Vans sizing vs Nike—not every brand produces uniform sizes, which makes it challenging as a consumer. Sometimes, wearing the wrong size isn’t noticeable until you’ve left the store and taken your new kicks for a walk. Because of this, we’re sharing everything you need to know about Vans and Nike sizing.
Vans Sizing Compare to Nike
Vans and Nike shoes share a few similarities, particularly the Nike SB, but when it comes to size, they’re quite different. Below we have charts for each.
How Does Vans Sizing Run?
Vans states that its shoes run true to size. This means that they’re sized per U.S. standard, determined by a Brannock device. So, if you’re usually a size 9, for instance, then Vans should fit the same.
However, one thing that often confuses consumers when purchasing Vans is the lack of women’s sizes. The reason for this is that Vans shoes are unisex. So whether you’re a guy who likes glitter or a girl who wants chunky skate shoes, the company doesn’t gender bias.
This can make it challenging for women to find appropriate sizes if you’ve got narrow, small feet.
Vans Shoes Size Chart
To give you an overlook of its sizes, we’ve included a chart below:
| US Women | US Men | UK | EU | CM |
| 5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 34.5 | 21.5 |
| 5.5 | 4 | 3 | 35 | 22 |
| 6 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 6.5 | 5 | 4 | 36.5 | 23 |
| 7 | 5.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 6 | 5 | 38 | 24 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24.5 |
| 8.5 | 7 | 6 | 39 | 25 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 9.5 | 8 | 7 | 40.5 | 26 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 10.5 | 9 | 8 | 42 | 27 |
| 11 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 42.5 | 27.5 |
| 11.5 | 10 | 9 | 43 | 28 |
| 12 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 28.5 |
| 12.5 | 11 | 10 | 44.5 | 29 |
| 13 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 45 | 29.5 |
| 13.5 | 12 | 11 | 46 | 30 |
| 14 | 13 | 12 | 47 | 31 |
About Nike Sizing
Compared to some of its competitors, including Adidas and Reebok, Nike shoes tend to be slightly smaller. Not only does it run more petite length-wise, but its sizes are also narrower, which can cause trouble for consumers with wide feet.
That said, with wear, its shoes tend to stretch slightly width-wise, which makes them more comfortable over time. Nikes also include wide toe boxes, providing ample space for your toes to spread during exercise.
Another point to be aware of is that some Nike shoes offer pronounced arch support, which is fantastic if you have high arches. For flat feet, however, you may experience some discomfort.
Nike Shoe Size Chart
For your reference, we’ve included an extract of the Nike size charts for women and men.
Women:
| US Women | CM | Inches |
| 5 | 22 | 8 ⅝ |
| 5.5 | 22.4 | 8 ⅞ |
| 6 | 22.9 | 9 |
| 6.5 | 23.3 | 9 ⅛ |
| 7 | 23.7 | 9 ⅜ |
| 7.5 | 24.1 | 9 ½ |
| 8 | 24.5 | 9 ⅝ |
| 8.5 | 25 | 9 ⅞ |
| 9 | 25.4 | 10 |
| 9.5 | 25.8 | 10 ⅛ |
| 10 | 26.2 | 10 ⅜ |
| 10.5 | 26.7 | 10 ½ |
| 11 | 27.1 | 10 ⅝ |
| 11.5 | 27.5 | 10 ⅞ |
Men:
| US Men | CM | Inches |
| 6 | 23.7 | 9 ⅜ |
| 6.5 | 24.1 | 9 ½ |
| 7 | 24.5 | 9 ⅝ |
| 7.5 | 25 | 9 ⅞ |
| 8 | 25.4 | 10 |
| 8.5 | 25.8 | 10 ⅛ |
| 9 | 26.2 | 10 ⅜ |
| 9.5 | 26.7 | 10 ½ |
| 10 | 27.1 | 10 ⅝ |
| 10.5 | 27.5 | 10 ⅞ |
| 11 | 27.9 | 11 |
| 11.5 | 28.3 | 11 ⅛ |
| 12 | 28.8 | 11 ⅜ |
| 12.5 | 29.2 | 11 ½ |
| 13 | 29.6 | 11 ⅝ |
| 13.5 | 30 | 11 ⅞ |
| 14 | 30.5 | 12 |
| 15 | 31.3 | 12 ⅜ |
Pro Tips
- Buy either half to a full size larger than your regular fit if you’re using the Nike size chart as your guide. For instance, if you generally wear a size 9 or 9.5, a Nike 10 would be your best bet.
