Getting the right fit is crucial when shopping for shoes online, especially when you're eyeing major brands like Nike and adidas. If you've ever had that frustrating moment of receiving a fresh pair of sneakers, only to realize they're too tight or too roomy, you’re not alone. Fortunately, this guide dives into the key Nike vs. adidas sizing differences, helping you confidently pick the right size whether you're shopping for basketball shoes, running trainers, or everyday lifestyle sneakers.
How Should Sneakers Fit?
Before comparing Nike and Adidas shoe sizes, it's essential to understand how sneakers should fit for comfort and performance. According to Nike, it's as follows -
General Fit Guidelines
- Toe Room: Your shoes should allow your toes to wiggle without restriction to prevent irritation.
- Heel Fit: If your heel slips as you walk or rubs against the collar, the shoe is likely too big. Having owned shoes too big for my feet in the past, trust me when I say you want to get this right, as the blisters you get if you don't aren't worth it.
- Length Check: Clarks recommends leaving about one finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe's end. You can simply press your thumb against the front of the shoe while standing, and you should find there's a small amount of space before the end of your shoe if you've got the fit right.
- Natural Bend: The shoe should flex at the ball of your foot, not mid-arch. This makes a big difference when in a pair of gym trainers or logging miles in running shoes.
These guidelines apply to all kinds of footwear, including popular models like the Nike Alphafly 3 and adidas Ultraboost.
Nike vs. adidas Size Guide
Nike and adidas sneakers fit differently, which is why it's essential to check the size chart before making a purchase.
Key Differences in Sizing
- Nike shoes generally fit true to size, while adidas shoes run slightly smaller in comparison.
- In EU sizing, Nike’s EU 44 fits like a standard full size, while adidas shoes marked EU 44 may feel slightly shorter. This can throw you off if you’re used to European sizing charts.
If you're in between sizes, consider going half a size up in adidas to ensure a comfortable fit.
Nike vs. adidas Width Comparison
While length is crucial, width also plays a key role in getting the right fit.
- Nike provides a width chart (see below), indicating when a shoe is considered a wide fit (e.g., a Men’s US 10 with a foot width of 4.2 inches (10.67 cm) is classified as wide).
- adidas does not provide as much detailed width information, making it harder to determine when a wider size is needed. While you can learn the hard way, your best bet is to try on a few different adidas models in store to see which shoes fit narrow and which are more suitable for wide feet.
Fortunately, more generalized information can be found online about when you need wider-fitting shoes and their codes. Here is a breakdown of a Men's US 8 shoe:
- B - Approx. 8.73cm
- D - Approx. 9.68cm
- 2E - Approx. 10.64cm
- 4E - Approx. 11.59cm
Which Nike and adidas Shoes Fit Wide Feet?
If you have wide feet, selecting the right brand can make a significant difference in comfort.
Nike for Wide Feet
Nike offers a variety of wide-fitting sneakers, including:
- Nike Air Force 1 – Naturally offers a wider fit due to the boxier design.
- Nike Pegasus 41 (Wide & Extra-Wide Versions) – Designed specifically for broader feet.
adidas for Wide Feet
adidas also offers a selection of wide-fit shoes, particularly in categories like:
Ultimately, both brands make an effort to cater to wider feet, but Nike shoes tend to fit slightly roomier by default.
Which Shoes Run Narrow?
While Nike shoes may provide a better fit for wide feet, both brands produce narrower models as well.
adidas Shoes That Run Narrow
- adidas Ultraboost – Designed for a snug, performance-driven fit.
- adidas Primeknit Models – The knitted upper wraps tightly around the foot.
Nike Shoes That Run Narrow
- Nike Flyknit Sneakers – The fabric molds closely to the foot.
- Nike Free Series – Features internal webbing for a locked-in fit.
Final Thoughts
When comparing Nike vs. adidas sizing, consider these key takeaways:
- Nike sneakers generally fit true to size, while adidas shoes tend to run smaller.
- Nike and adidas have their own range of wide-fit trainers to accommodate wider feet.
- Performance shoes from both brands often fit narrowly, while basketball and lifestyle sneakers typically provide more room.
If possible, try on shoes in-store to ensure the best fit. If that's not an option, this guide should help you make an informed decision for your next purchase.