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Nike Shoe Sizes Explained: How to Find the Right Fit

Measure both feet and use the longer length with the right Nike chart. Then check the exact shoe’s Size Guide and assess the fit for its intended activity.
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Measure both feet while standing, match the longer foot’s length to the size chart for the shoe’s category, then check the Size Guide on that exact Nike product page. If your measurement falls between listed sizes, Nike recommends sizing up. The CM number on a shoe label is not necessarily the same as your measured foot length in centimeters.

How to find your Nike shoe size

  1. Measure each foot. Put a sheet of paper on a hard floor with one edge against a wall. Stand with your heel against the wall and your weight balanced. Mark the end of your longest toe.
  2. Measure the length. Measure from the paper’s wall-side edge to the toe mark. A flexible measuring tape can help, but paper and a pen are enough to make the marks.
  3. Repeat for the other foot. Feet can differ in length, so use the longer measurement.
  4. Match the measurement to the right chart. Choose the men’s, women’s, or kids’ chart that corresponds to the sizing shown for the shoe. Nike organizes charts by category and links the appropriate Size Guide from product pages; check the guide on the specific shoe listing before choosing.
  5. Size up between sizes. Nike’s charts advise sizing up if your foot measurement falls between chart sizes.

Nike’s kids’ chart also describes measuring against a wall with paper for people who do not have a printer. The same basic method works without specialized equipment.

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What Nike shoe sizes mean—and what CM does not mean

Nike charts distinguish foot length from the CM size shown on shoe boxes and labels. Do not assume that a label’s CM marking is an exact measurement of your foot. Measure your foot, then use the corresponding foot-length entry in the relevant Nike chart.

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Nike’s US men’s chart includes corresponding women’s and kids’ size rows, and the women’s chart includes a men’s row. These conversions are useful references, not a substitute for checking the size system and Size Guide shown on the exact product page. A product listing or market-specific chart should take precedence over a general conversion rule.

#1 Best Overall
Nike Men's Run Swift 3 Road Running Shoes, White/Black-Summit White-Glacier Blue, 10.5
  • Mesh on upper adds breathability.
  • Flywire cables provide a supportive feel when you tighten the laces.
  • Plush foam midsole cushions each step.
  • Grooves on the rubber outsole help your foot move naturally.
  • DR2695-114

Do Nike shoes run true to size?

There is no single fit verdict that applies to every Nike shoe. Nike advises using the style-specific Size Guide and considering what the shoe is designed to do. The same size can feel different across models because their designs and intended activities differ. Nike gives soccer cleats and the Air Force 1 as an example: cleats are designed to fit true to size, but serve a different purpose and are likely to feel different on foot from a lifestyle shoe.

When comparing models, check the product-specific size guidance, available widths, and the upper and toe-box design. Then assess how the heel, toe box, and arch feel while moving as you would in the shoe’s intended activity.

Rank #2
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 12
  • Mesh on upper adds breathability.
  • Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
  • Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
  • Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
  • HM9594-004

When to choose a wide or extra-wide Nike shoe

Nike’s men’s and women’s charts describe wide shoes as having about 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) more toe-box girth than regular-width shoes, and extra-wide shoes as having about 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) more girth than regular-width shoes. These are chart descriptions, not a guarantee that every model will feel a particular way. Check whether the style is offered in the width you need, and judge the fit on foot.

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How to check the fit before deciding

Try the shoe while mimicking the movement it is meant for—for example, walk or move as you would during its intended activity. Nike identifies these as signs the fit may be wrong:

Rank #3
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 10
  • Mesh on upper adds breathability.
  • Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
  • Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
  • Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
  • HM9594-004
  • Pinching in the toe box
  • Irritation around the heel or ankle
  • The arch not sitting in the right place
  • The heel slipping

Evaluate those points along with the product’s size recommendation and available width. A comfortable fit in one Nike model does not guarantee the same feel in another.

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Sources and chart availability

Nike’s live size charts and measuring guidance provide the instructions above, but the pages do not state a publication date for these sizing details. Charts and product availability can vary by market and style, so use the guide linked from the exact shoe’s product page.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nike Men's Run Swift 3 Road Running Shoes, White/Black-Summit White-Glacier Blue, 10.5
Nike Men's Run Swift 3 Road Running Shoes, White/Black-Summit White-Glacier Blue, 10.5
Mesh on upper adds breathability.; Flywire cables provide a supportive feel when you tighten the laces.
$85.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 12
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 12
Mesh on upper adds breathability.; Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.; Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
Bestseller No. 3
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 10
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/White, 10
Mesh on upper adds breathability.; Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.; Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/Cool Grey-University Red-White, 11
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/Cool Grey-University Red-White, 11
Mesh on upper adds breathability.; Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.; Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
$48.75
Bestseller No. 5
Nike Men's Revolution 8 Road Running Shoes, Black/Anthracite, 9.5
Nike Men's Revolution 8 Road Running Shoes, Black/Anthracite, 9.5
The mesh upper offers a comfortable, breathable feel.; The foam midsole delivers intuitive cushioning through comfort-focused rocker geometry.
$75.00
Best Value
Nike Men's Revolution 8 Road Running Shoes, Black/Anthracite, 9.5
  • The mesh upper offers a comfortable, breathable feel.
  • The foam midsole delivers intuitive cushioning through comfort-focused rocker geometry.
  • The outsole has an intuitive Nike design and flex grooves in the forefoot that create a comfortable and cushioned effect as you run.
  • Touch points at the heel and tongue create a natural feel as you take the shoes on and off.
  • HJ9198-002
Rank #4
Sale
Nike Men's Run Defy Road Running Shoes, Black/Cool Grey-University Red-White, 11
  • Mesh on upper adds breathability.
  • Foam midsole delivers a soft ride.
  • Flex grooves create a cushioned effect for your run.
  • Waffle outsole is a made of a durable, flexible material that helps keep you on the move.
  • HM9594-001

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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