Short answer: Adidas runs about a half size larger than Nike. If you wear a US 10 in Nike, you will typically fit a US 9.5 in Adidas. I have tested dozens of pairs from both brands, and this pattern holds across most running and lifestyle styles in 2026 – though there are exceptions by model.
Below you will find a head-to-head comparison table by category, the full sizing charts, and practical tips so you can order confidently the first time.
Adidas vs. Nike Sizing by Category (2026 Comparison)
Sizing fit varies by shoe category. Here is how Adidas and Nike compare across the main types:
| Category | Adidas Fit | Nike Fit | Recommendation |
| Running | True to size (slightly roomy toe box) | Half size small; narrow toe box | Size up 0.5 in Nike; stay true in Adidas |
| Casual / Lifestyle | True to size (Stan Smith, Samba, NMD) | True to size (Air Force 1, Dunk) | Both true – check model reviews |
| Basketball | True to size; wider forefoot | Half size small; tight break-in | Size up 0.5 in Nike |
| Training / Cross-fit | True to size (Ultraboost can run narrow) | True to size | Wide feet: size up 0.5 in Adidas Ultraboost |
| Kids / GS | True to size | True to size (Jordan GS can run small) | See our GS sizing guide |
Nike vs. Adidas Sizing Guide
1. Shoe Size Chart
Nike and Adidas, like most shoe brands, have their own sizing charts. If you do not know your size, a glance at the charts will give you everything you need to make an accurate selection – no guesswork required.
Being based in Germany, Adidas designs its products with a European fit, while Nike is an American company that specializes in US sizing.
You will want to check the size chart below before purchasing a pair of Adidas or Nike since sizing measures differently (but you can easily convert with a simple conversion guide). Check out our full shoe size chart for even more detail.
| Nike Size Chart | ||||||
| Heel to toe measurement (inches) | EU Men’s | EU Women’s | UK Men’s | UK Women’s | US Men’s | US Women’s |
| 8.5 | 35.5 | 3 | 3.5 | |||
| 8.7 | 36 | 35.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 4 | 5 |
| 8.8 | 36.5 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 9 | 37.5 | 36.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 5 | 6 |
| 9.1 | 38 | 37.5 | 5 | 4 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 9.3 | 38.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 6 | 7 |
| 9.5 | 39 | 38.5 | 6 | 5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 9.7 | 40 | 39 | 6 | 5.5 | 7 | 8 |
| 9.8 | 40.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 6 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 41 | 40.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 |
| 10.1 | 42 | 41 | 7.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 10.3 | 42.5 | 42 | 8 | 7.5 | 9 | 10 |
| 10.5 | 43 | 42.5 | 8.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 10.7 | 44 | 43 | 9 | 8.5 | 10 | 11 |
| 10.9 | 44.5 | 44 | 9.5 | 9 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 11 | 45 | 44.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 11 | |
| 11.1 | 5.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | |||
| 11.3 | 46 | 11 | 12 | |||
| 11.5 | 47 | 11.5 | 12.5 | |||
| 11.7 | 47.5 | 12 | 13 | |||
| 11.8 | 48 | 12.5 | 13.5 |
| Adidas Sizing Chart | ||||
| Heel to toe measurement (inches) | EU | UK Men’s | US Men’s | US Women’s |
| 8.7 | 36 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
| 8.8 | 36 2/3 | 4 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 9 | 37 1/3 | 4.5 | 5 | 6 |
| 9.1 | 38 | 5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 9.3 | 38 2/3 | 5.5 | 6 | 7 |
| 9.5 | 39 1/3 | 6 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 9.7 | 40 | 6.5 | 7 | 8 |
| 9.8 | 40 2/3 | 7 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 41 1/3 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 |
| 10.1 | 42 | 8 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 10.3 | 42 2/3 | 8.5 | 9 | 10 |
| 10.5 | 43 1/3 | 9 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 10.7 | 44 | 9.5 | 10 | 11 |
| 10.9 | 44 2/3 | 10 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 11 | 45 1/3 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 |
| 11.1 | 46 | 11 | 11.5 | 12.5 |
| 11.3 | 46 2/3 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 |
| 11.5 | 47 1/3 | 12 | 12.5 | 13.5 |
| 11.7 | 48 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 |
| 11.8 | 48 2/3 | 13 | 13.5 | 14.5 |
| 12 | 49 1/3 | 13.5 | 14 | 15 |
| 12.2 | 50 | 14 | 14.5 | 15.5 |
Be sure to check our shoe size chart guides as well for more info.
