Nike size chart: which size should you get?

Nike is the brand everyone thinks they know their size in. And usually, that’s true, because on the EU scale Nike follows the standard conversion exactly: not a single one of the nineteen men’s sizes differs. That’s precisely why it’s all the more frustrating that the UK sizing does go wrong in six places across the range.

• Where Nike differs
• Men’s, women’s and kids’ sizing
• Fit
• The full size chart
• Frequently asked questions

Where Nike differs

If you order by EU size, you’re safe with Nike’s standard size conversion. The EU column matches the generic conversion throughout the full range from EU 36 to 47.5.

Buying from a UK shop changes things. For six sizes in the range, Nike uses a different UK value from the one predicted by the standard chart. That’s no minor detail when you’re ordering from a UK retailer and working backwards using a conversion chart you found somewhere online. In that case, always use the chart below.

Men’s, women’s and kids’ sizing

Nike uses three separate scales, and the difference is bigger than most people expect. US 5 in the men’s chart is EU 37.5. US 5 in the women’s chart is EU 35.5. That’s a full two-size difference for exactly the same number.

Nike is also one of the few brands for which we have a kids’ size chart, ranging from EU 35.5 to 40. That’s precisely the overlap zone where a large kids’ size meets a small men’s size, and where mistakes happen most often. If you’re around these sizes, check carefully whether you’re looking at a GS model or an adult model.

Fit

We’re keeping this section brief, and for good reason. Nike is too broad and varied a brand to sum up with one fit recommendation: lifestyle and court models tend to fit roomy, while running and basketball models are generally more snug. One piece of advice for the entire brand would therefore be wrong for half the range.

What is true for almost everything: your usual size is the best starting point, and the toe box on most Nikes is more roomy than narrow. If you’re between two sizes, choose the smaller one and bear in mind that you may need to wear slightly thinner socks.

We’ll add more precise advice for each model once we’ve examined every silhouette individually. Until then, we’d rather not make anything up.

The Nike size chart

Still not sure?

Measure your foot from heel to longest toe and compare that length with the cm column. Do this while standing, at the end of the day, and measure both feet. Your larger foot determines your size.

The same Nike model is sold by dozens of shops, and prices can vary considerably. Enter your size in the filter and you’ll see at a glance who has it in stock and who offers the best price. It’ll save you an afternoon of clicking around.

Frequently asked questions about Nike sizing

Do Nike sneakers run large or small?

On the EU scale, Nike follows the standard conversion: none of the nineteen men’s sizes differs. So your usual EU size should be correct. Do pay attention to UK sizes, though, as Nike differs from the standard in six places across the range.

Is Nike sizing the same for men and women?

No. The same US notation represents a full two-size difference. US 5 men’s is EU 37.5, while US 5 women’s is EU 35.5. Always check which chart the shop uses before ordering.

What size does the Nike kids’ size chart go up to?

From EU 35.5 to EU 40. That’s precisely the range where larger kids’ sizes overlap with smaller adult sizes, so check carefully whether you’re looking at a kids’ model or an adult model.