If you’re shopping for new Nike or Reebok shoes, understanding how the two brands compare in sizing is crucial to finding the perfect fit. To help, we’ve created a guide that highlights key similarities and differences in the shape and size of their shoes, making it easier for you to choose the right pair.
Keep in mind, though, that sizing can vary even within the same brand. For instance, Nike Dunks tend to fit slightly wider than the brand’s running shoes, as they were originally designed for basketball’s multi-directional movement rather than streamlined speed. While a direct comparison isn’t always straightforward, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to ensure a comfortable fit.
How should their shoes fit?
Before comparing the two brands, it's essential to know how your shoes should fit to ensure you're wearing the right size.
For length, Clarks suggests leaving a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, with the natural bend aligning around the ball of your foot. This guideline works for Nike and Reebok shoes too, whether you're considering Nike's Air Force 1s, Reebok's Nano X2s, or top basketball shoes from Nike.
To check if your shoes are too big, see how much space is between your heel and the end of the sneaker. If your finger slides in easily, consider going down half a size. If there's no gap, you may need to size up.
Width can be trickier. Clarks recommends ensuring the ball of your foot fits within the shoe's widest part, with enough space to prevent compression. If the shoes are too wide, your foot may slide forward, causing your heel to lift as you walk. With that in mind, let's take a look at the size charts...
Nike vs Reebok size guide
With how your shoes should fit covered as well as how you can measure your feet, let's take a closer look at both Nike and Reebok's size charts to see how the two brands compare.
As you can see from Nike and Reebok's size guides, both brands are actually pretty similar length-wise. A UK men's size 8 from Nike, for example, measures 27cm, the same as a UK men's size 8 from Reebok.
One thing to note though is that a size 8 from Nike equals an EU size 42.5, whereas a size 8 from Reebok is only an EU size 42. This difference is incredibly small though, so should be fairly unnoticeable when it comes to getting the right fit.
Determining the width of your shoes can be a bit trickier, as many sportswear brands don't consistently offer charts for width comparison. However, Nike is an exception. According to their chart, a men's US size 10 with a foot width of 4.2 inches (10.67 cm) is classified as a wide fit. In contrast, Reebok doesn’t provide the same detailed information regarding width.
That said, more generalized information can be found online about when you need wider-fitting shoes. Here is a breakdown of the for a Men's US 8 shoe:
- B - Approx. 8.73cm
- D - Approx. 9.68cm
- 2E - Approx. 10.64cm
- 4E - Approx. 11.59cm
Remember, shoe width varies depending on size—a US size 6 will have a different width than a US size 12, whether you're looking at standard or wide-fit options. This is important to remember when browsing shoes from Nike and Reebok.
Which shoes fit wide feet?
If you are looking for a pair of shoes from either Nike or Reebok which specifically fit wider feet then you're in luck. Both brands offer a selection of sneakers that are purpose-built to give you a little more width.
Nike even provides information on when you should look for a pair of wide-fitting shoes, with the main example being if you have size 8 feet that measure 3.9" or above in width, then you may find wide-fit shoes more comfortable.
In terms of what shoes are on offer, well Nike's Extra Wide collection is fairly limited, although you can find the popular Revolution 7 in both regular and extra wide fit options. Reebok's selection also doesn't include all of its shoes, but there are several popular models available to buy in a wider size.
Ultimately, if you're struggling to find shoes to fit your feet, then both Nike and Reebok have a selection of wide-fit sneakers to suit your needs.
Which shoes run narrow?
As mentioned, you might find athletic sneakers, like running shoes from either brand, fit slightly narrower than others, but which models should you be looking out for in particular?
Well, Nike mentions its Free shoe range can often feel a little tighter than you might expect due to internal webbing technology designed to hold your feet in place for a more secure lock-in. You may also find this to be the case with its Flyknit range as well which typically fits quite snuggly due to the knitted mesh conforming to the shape of your feet.
By comparison, Reebok shoes appear as though they fit relatively true-to-size, with there being no indication from Reebok to suggest any of its models run narrow. As a result, you shouldn't have to worry as much about whether Reebok shoes will be too tight and uncomfortable when on your feet.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you prefer Nike or Reebok, understanding the nuances of their sizing can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit. By keeping these tips and comparisons in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose a pair of sneakers that feel comfortable and perform at their best.