2. Actual Shoe Size
While it is possible to use the Adidas vs. Nike Sizing charts above to find a perfect fit, it is important to be aware that the sizes are not direct translations of each other.
As such, it is important to go by your brand of choice (Adidas or Nike) when buying shoes online, because the fit might be slightly off between different brands.
Adidas shoes are a bit bigger than Nike’s. While Adidas is true-to-size, Nike is a half size smaller than their listed sizes.
You might want to check this comparison between Adidas vs. Nike Sizing Chart.
| Adidas vs. Nike Sizing Chart | ||||
| Heel to toe measurement (inches) | Nike US Men’s | Nike US Women’s | Adidas US Men’s | Adidas US Women’s |
| 8.5 | 3.5 | |||
| 8.7 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| 8.8 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 9 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 9.1 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 9.3 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| 9.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 9.7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| 9.8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| 10.1 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 10.3 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 10.7 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 |
| 10.9 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | |
| 11.1 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 12.5 | |
| 11.3 | 12 | 12 | 13 | |
| 11.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 13.5 | |
| 11.7 | 13 | 13 | 14 | |
| 11.8 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | |
| 12 | 14 | 15 | ||
| 12.2 | 14.5 | 15.5 |
You will have to go by the specific shoe size chart for those who are getting half sizes.
If I say the difference is a few millimeters, that does not mean there is no difference. Sports players can attest to that! The right gear can make all the difference.
Casual players can get away with old athletic and tennis shoes, but athletes know that the right training footwear can help them perform at their peak. Not only do they help prevent injury, but they are also specially designed to improve performance and support muscles for miles of overall satisfaction. If you use orthotics, you may need to size up too – see our guide on best shoes for orthotics for fit tips.
Not only that, but orthotics users may squeeze their shoes a little tight since their orthotics cannot fit into a shoe. You should be able to wear a shoe with ease – that is why a millimeter counts! If you are also on your feet all day, you may want to read about the best insoles for work boots to maximize comfort in either brand.
3. Overall Widths of Shoes
Nike shoes are often advertised to run tighter than Adidas, so it is important to know that you will need to get half a size up when purchasing Nike shoes.
Their shoes are differently constructed than Adidas, so if you are deciding between the two brands go with Nike and order a normal size that you usually wear and then a half size up.
This prevents getting shoes that are too tight and uncomfortable.
Adidas is a brand that is highly focused on the needs of foot shape and size. Their wide selection of sneakers catering to the comfort needs of wide-footed consumers is one of their key selling points.
On the other hand, Nike has a more limited range of athletic shoes for people with wide feet. For instance, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus offers a well-constructed upper to ensure that the foot stays in place.
4. Shoe Features
Nike has an amazing app that anyone can use to determine their shoe size. All you have to do is take a picture of your foot and the app will tell you which shoes will fit.
For men, be careful: it seems that Ultraboosts may be narrower than other shoes, so if you have wide feet, you may need half a size larger. But if you get Cloudfoam in the women’s version, it may run wider, so you will want to go down a half size.
Apart from these measures, it is important to keep in mind that sizing charts do not work for everyone. Each brand has its specifications, so you should check their size guides to find the perfect fit for your feet. You can do this online or at your local sporting goods store – salespeople are usually knowledgeable about which brands run true to size and which run larger or smaller. Understanding EVA midsole technology can also help you predict how a shoe will feel and whether it will pack down over time, affecting fit.
Adidas vs. Nike Shoe Sizing
#1 Getting the Perfect Fit
Shoe sizing is not a simple task. It can take more thought than you can imagine. Here are some techniques you can try to get the perfect fit.
- Adidas vs. Nike Sizing – The trick to get that fit correctly is to take a few moments to think about your foot shape and any issues you have with your feet. If you are in-between sizes, it is best to size up; if you have particularly wide or narrow feet, try to get shoes with more space for the width of your foot.
- Never guess your size. Measure from the heel of your foot to your longest toe, and make sure that you are accurate. For even more accuracy, watch this video for tips on how to measure your feet properly.
- Even if you are buying the same brand and style of shoes, it is crucial to check the size. Footwear can loosen with age or change after things like foot conditions or pregnancy.
- Do not use shoe sizes as the deciding factor for buying a pair of shoes. Instead, use the size conversion charts provided on each brand website to ensure the correct fit.
- If you wear insert pads in your shoes, you should try wearing them with your shoes first. If your insoles are a bit too tight after putting them in, it might be a good idea to buy the next bigger size.
