Adidas vs Nike
Fit Comparison

Yes, Adidas runs about half-size larger than Nike in most lifestyle models. If you wear US 10 in Nike Dunk or Air Max, you'll likely wear US 9.5 in Adidas Samba or Gazelle. This is due to different last shapes and internal volume—Nike uses a narrower, shorter last while Adidas provides more forefoot room and length. However, performance models (running, basketball) have less difference; always check model-specific data.

Yes, most wearers size up +0.5 when going from Adidas to Nike. Example: if you wear US 9 in Adidas Samba, you'll likely wear US 9.5 in Nike Dunk. This accounts for Nike's tighter fit, shorter internal length, and narrower forefoot. Wide feet may need to size up a full size (+1.0) in Nike's narrowest models like SB Dunk, Blazer, or Cortez.

No. Nike runs narrower overall, making it challenging for wide feet. Adidas offers more width tolerance, especially in knit models like Ultraboost and NMD. For wide feet: Nike Air Force 1 and Air Max 90 are the widest Nike options (but still narrower than Adidas). Avoid Nike Dunk, Blazer, and Cortez. Adidas Samba and Gazelle are also narrow; stick with Ultraboost, NMD, or Stan Smith for best wide-foot comfort.

Neither brand is universally "true-to-size" because they use different lasts. Nike runs shorter and narrower relative to stated US size; Adidas runs longer and roomier. If your foot measures exactly 27cm, Nike US 9 may feel tight while Adidas US 9 feels roomy. The best approach: use your existing pair as a reference point and convert cross-brand using the tables on this page, or use SizeCheck AI to map your exact size.

Rarely. Only about 15% of wearers use the same US size across both brands, typically those with very average-width feet who own roomy Nike models (like Air Force 1) and snug Adidas models (like Samba). For 85% of people, cross-brand sizing requires at least a half-size adjustment. Performance runners may go TTS across both brands if they prefer a race-fit feel in both.

Nike uses different lasts for different models. Dunk was designed as a basketball shoe with a narrow, low-cut last for court agility. Air Force 1 uses a bulkier, more voluminous last. Even though both are stated as "US 10," Dunk's internal length is ~28.0cm while AF1 is ~28.3cm, and Dunk's forefoot is 2-3mm narrower. Many people size up +0.5 in Dunk compared to their AF1 size.

Ultraboost uses Primeknit, a stretchy knit upper, over a Boost midsole that adds cushion height. Samba uses a rigid leather upper on a flat rubber sole with a narrow retro last. Ultraboost's knit stretches to accommodate width, and the Boost adds 8-10mm of stack height, making it feel roomier. Most people size down -0.5 in Ultraboost compared to Samba (e.g., US 9.5 Samba → US 9 Ultraboost).

Nike and Adidas use different US→UK and US→EU conversion formulas, which creates confusion. Nike: US 10 = UK 9 = EU 44. Adidas: US 10 = UK 9.5 = EU 44. A "UK 9" box label means different things: UK 9 Nike = US 10, but UK 9 Adidas = US 9. Always use US sizing when cross-shopping to avoid confusion. Refer to the regional sizing table on this page for exact cross-brand conversions.

No—the same half-size difference applies. Nike women's sizes run narrower and shorter than Adidas women's sizes. If you wear Women's US 8 in Nike, you'll likely wear Women's US 7.5 in Adidas. Women with wider feet often prefer Adidas for better forefoot room. Note: some women size into men's for wider options; subtract 1.5 from women's size to get men's equivalent (e.g., Women's 9 = Men's 7.5).

Nike is better for narrow feet due to its tighter last and narrower forefoot. Models like Nike Dunk, Blazer, and Cortez lock narrow feet beautifully without excess volume. Adidas Samba and Gazelle also work for narrow feet (they're Adidas' narrowest retro models), but Adidas' Boost and knit models (Ultraboost, NMD) have too much internal volume for narrow feet—they'll need thicker socks or insoles to avoid slippage.

Adidas is significantly better for wide feet. Models with Primeknit uppers (Ultraboost, NMD) stretch to accommodate wider forefeet, and even leather Adidas models have more toe box volume than Nike. Nike's widest models (Air Force 1, Air Max 90) are still narrower than average Adidas. Wide feet should avoid Nike Dunk, Blazer, Cortez, and most Nike SB models entirely. Consider sizing up +0.5 to +1.0 in Nike if Adidas isn't an option.

No. Performance running shoes from both brands fit closer to true-to-size compared to lifestyle models. Nike Pegasus and Vaporfly run TTS (sometimes +0.5 for long runs). Adidas Adizero and Boston also run TTS (often -0.5 from lifestyle Adidas). The big Nike vs Adidas sizing gap appears mainly in lifestyle/retro lines (Dunk vs Samba). Runners who measure their foot and buy performance shoes often wear the same or similar sizes across both brands.

Size up +0.5 to +1.0 in Nike SB Dunk if you're not skateboarding. SB Dunk runs extremely narrow and tight for board control. If you wear US 10 in Nike regular Dunk, you may need US 10.5 or even 11 in SB Dunk for casual wear. Skateboarders prefer the tighter fit for board feel; casual wearers find it painfully snug without sizing up. Wide feet should avoid SB Dunk entirely or size up a full size.

