfect gift for your favorite sneaker enthusiast.

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