Nike vs PUMA Sizing: How Do Their Shoes Compare?

A orange and gray Nike sneaker on one side of a white line. On the other, a single white PUMA shoe with black PUMA branding on the side. Both shoes are blurry with Nike and PUMA logos in white in front of it.
Connor Groom
By Connor Groom

A orange and gray Nike sneaker on one side of a white line. On the other, a single white PUMA shoe with black PUMA branding on the side. Both shoes are blurry with Nike and PUMA logos in white in front of it.

Getting your sneaker size right is more important than most people think, especially when switching between brands like Nike and PUMA. There’s nothing worse than unboxing a fresh pair, slipping them on, and realizing they’re either squeezing your toes or sliding off your heel.

This guide breaks down how Nike and PUMA sneakers compare in sizing, width, and overall fit, so you can shop confidently rather than guessing.

Note: Even within the same brand, not every model fits the same. But we’ll cover what you need to know first.

How Should Sneakers Fit?

Before comparing Nike and PUMA directly, here are some key fit rules to keep in mind:

Length:

  • Leave about a finger’s width between your longest toe and the front of the shoe to allow natural toe flex.
  • Tip: Use your thumb while standing to gauge the remaining space.

Heel:

  • If you can slide a finger behind your heel when the laces are snug, the shoes might be too big.

Toe Comfort:

  • If your toes feel cramped or pushed against the shoe’s front, it’s time to size up.

The general guidance from Clarks outlined above applies to both Nike and PUMA sneakers, as well as adidas, ASICS, and so on, regardless of what you're wearing your shoes for.

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Nike and PUMA Shoes

With sizing nailed down, browse both Nike and PUMA's range of sneakers using these links

Browse Nike ShoesBrowse PUMA Shoes

Width can be just as important as length. Here's some more useful guidance from Clarks:

  • Foot alignment is key: Your foot’s widest part should match the shoe’s widest part. For me, that alignment is pretty spot on in Nike’s Air Force 1s, but I would recommend double-checking this for yourself to avoid sizing issues.
  • Too wide? If your foot shifts side to side while walking or your heel slips, it’s too wide.
  • Too narrow? If your feet feel squeezed at the sides, it’s probably not the right model or width for you.

Let’s now break down how Nike and PUMA compare in both sizing and width options.

Nike vs PUMA Size Chart Comparison

Like adidas vs Nike sizing, Nike and PUMA sizes are fairly similar in length, but minor differences exist.

  • A US size 10 in both brands typically equals a UK size 9.
  • However, EU sizing reveals the catch: a Nike US 10 is an EU 44, while a PUMA US 10 is an EU 43.

Takeaway: If you’re in between sizes, you might want to go half a size up in PUMA, especially if you wear thicker socks or orthotics.

Nike and PUMA size charts next to each other with their logos to the side.
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Nike's shoe size chart slightly differs to PUMA's.

When it comes to width, Nike tends to offer more clarity and flexibility.

For example:

  • A men’s US 10 with a foot width of 4.2 inches (10.67 cm) is considered wide by Nike standards.
  • Nike’s website actually lets you filter by “wide” and “extra wide".
Nike shoe width size guides.
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Charts demonstrating the differences in width with Nike shoes.

PUMA, in contrast, doesn’t offer detailed width specs across all models. But you can find broader guidance on wide-fitting shoes and their size codes if you dig deeper online. Here's a breakdown for a Men’s US 8 shoe:

  • B - Approx. 8.73cm
  • D - Approx. 9.68cm
  • 2E - Approx. 10.64cm
  • 4E - Approx. 11.59cm

Which Shoes Fit Wide Feet?

Nike:

  • Generally, more wide-foot friendly, with several sneakers designed for wider feet.
  • Example: Nike Pegasus 41 comes in regular, wide, and extra-wide sizes.
  • Tip: If your size 8 foot measures 3.9 inches (10 cm) or more, you’ll likely benefit from wide sizing.

PUMA:

Which Shoes Run Narrow?

Athletic, performance-based shoes, particularly from Nike and PUMA, often fit narrowly than everyday sneakers, which can affect comfort for some wearers.

  • Nike Athletic Shoes: Nike's Free trainers, for instance, may feel tighter due to the internal webbing designed to provide a secure fit. Similarly, Nike's Flyknit range offers a snug feel initially as the knitted fabric wraps around your foot for a sock-like fit.
  • PUMA Athletic Shoes: PUMA shoes are generally known for being narrower overall, which is likely due to their slightly smaller length. This trend holds across most PUMA trainers, making it difficult to pinpoint a single model that stands out as particularly narrow.

Final Thoughts

  • Nike: Runs true to size, offers more options for wide feet, and has versatile sizing for athletic use.
  • PUMA: May run slightly shorter and narrower; consider sizing up for wider feet or thicker socks.
  • For performance, Nike offers more flexibility and width options.
  • For casual wear, both brands have excellent options, but fit varies by model.

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