Sneaker size guide: Nike, Jordan, Adidas, New Balance and ASICS

Choosing a sneaker size seems simple until you’re faced with a limited release you can’t try on. Every brand uses its own size chart, every model has its own last and every foot is different. This guide helps you make an informed choice. It’s no substitute for trying the pair on, but it greatly reduces the margin for error.

Step 1: measure your foot in centimetres

The most reliable measurement isn’t your usual size. It’s the length of your foot in centimetres. Brands include this measurement in their charts, and it’s the figure that translates best from one brand to another.

How to measure your foot properly

1. Do it at the end of the day. Feet swell slightly as the day goes on, and by evening they’re at their ‘real’ wearing size.
2. Put on the socks you’d wear with the sneakers.
3. Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall and your weight evenly distributed.
4. Mark the longest point (usually the big toe or the second toe).
5. Measure from the wall to the mark. Repeat with the other foot: go with the larger measurement. Also note whether you have wide feet or a high instep. That matters just as much as length.

Step 2: understand EU, US and UK size conversions

European, US and UK sizes don’t follow an exact mathematical conversion across brands. Each brand publishes its own chart, and an EU 42 in one brand may correspond to a different US size in another. On top of that, men’s and women’s US sizes aren’t the same. So the practical rule is:

• Use your measurement in cm as your main reference.
• Check the specific brand’s official size chart.
• If you’re torn between two sizes, factor in how the model fits (we cover what people tend to say below).

Sneaker size conversion chart (approximate)

This chart is generic and approximate, intended only to give you a rough idea. It doesn’t correspond to any particular brand and may vary by up to half a size depending on the manufacturer.
| EU | US men’s | UK | Foot (cm, approx.) |
|----|----------|----|--------------------|
| 40 | 7 | 6 | 25 |
| 40.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 41 | 8 | 7 | 26 |
| 42 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 26.5 |
| 42.5 | 9 | 8 | 27 |
| 43 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 |
| 44 | 10 | 9 | 28 |
| 44.5 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 28.5 |
| 45 | 11 | 10 | 29 |
| 46 | 12 | 11 | 30 |

Step 3: how the most sought-after models tend to fit

What follows are general trends that many wearers mention. They aren’t rules. Your foot has the final say.

Nike and Jordan

• Air Jordan 1: generally considered true to size. Most people go for their usual size.
• Air Jordan 4: some people find it a little snug, especially around the toes. If you have wide feet, you might consider going half a size up.
• Nike Dunk: tends to fit true to size, although some find it slightly narrow.
• Air Force 1: known for running slightly large. Many people go half a size down from their usual size. Shop these models in our Jordan and Nike collections.

Adidas

• Yeezy Boost 350 V2: it’s common to go half a size up, as the last and the stretchy knit make it fairly snug.
• Gazelle and Samba: generally fit true to size or slightly large. Some people with narrow feet go half a size down. More models in our Adidas collection.

New Balance

New Balance tends to run fairly true to size and has one advantage: many of its models come in different widths, which is rare among other brands. The 9060 is known for being comfortable and roomy inside. Browse the selection in our New Balance collection.

ASICS

The Gel-Kayano 14 has a reputation for running slightly small. Many wearers go half a size up, especially if they plan to wear it with thick socks or have wide feet. Explore the range in our ASICS collection.

Common sizing mistakes

• Assuming your size in one brand is the same in another.
• Measuring in the morning or barefoot.
• Ignoring the width of your foot and focusing only on length.
• Trusting a single online review. Look for the consensus, not the exception.
• Buying half a size down ‘because they’ll stretch’. Suede and leather give a little; soles and toe boxes don’t.

If you’re between two sizes

Think about what you’ll use the pair for:

• Everyday wear and comfort: lean towards the larger size.
• Narrow feet or a roomy model: consider the smaller size.
• Collecting: choose the size that would fit you well. A pair you never wear loses some of its appeal.

Ask us before you buy

At Private Plug we handle these models every day and can advise you based on your measurement and foot type. Message us on WhatsApp or through our Contact page before placing your order. We’ll take the time to answer properly, with no obligation. If the size still isn’t right, our Shipping and returns page explains how exchanges work. And if you have any other questions, head over to our FAQ or explore all our sneakers.