If you're a sneakerhead shopping for your next pair of shoes online, understanding the sizing differences between Nike and Vans is crucial. Both brands produce some of the best sneakers on the market, so knowing their sizing variations can save you from the hassle of returns and exchanges.
Our guide goes beyond the basics to help you find the perfect fit, regardless of whether you have narrow or wide feet. The important thing to remember is not all models fit the same, even within the same brand, so we also give insights into which shoes work best for different foot types. But first, let's figure out how your sneakers should fit...
How should your shoes fit?
It's important to know how your shoes should fit before diving into Nike and Vans size charts to make sure what you're wearing is actually the right size.
Length-wise, Clarks recommends having about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoes, with the natural bend of the sneakers falling around the balls of your feet.
Although this is a general rule of thumb, we feel it can be applied to a variety of different shoe types, from skate shoes to everyday sneakers, and even some of the best running shoes around from Nike, such as the Streakfly model.
Once you have determined the appropriate length for your shoes, it is important to also consider the width. It is recommended that you ensure the widest part of your feet, specifically, the ball area and metatarsal bones, fit comfortably within the widest part of your sneakers. You should also leave enough room to prevent your shoes from compressing against your feet and causing any discomfort.
Nike vs Vans size guides
Now that we've established how your shoes are meant to fit, it's time to explore how Nike and Vans compare in terms of sizing.
Looking at the two charts above from Nike and Vans' official websites, it would seem Nike sneakers actually run half an EU size larger than Vans shoes. For instance, a US men's 9 from Nike is a size 42.5 EU, whereas a US 9 from Vans comes in at just a size 42 in EU measurements.
This is worth keeping in mind if you're looking to pick up a pair of trainers from either brand. That said, shoe size is only one piece of the puzzle. You also need to consider how Nike and Vans shoes compare in terms of width.
However, unlike determining the length of a shoe, figuring out its width is not as simple. Shoe size usually only accounts for the shoe's length, and the width may differ from one model to another.
For example, you may find a pair of Vans Ultrarange Exos are slightly wider fitting than a pair of Old Skools, although neither might offer quite as much room as Air Force 1s, for instance, which are typically slightly roomier, at least in our own experience.
Which shoes fit wide feet?
For those with wider feet, it's natural to wonder which Nike and Vans models would be the most suitable. In general, Nike's Air Force 1 collection tends to provide a slightly roomier fit compared to sports shoes, which are typically designed for lightweight and streamlined athletic performance.
Nevertheless, Nike offers its range of purpose-built wide-fitting shoes, such as the Revolution 7, and provides a guide on which sneaker models typically offer the most spacious fit if you're unsure.
Vans also offers a collection of shoes specifically designed for wide feet, featuring various color options for the brand's most popular models, including Old Skool, Slip-On, Sk8-Hi, Authentic, and Eras.
Therefore, it would seem both brands have you covered if you're after a pair of shoes for wider feet.
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Which shoes run narrow?
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may also be wondering which Nike and Vans shoes run narrow.
As touched on in our Nike vs ASICS comparison, athletic-style sports shoes will typically run a little narrower than a regular pair of trainers for everyday wear due to the need to deliver a secure fit and a lightweight ride.
For Nike, you may find the brand's Flyknit and Free shoe ranges a touch tighter-fitting as they're designed to fit snuggly with the knitted fabric conforming to the shape of your feet for a secure lock-in.
Vans, on the other hand, are generally all made for skateboarding and, therefore, are roughly around a similar width. However, you may find a pair of Authentics fit narrower than a pair of Sk8-His, for instance, which appear to feature slightly wider toe boxes.
So, despite differences in foot size and shape, it's likely to find a comfortable pair of shoes from both Nike and Vans, as both brands offer a diverse range of footwear and size options.
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Hopefully, with our guide, you've now got all the answers you need to buy either Nike or Vans shoes from an online retailer.