- Every pair of sports shoes demands a specific kind of sock for optimum comfort, and with brands such as Nike and Adidas constantly releasing new lines of sneakers you cannot forget about lightweight socks.
- When it comes to shoes, one-size-fits-all is a myth: you may need to go up or down half a size from your usual shoe size. Foot problems are common among women who wear shoes that are too small or too large for their feet.
- Read customer reviews before purchasing an item online. These can often tell you more about a product than the site’s description, especially for bespoke or made-to-order products.
Nike Sizing Tips
If you are planning on getting those new kicks from Nike, be sure to read some of our suggestions.
- They have a new way to shop for the perfect athletic shoe. Nike Fit is a tool that lets customers take a photo of their feet and find the right size for any model of athletic shoes. With just one click you will be able to find the right size for you – and even book an appointment at a local Nike store for actual fitting.
- If you cannot stand fractions, a Nike size chart in centimeters may be easier to use.
Adidas Sizing Tips
Do you have shoes in mind from Adidas? Then you might want to consider some tips below before buying.
- When buying shoes for your young one, remember that they will need an adiFIT insert. This set of inserts and replacement parts ensures that their shoe is a comfortable fit.
- If you are between sizes, order the smaller size if you want a tight fit and a larger size if you would like something looser.
Adidas Basketball Shoes Sizing vs. Nike
Now, let us talk about Adidas vs. Nike Sizing in terms of basketball shoes.
Adidas Basketball shoes offer shoes in a range of sizes to accommodate their customers’ different needs and preferences. If you are unsure about your size, it is best to make sure you are comfortably in-range: if you are between two sizes, try both on and see which one is more comfortable.
Nike’s basketball shoes are synonymous with performance and innovation. But most of the time, their super-tight fit requires a wider break-in period than your average shoe. Nike sizes are larger than most, so if you are new to the brand, order one size larger than you normally wear, or half a size up if you know the brand well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nike run smaller than Adidas?
Yes – Nike typically runs about half a size smaller than Adidas. If your true foot length is a US 10, you will usually wear a US 10 in Adidas but may need a US 10.5 in Nike for the same comfortable fit. This is because Adidas uses wider lasts and follows European sizing conventions more closely, while Nike’s lasts tend to be narrower and slightly shorter at each listed size.
Should I size up in Nike?
For most Nike running models (Pegasus, React Infinity, Vomero), yes – go half a size up from your usual measurement. For Nike lifestyle and casual shoes like Air Force 1 or Dunk, they tend to run true to size, so no adjustment is needed. When in doubt, use Nike Fit in the Nike app to scan your foot before buying.
Are Adidas and Nike the same size?
No, they are not the same size at the same number. A Nike US 10 and an Adidas US 10 are not equal in actual foot length. Adidas US 10 is typically about half a size (roughly 4-5mm) longer than Nike US 10. Always measure your foot in inches or centimeters and compare against each brand’s sizing chart rather than transferring sizes directly between the two.
Do Adidas run big or small?
Adidas generally runs true to size or very slightly large. The standard rule is to order your normal size in most Adidas models. Exceptions: Ultraboost and some Boost-platform trainers can feel narrow despite being true length – if you have wide feet, consider going half a size up in those styles. Adidas Cloudfoam women’s styles also tend to run wider, so you might size down by half.
What is the difference between Adidas and Nike fit for wide feet?
Adidas is the better choice for wide feet. Their lasts are built wider across the forefoot, and they offer dedicated wide-fit options in many running and lifestyle lines. Nike’s standard lasts are narrower, and while they do offer a few 2E width options (mostly in the React and Air Max families), the selection is limited. If you have wide feet and prefer Nike, going half a size up can help – but it is not a perfect fix since it adds length without adding width.
Conclusion
It is not our place to say which brand is best – but we can say that Adidas shoes run a half size bigger than Nike in sizing. They also fit wider because their lasts are wider, so if you are a wide shoe fit, you might want to steer clear of standard Nike widths.
A perfectly fitted shoe is an essential element in your sports performance. For basketball, for example, a shoe that fits improperly can contribute to the game in numerous ways – from causing an increased risk of injury to impacting player ability on the court.
Ultimately, picking a brand of footwear is completely up to you – what matters most is that you get shoes that suit your needs. So whether you prefer minimalist sneakers or high-tops, be sure to consider factors aside from sizing like comfort, durability, and design when choosing a pair.
We hope we have covered everything you need to know about Adidas vs. Nike sizing in 2026. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss them in the comments section.