Selecting the right size for your sneakers is essential, especially with popular brands like Nike and PUMA. That's why we've put together a guide comparing Nike vs. PUMA sizing, offering insights into length and width variations between these leading sportswear brands. Just remember not all sneakers fit the same, even within the same brand. Don't worry, though, because we dive more into that later on. For now, let's discuss how your shoes should fit...
How should their shoes fit?
Before comparing the size charts of Nike and PUMA, it’s important to understand the basics of shoe fit. Clarks recommends leaving about one finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe, ensuring the natural bend of the shoe aligns with the ball of your foot for optimal comfort. While shoe types may vary, this general rule applies to most Nike and PUMA sneakers.
A quick tip: if you can comfortably slide a finger behind your heel, the shoes are likely too big. If there’s no gap, you may need to size up. Since shoe sizing can be tricky, check out our shoe measurement guide for more help.
When it comes to width, things can get a bit trickier. Many brands, including Nike and PUMA, don’t always specify width details online. Clarks once again has some suggestions, though. Clarks recommends making sure the widest part of your foot fits comfortably in the shoe without being compressed. If your shoes are too wide, you might experience heel slippage or foot movement within the shoe.
With that foundation, let’s now explore how Nike and PUMA compare in terms of sizing...
Nike vs PUMA size guide
Nike and PUMA shoes are quite similar in length based on a direct comparison of their size charts. For instance, a US size 10 translates to a UK 9 in both brands. However, when it comes to EU sizes, a Nike US 10 corresponds to an EU 44, while a PUMA US 10 is an EU 43.
This subtle difference suggests PUMA shoes may run slightly shorter than Nike, but the variation is so minimal that it’s unlikely to be noticeable when wearing the shoes.
When it comes to width, making a direct comparison between Nike and PUMA is a bit more complex since the width can vary depending on the style and purpose of the shoe. For instance, PUMA's evoSPEED Star 8 track spikes are designed for a snug, sock-like fit, while their CA Pro Classics, meant for everyday wear, may provide more room.
Nike does offer some guidance on wide-fit shoes—a men's US 10 with a foot width of 4.2 inches (10.67 cm) qualifies as wide—but finding comparable width information for PUMA shoes isn't as straightforward.
For broader guidance on wide-fitting shoes and their size codes, 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?
If you're looking for shoes that provide a comfortable fit for wide feet, you might be wondering which options from Nike and PUMA are the best choices.
Nike offers a range of sneakers specifically designed for wider feet. Notably, they have a selection of Extra Wide shoes, among which the Pegasus 41s sit. These sneakers are available in both regular and extra wide fit options, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your feet.
The selection is quite limited overall though. So, to help you out, Nike provides information on when you should look for a pair of wide-fitting shoes as touched on earlier. For example, if you have size 8 feet that measure 3.9 inches or above in width, then you may find wide-fit shoes more comfortable.
Upon searching, it doesn't appear as though PUMA offers the same kind of wide-fitting shoes as Nike does. However, some online forums suggest that the PUMA Clyde All-Pro basketball shoes are one of the best options PUMA has when it comes to wider-fitting footwear.
Which shoes run narrow?
Athletic, performance-based shoes, particularly from brands like Nike and PUMA, often run narrower than every day sneakers. Nike's Free trainers, for example, may feel tighter due to the internal webbing designed for a secure lock-in. Similarly, Nike's Flyknit range tends to feel snug initially as the knitted fabric wraps around your feet.
On the other hand, PUMA shoes are generally recognized to fit narrower across the board, likely because they run slightly smaller in length. This trend seems consistent across most PUMA trainers, making it hard to highlight a specific model.
So, when choosing between Nike and PUMA sneakers, keep in mind that PUMA trainers often run smaller, so sizing adjustments may be necessary.
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Hopefully, this guide will help keep shoe-size mishaps at bay going forward, at least when it comes to Nike and PUMA sneakers. Stay tuned for more guides like this at RealKit!
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