Getting the perfect fit is crucial when investing in new footwear from iconic brands like Nike and Converse. However, navigating the sizing differences across their diverse ranges can be a complex task.
Not all shoes from these brands fit uniformly; for instance, the beloved Nike Air Force 1s are known to offer a wider fit in contrast to Nike's streamlined running sneakers designed for athletic pursuits. This variability makes direct comparisons challenging, such as comparing apples with oranges.
To help you out, we've rounded up insights into the sizing nuances of both brands. This guide serves as your essential tool for achieving a comfortable and snug fit, whether you're on the hunt for the latest standout Converse pieces or seeking high-performance Nike sneakers. Let this be your definitive guide to finding your ideal size, ensuring your next pair is a perfect match for your feet.
How should Nike and Converse shoes fit?
Before we get into each brand's size charts, we feel it's important to first know exactly how your shoes should fit to figure out whether you're rocking the right size sneakers on your feet.
Length-wise, Clarks recommends allowing about one finger's width of space between the end of your longest toe and your shoes to give you enough space to move, with the natural bend of the sneakers falling around the balls of your feet.
Although this is a general rule for all shoe types, we feel it translates to both Converse and Nike sneakers, regardless of whether you're eyeing up some of the best Nike Dunks or a set of either brand's best marathon shoes.
After you've found the right length for your shoes, it's crucial to consider the width as well. Typically, you should aim to match the widest part of your foot, which includes the ball area and metatarsal bones, with the widest part of your shoe. This will ensure that there's sufficient space for your foot and that the shoe isn't compressing it inwardly.
If your shoes are too wide, your foot may slide forward and your heel will end up lifting out as you walk. As a result, we'd recommend checking out our guide to measuring shoe size for more information on determining what size shoes you need.
Nike vs Converse sizing: Size guide
With how your Nike or Converse should fit established, let's take a closer look at how the two brands compare in terms of size.
As seen below, Converse shoes vary in size compared to a Nike US men's 5.5. A pair of All Stars, for example, only measures in at a 5, whereas a pair of All Star Pro BBs goes up half a size to a 6.
This can make it tricky to know what size shoes you should be buying, although Converse does make things easier by letting you know which shoes run large and small, and also gives the length of its shoes in inches to help you even further.
The width of your shoes is a little harder to work out as neither Nike nor Converse provides the same kind of size chart here.
What we do know though is that some of the best basketball shoes, for example, will typically fit slightly wider than a pair of running shoes, soccer boots, or even just a classic pair of Converse.
This is because basketball shoes tend to be a little roomier to improve comfort during lateral movements and quick changes of pace on the court. By contrast, running shoes are only designed to go forward, so are built to be streamlined as a result.
Which Nike and Converse shoes fit wide feet?
If you are looking for a pair of shoes from Nike or Converse to fit wider feet, then thankfully both brands have their own selection of purpose-built wide-fit sneakers to accommodate all sizes.
As touched on in our Nike vs ASICS comparison, Nike actually offers more information on when you should look for a pair of wide-fitting shoes. For example, it recommends a pair of wide fits if you have size 8 feet that measure 3.9" or above in width.
Converse also gives more detail on its wide-fit collection. It states that its wide width sizes include more volume and a broader platform by approximately 15mm to the ball and instep and 6mm to the bottom width.
Both brands include wide-fit variations of some of their most popular sneakers. For instance, Nike offers an extra wide version of the Pegasus 40, while Converse sells its classic Chuck Taylor All Stars in both standard and wide fit.
- Read More: Best sneaker deals
Which Nike and Converse shoes run narrow?
We've mentioned that athletic sports shoes usually have a narrower fit compared to most trainers. If you are in search of such shoes, there are specific models that you should keep an eye out for.
For instance, Nike's Free shoes are known to feel tighter due to the internal webbing technology that ensures a secure lock-in. Similarly, some of Nike's Flyknit range may fit snugly since the knitted mesh material conforms to the shape of your feet.
On the other hand, Converse's Chuck Taylor All Stars may run narrower compared to other models from the same brand due to their streamlined canvas silhouette, although there are wider options available.
In general, both Nike and Converse offer shoes in various widths, so regardless of your foot size and shape, you should be able to find a suitable pair.
- Read More: Best sportswear deals
That's it! We hope you found all the information you needed about the differences in Nike and Converse sizing. Make sure you check out our other guides, including Nike vs adidas sizing, if you need more size information.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!