Yeezys (made by Adidas) fit true to Adidas sizing, meaning they run about half-size larger than Nike. Yeezy 350 V2 specifically runs very roomy due to Primeknit; most people size down -0.5 from their Nike size. Example: US 10 Nike Dunk → US 9.5 Yeezy 350. Yeezy 700 runs closer to TTS Adidas. Note: Yeezys discontinued in 2023, but resale market remains active. Use the Adidas column in our conversion chart for any Yeezy purchase.

Minimally. Nike leather (Dunk, AF1) may stretch 1-2mm after 10-20 wears, mostly in the toe box. Nike's synthetic and mesh materials barely stretch at all. If Nike shoes feel uncomfortably tight after 5 wears, they're too small—don't expect significant stretching. Nike's design philosophy prioritizes lockdown over break-in flexibility. If you're borderline between sizes, size up rather than expecting stretch.

Yes, more than Nike. Adidas leather (Samba, Stan Smith) stretches 2-4mm after 10-15 wears, and suede (Gazelle, Campus) stretches even more (3-5mm). Primeknit models (Ultraboost, NMD) stretch significantly to conform to foot shape. If Adidas feel slightly snug initially, they'll likely become comfortable after break-in. This is why many people can get away with borderline sizing in Adidas but not Nike.

Each brand developed its sizing system independently based on its target market and design philosophy. Nike emerged from American running culture, prioritizing performance lockdown with a narrow, snug fit. Adidas came from European football (soccer) and lifestyle wear, emphasizing comfort and a more relaxed fit. These historical differences persist today. Neither system is "wrong"—they're optimized for different foot shapes and wear preferences.

Nike Air Force 1 and Air Max 90 are Nike's roomiest models and come closest to Adidas sizing. Some wearers use the same size in AF1 and Stan Smith (though AF1 is bulkier). Nike Roshe Run also has generous volume similar to Adidas knit models. However, even these "roomy" Nikes are still narrower in the forefoot than typical Adidas. For true Adidas-like fit, wide feet should stick with Adidas.

Adidas Samba and Gazelle are Adidas' narrowest retro models and closest to Nike's snug fit philosophy. Adidas performance running shoes (Adizero, Boston) also fit tighter and more Nike-like than lifestyle Adidas. If you prefer Nike's lockdown feel but want to try Adidas, start with Samba, Gazelle, or Adidas running models. Avoid Ultraboost and NMD if you like snug fits—they'll feel too roomy.

They're accurate for converting US/UK/EU within each brand, but they don't account for cross-brand differences or width. Nike's size chart tells you that US 10 = UK 9 = EU 44, which is correct for Nike. But it won't tell you that Nike US 10 fits like Adidas US 10.5. Use brand-specific charts for regional conversion, but use our cross-brand tables (or SizeCheck AI) for actual fit comparison between Nike and Adidas.

Not always. Air Jordan 1 fits similar to Nike Dunk (narrow, snug). Air Jordan 3, 4, and 5 run slightly roomier; some people go TTS while others size up +0.5 depending on width. Air Jordan 11 runs narrow and long; most go TTS or down -0.5. Air Jordan Retro High vs Low also differs. Always check model-specific Jordan sizing guides. General Nike sizing guidance applies, but Jordans have unique lasts for each numbered model.

Not always. Adidas Originals (Samba, Gazelle, Stan Smith) runs TTS to long with retro lasts. Adidas Performance (running, basketball) runs snugger for sport lockdown. Many people size down -0.5 in Originals compared to Performance. Example: US 9.5 in Adidas running shoes → US 9 in Samba. Primeknit Originals (NMD, Ultraboost) are exceptions—they run even roomier, requiring -0.5 to -1.0 from Performance size.

Yes, the same relative differences apply to kids' sizing. Nike kids' shoes run narrower and shorter than Adidas kids' shoes. Parents often size up +0.5 or use half-sizes more frequently with Nike for growing feet. Adidas kids' shoes offer more growing room. For kids with wide feet, Adidas is strongly preferred. Use the same cross-brand logic as adult sizing, but consider growth: Nike requires more frequent size updates.

Yes, both Nike and Adidas offer returns within 30-60 days (check current policy). Buy from official stores or authorized retailers for easiest returns. If buying resale or limited releases, return policies vary by marketplace. Pro tip: order two sizes when trying a new brand for the first time, keep the better fit, and return the other. Use SizeCheck AI before purchasing to minimize return likelihood.

Adidas is generally better for flat feet due to more volume in the midfoot and arch area. Nike's narrower fit can create pressure points for flat arches. Adidas Ultraboost, with its flexible Boost midsole, is especially popular among flat-footed wearers. Nike models with Zoom or Air Max cushioning (Air Max 90, Pegasus) are Nike's best flat-foot options. Both brands' performance running lines offer stability models with arch support for overpronation.

High arches benefit from both brands' cushioned models. Nike Air Max and Zoom cushioning provide responsive support. Adidas Boost (Ultraboost, NMD) offers soft, energy-returning cushioning that conforms to arch height. High arches often prefer Adidas' roomier toe box to avoid toe cramping. Both brands offer neutral cushioning models for high-arched feet; avoid flat, minimal shoes (Samba, Cortez) which offer little arch support.