Are adidas true to size? Even if you know your own shoe size, sometimes when you've bought a new pair of sneakers they unfortunately don't fit right. So we're going to take a look at the different adidas sneakers available and make sure we find the right size for you.
How to determine your own shoe size
First of all, it is important to determine your own shoe size. When you order sneakers online, it is not as easy as when you walk into a shoe shop and can try on the shoe on the spot.
Here is what you need to measure your own shoe size:
- 2 sheets of A4 paper
- A pencil
- A ruler
How to calculate the dimensions of your foot:
Take a sheet of paper and the pencil, choose a wall you can stand upright against, and put your heel all the way up against it. It is best to put on the socks you will also wear in your new shoes. Secure the sheet of paper to the floor with tape or your weight and stand on it with your heel against the wall. It is best to ask someone to draw around your foot with the pencil. Once you have a nice outline, grab a ruler and measure the distance from the heel to the tip of your big toe. Record this result in centimetres.
Repeat this process on your other foot too. It may sound duplicate, but for many people, the sizes differ from one foot to another. Then take the largest foot as a reference to determine your shoe size using the appropriate table. Remember that information from different manufacturers may differ and therefore you should always follow their size charts.
The Sizing Guide for adidas
adidas Superstar
The adidas Superstar is known for its distinctive rubber shell toe and all-leather upper. Originally designed as a basketball shoe, over time it become a cultural icon, particularly within hip-hop and streetwear communities.
The Superstar fits true to size. This means that the adidas standard size chart applies to this model exactly. However, the model has a rather narrow cut and relatively tight fit, meaning it could be uncomfortable to wear if you have extremely wide feet. Those affected should consider sizing up at least half a size.
adidas Gazelle
Initially designed for indoor sports, the suede upper and versatile design of the adidas Gazelle have made it a favourite both among athletes and fashion enthusiasts.
While reviews vary on the fit of the Gazelle, it's generally accepted to run slightly large, so it's recommended to size down half a size. If you have wide feet, buy true to size or even a half size larger, as the fit is also quite narrow.
adidas Samba
One of adidas' most popular models, the Samba was introduced in 1949, and has evolved into a versatile sneaker, blending functionality with streetwear appeal. It's popularity is due to its numerous colorways and quality materials.
The Samba is another narrowly cut model, so while it mostly fits true to size, people with wider feet may consider sizing up half a size.
adidas Campus
Introduced in the 1980s, the adidas Campus was initially designed as a basketball shoe, but its popularity in the streetwear scene surged in the 1990s when it was adopted by skateboarders and hip-hop artists. Its suede upper and rubber cupsole provide durability and comfortable support.
The Campus is known to run true to size.
adidas Ultra Boost
This silhouette is in great demand and has many fans. adidas uses a very elastic material here, which is an advantage for those wider feet, as the foot has enough room and still has optimal support.
However, I have to say from my own experience that the adidas Ultra Boost feels very tight. When jogging, this provides a good hold, but this pressure on the foot can be painful after a while. That's why I prefer to buy a little bigger.
adidas Stan Smith
Originally designed in the 1970s for tennis legend Stan Smith, the Stan Smith sneaker has evolved into a timeless classic. Its minimalist design, featuring a clean white leather upper and perforated three-stripe branding, has made it a staple in both athletic and casual footwear.
It's recommended that you purchase your normal size in the Stan Smith, as it fits true to size.
adidas Forum
First introduced in the 1980s, the adidas Forum was initially crafted as a basketball shoe. Its high-top design, complete with ankle straps and a durable sole, provided the support needed for the court. Over time, the Forum transitioned into a lifestyle sneaker.
The adidas Forum is said to fit true to size, however the forefoot can be a bit snug, so size up half a size if you need to.
adidas Spezial
The adidas Spezial draws inspiration from classic lines. Notably, the Handball Spezial, introduced in 1979, was originally designed for handball players. Its sleek design and gum-rubber sole have made it a popular choice.
You can purchase the adidas Spezial in your own size, as it's known to fit true.
adidas Ozweego
The adidas Ozweego made its debut in the 1990s as a performance running shoe. With its chunky silhouette and layered design, the Ozweego has experienced a resurgence in recent years for its retro aesthetic and comfortable modern features.
The Ozweego can be a hard shoe to size, as the design is wider than usual, but the area towards the toebox narrows and can be a bit snug. If in doubt, size up half a size for wide feet, and down half a size for standard.
adidas NMD
A slightly newer model is the adidas NMD, a sneaker that is said to be the first shoe that was not designed as a sport shoe but as a pure lifestyle shoe by adidas. No wonder that the sizing of this model also differs greatly from the classic models.
An elastic upper material is used, which offers enough space and comfort for wider feet. Nevertheless, I noticed that the shoe is cut very narrowly towards the toe. This meant that I had to buy the shoe a bit bigger - so prepare to size up half a size.
adidas Continental 80
The adidas Continental 80 is, as the name suggests, from the 80s. This sneaker was originally designed as a tennis shoe and is based on the design of the adidas Powerphase. This silhouette made its comeback a few years ago and since then it has become an integral part of the streets.
This model has a leather upper, but unlike most shoes with an all leather upper, it is not so tight. So if you have very narrow feet, you can go down half a size, otherwise the shoe fits true to size.
The adidas ZX has such a large range, we've created a separate guide! Read the adidas ZX Sizing Guide here.
For more sizing guides for your favourite sneaker models, visit the Sneaker Sizing Guide page.
