Why Sizing Is So Complicated
If sneaker sizing were consistent, this article would not need to exist. Unfortunately, a size 10 in one brand, model, or even colorway can feel completely different from a size 10 in another. Differences in last shape (the foot-shaped form around which shoes are built), material stretch, cushioning thickness, and design intent all affect how a shoe fits. Add in the complexity of buying online or from the resale market where returns may not be possible, and getting the right size becomes a genuinely important skill. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about sneaker sizing, from general principles to brand-specific advice.
Understanding True to Size
When someone says a shoe runs true to size (TTS), they mean it fits as expected based on your standard measured foot size. If you are a size 10 on a Brannock device (the metal measuring tool at shoe stores), a TTS shoe in size 10 should fit you well. However, "true to size" is somewhat subjective because everyone's feet are different and people have different preferences for how snug or loose they want their shoes. When reviewing sizing advice online, keep in mind that the person giving the recommendation may have wider or narrower feet than you, which skews their perception of TTS.
When to Go Half Size Up
Going half size up is the most common sizing adjustment in the sneaker world. You should consider sizing up a half size when a shoe is known to run small or narrow, when you have wider feet, when you prefer a slightly roomier fit for all-day comfort, or when the shoe uses materials that do not stretch much like patent leather or thick canvas. Models that commonly require a half size up include the Air Jordan 1 (runs slightly narrow), Yeezy 350 v2 (the Primeknit upper is snug, especially in the toe box), and Nike Dunk (the toe box is notoriously tight on some releases).
When to Go Half Size Down
Going half size down is less common but appropriate for shoes that run large or when the design is intentionally roomy. New Balance 990 series shoes run slightly large for many people, especially those with narrow feet. Adidas Ultra Boost can feel spacious in the Primeknit upper, leading some to size down. If you are between sizes and a shoe is known to stretch with wear, going half size down can give you a better long-term fit as the materials conform to your foot shape.
Wide Foot Considerations
If you have a wide foot, sizing becomes even more nuanced. Simply going up a full size to compensate for width often results in a shoe that is too long, causing heel slippage and instability. Instead, look for models that are known to accommodate wider feet. New Balance is legendary for offering wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) options across most of their lineup. Nike's Air Force 1 and Dunk High tend to be more accommodating than the Dunk Low. Adidas shoes generally run wider than Nike through the midfoot. If a shoe has a narrow reputation, it is usually better to avoid it entirely rather than trying to size up around the problem.
GS, PS, and TD Sizing Explained
Grade School (GS) sizing covers youth sizes 3.5Y to 7Y, which overlap with women's sizing. A GS 7Y is equivalent to a women's 8.5 and a men's 7. Many women buy GS sizes to save money on retro Jordans and other models, but be aware that GS shoes often use different materials and have slimmer proportions than their adult counterparts. The cushioning setup may also differ, with GS models sometimes lacking the Air or Zoom units found in adult sizes.
PS (Preschool) covers sizes 10.5C to 3Y, and TD (Toddler) covers sizes 2C to 10C. These are children's sizes with simplified construction, often featuring Velcro straps instead of laces and different sole units than the adult versions. If you are buying for kids, know that children's feet grow rapidly, so buying a half size up to allow for growth is standard practice.
Brand-Specific Sizing Guide
Here is a general sizing guide based on common community consensus. Remember that individual models within each brand can vary, so always check model-specific advice when possible:
- Nike: Generally runs slightly narrow. Most people go TTS or half size up. Air Jordan 1s and Dunks are the most common half-size-up recommendations. Air Force 1s run large, so many go half size down or even a full size down.
- Adidas: Runs slightly wider than Nike through the midfoot. Most Adidas shoes fit TTS. Yeezy 350s are the exception and run small, requiring a half size up for most people. Ultra Boost fits TTS to slightly large.
- New Balance: Known for generous fits and wide options. Most NB models fit TTS to slightly large. The 990 series, 550, and 2002R all fit TTS with a comfortable amount of room. New Balance is the best major brand for wide-footed sneakerheads.
- Asics: Generally TTS with a slightly narrow toe box on some models. The Gel-Lyte III can be snug for wider feet.
- Converse: Runs large. Most people go a full size down from their Nike size in Chuck Taylors.
- Vans: Generally TTS, though some people find them slightly narrow in the toe box. Similar sizing to Converse but more consistent across the lineup.
Unisex and Extended Sizing
Unisex sizing is becoming more common as brands move toward inclusive approaches. The standard conversion is men's to women's minus 1.5 (a men's 9 is a women's 10.5). Extended sizing refers to offerings beyond the standard men's 7-13 range, including small men's sizes that overlap with women's and GS, and larger sizes up to 15, 16, or even 18 for certain models. If you wear an extended size, your options on the resale market are more limited, which can work both for and against you: fewer pairs available, but also fewer buyers competing.
Pro Tips for Getting the Right Size
- Measure your feet on a Brannock device at least once a year. Feet change over time due to age, weight, and activity level.
- Measure at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest from natural swelling.
- Always check community sizing threads on Reddit's r/Sneakers or review comments before buying a model for the first time.
- When buying from the resale market, clarify the return policy before purchasing. Some platforms offer no returns on used pairs.
- If you are between sizes, the general rule is to go up rather than down. A slightly roomy shoe can be fixed with thicker socks or an insole, but a too-tight shoe is just uncomfortable.
At Bridge City Soles, our staff can help you figure out sizing on any model in our inventory. Stop by the shop and we will make sure you walk out with the right fit.