Are Nike 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 Nike 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.
⬇️ Here you can find Nike's size charts ⬇️
The Sizing Guide for Nike
Nike Air Max 1
With this model it is generally very easy to find the right size, because the Air Max 1 fits true to size. This means that the standard Nike size chart applies to this model and you can easily find your EU & US shoe size by your foot length. However, the Air Max 1 is also a rather narrow cut shoe. It could cause discomfort with extremely wide feet in the long run, so size up half to a whole size if this affects you.
Nike Air Force 1
There are again a few things to consider when choosing the right Air Force 1. Depending on the model and the upper material used, the sizes of the shoe vary slightly. The classic Air Force 1 '07 fits true to size in length, as described. Nevertheless, especially the popular models with leather uppers can be very tight at the beginning. Here we recommend a size up by half a size bigger. For people with extremely wide feet we would even recommend to buy a whole shoe size bigger.
Nike Dunk
The Nike Dunk is an iconic sneaker, evolving from its basketball origins to become a staple in streetwear and skate culture. Introduced in 1985, the model comes in both high and low versions.
Both the high and low versions of the Nike Dunk fit true to size, even for those with wider feet.
For more sizing information on different Nike Dunk Versions, visit our Nike Dunk Sizing Guide.
Nike Air Huarache
The Nike Air Huarache was always a problem child when it came to sizing. When you try the shoe on, you notice immediately that you can't reach the back of the outsole with your heel. This is because the buckle is much further forward than the actual end of the shoe. Due to this reason, in the case of the huarache, it was always common to buy one size bigger. Of course, this also depends on the material, but in general, it's advised to size up a half to whole size.
Nike Air Max Plus
Another classic from Nike is the Air Max Plus. This shoe is also generally true to size and can be bought according to the size chart. However, if you also have problems with feet that are too wide, we recommend the Air Max Plus III. This shoe has a similar style but offers a wider sole and therefore a wider upper.
Nike Air Max 90
Originally named the Air Max III, the Air Max 90 significantly influenced the footwear scene when it arrived in 1990. It's known for its comfortable fit and wide range of colorways, and is one of Nike's most popular models.
The Air Max 90 runs true to size, although those with wider feet might consider sizing up half a size.
Nike Air Max 95
This distinctive model draws its design from the human anatomy, mimicking the spine, ribs, and muscle fibres. Its gradient upper also contributes to its unique look, and it was the first Nike model to feature visible Air cushioning in the forefront.
The Air Max 95 runs true to size, although those with wider feet might choose to size up half a size.
Nike Air Max 97
Years of experience have given Nike a very good feel for sizing. The Air Max 97 also generally fits true to size, but the risk of the shoe becoming uncomfortable for wide feet is also high due to the very sturdy upper. So if you want to be on the safe side, you should size up half a size.
Nike Air Max 270
The Nike Air Max 270 is a slightly newer model and also fits a little differently than the older Nike models. Both the 270 and its brother, the 270 React, run relatively small. It's recommended to buy the shoe a half to full size larger to get the ideal fit.
Nike Air Max 720
The newer Air Max with the largest Air Unit yet is different from its ancestors, as most Air Max models fit true to size. For the Air Max 720, however, you should order half a size larger. If you have wide feet you should be careful, because this silhouette also has a very narrow fit. So…size up! At least by half a shoe size.
Nike Court
The Nike Court is a tribute to Nike's rich heritage, with the Court Vision drawing inspiration from 80's basketball shoes, and the Court Legacy paying homage to tennis culture.
The Court Vision fits true to size, while the Court Legacy is known to run slightly small with a narrow fit, so it's worth sizing up half a size on this version.
Nike Blazer
The Nike Blazer is one of Nike's older designs, introduced in 1973. Named after the Portland Trail Blazers, the model features a design tailored for basketball performance. It comes in both mid and low versions.
The Nike Blazer runs on the smaller side, so it's recommended that you size up half a size to a full size more than your usual.
Nike Cortez
Featuring a full-length midsole for enhanced cushioning, a raised heel to reduce strain, and herringbone-patterned outsole for improved traction, the Cortez is designed to offer both comfort and durability for track runners. Its release coincided with the 1972 Summer Olympics, boosting its immediate popularity.
The Cortez is known for its smaller fit, so it's recommended to size up half to a full size.
Nike P-6000
A recent release, the Nike P-6000 debuted in 2019 and blends early 2000s running shoe elements with a more modern aesthetic. It features a breathable mesh upper and a combination of real and synthetic leather overlays, providing durability and support.
The P-6000 fits true to size, although those with wide feet could consider sizing up half a size.
For more sizing guides for your favourite sneaker models, visit the Sneaker Sizing Guide page.