- If you have broad feet, order half a size larger in the “wide” option. If such isn’t available (not all Nike shoes come in wide), then go with a full-size up.
- If the sizes confuse you, then Nike has a helpful app that calculates your fit for any model.
- The Nike size chart is originally in inches. However, this can be a bit math-heavy converting all the three-quarters or one-eighth into fractions. So, to avoid this, measure your feet in centimeters.
Nike SB Sizing Compared to Vans
Nike SB is probably the closest resemblance to Vans out of all the brand’s models. SB is a line of skateboarding apparel.
To compare, we’ll be looking at the Old Skool Core Classic from Vans. This is a top-performer, a premium option for skateboarders.
The Old Skool works to relieve pressure on the bony areas of your feet by using a padded collar as well as a cushioned footbed. This enables the wearer to move freely, bend and slide without having the shoe cause blisters and sores.
Vans offers a narrow construction, allowing the shoe to hug your feet. It also prevents the sneaker from flying off while performing board tricks and stunts.
With the Nike SB, they tend to fit more snugly around the feet due to an integrated elastic band and improved tongue design. These features are all to keep the sneaker in place, similarly to the Vans Old Skool.
What’s impressive about the SB is the Lunarlon insoles. These reduce impact while protecting the underside of your feet during tricks. So despite their close fit, they’re quite comfortable.
How Do Vans Slip Ons Fit?
Although most Vans styles run true to size, some waver from this. One example is its slip-on styles.
Slip-on Vans tend to provide a tighter fit, both length and width-wise. However, be wary about buying one size up. This style often stretches with wear, so if you venture too far from your regular fit, it might become too loose once you’ve broken them in.
Vans also produce its footwear in medium width. So, if the width is too snug for you, try half a size larger.
Pro Tips
- If your feet fall between sizes, for instance, a 9.5 is small, but 10 is large, opt for the bigger size. Then invest in a pair of insoles to fill out the shoe. You can easily find inexpensive inserts that will make the shoe feel tighter.
- If you buy a larger size to get a better fit width-wise, try adhesive heel pads to fill in the heel. Such are also cost-effective solutions to making a bigger shoe fit.
- For more tips, please read our guide on the effects of wearing shoes that are too big.
Our Tips for Finding the Perfect Size
Below we’ve gathered a few of our best tips for finding the right size for you:
- Avoid assuming your size. The best way to ensure you get the best fit is to measure your feet. An easy technique is placing your foot on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Mark where your longest toe reaches and measure from that point to the wall.
- Consult the size chart for the brand you’re buying from. As we’ve seen above, brands differ in sizes. Even though you’re a size 9 in Nike, it doesn’t mean you’re the same in Vans. You can read another comparison in our Adidas vs Nike sizing
- If you’re planning on wearing thick socks, wear those while measuring. The same goes for insoles, especially if you’re using orthotics that can take up a significant amount of space.
- Measure your feet in the afternoon or following exercise. These are the times where they’ll swell and give you a more accurate measurement.
Watch this video for additional tips on measuring your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vans Run the Same Size as Nike?
No, they differ. Nike tends to run smaller than Vans, so if you’re switching between the two, make sure that you follow the individual size charts.
Watch this video to see why sizing varies between brands.
How Tight Should Vans Be?
Vans should feel snug around your feet when new, but never uncomfortably tight. When you’re trying them, feel where your toes reach in the toe box. There should be a small gap between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Do Vans Loosen Up?
Yes, they do, which is why you should avoid buying a bigger size. However, if the sneaker feels uncomfortable, it’s probably too small, and you should exchange.
In Conclusion
Vans sizing vs Nike—changing from one to the other requires you to re-measure your feet and follow the brand’s size chart. Nike and Vans don’t fit the same—Nike is typically tighter, and its shoes don’t stretch as much.
We hope that you found our guide helpful. Be sure to leave a comment and share it with friends and family.
