Do Adidas Run Big or Small? We Tried Them to Find the Answer

Let’s be honest: buying Adidas shoes online is risky. You think you know your size, but when they show up, they pinch your toes. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why so many people are searching: Do Adidas run big or small?

Here’s the straight-up answer:

Adidas shoes mostly run true to size, but many styles feel a bit tight or narrow. If your feet are wide or you're between sizes, sizing up half is usually the safer move. But it really depends on the model, and that’s where things get tricky.

We’ve tested over 12 Adidas shoes ourselves and compared them to other brands like Nike, New Balance, and Converse. You’ll get real opinions, tips, and even a model-by-model guide.

So, stay tuned!

Key Takeaways

• Most Adidas shoes run true to size, but many styles feel snug.

• If you have wide feet, it’s best to go up half a size.

• Adidas Sambas and Gazelles definitely run small and tight.

• Adidas Predators fit true to size but can feel tight at first.

• Compared to Nike and New Balance, Adidas feels slightly smaller.

• Adidas vs Converse is the biggest difference — Converse runs big.

• For kids, Adidas shoes often run small and need to be sized up.

• Always try new pairs indoors first in case you need to exchange.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small? (Know the Details)

Adidas shoes mostly run true to size, but some styles feel a bit narrow or tight. A few models, like the Ultraboost and Gazelle, can feel small, especially if you have wide feet. That’s why always check the specific model because sizing does vary a little.

Adidas Sizing Table

From our testing, Adidas shoes usually run true to size, but not always. What we noticed is that most pairs feel snug at first, especially in the toe area. When we tried the Ultraboost and NMD in our usual size, they felt tight out of the box. After a few wears, they stretched a bit, but still not roomy.

One time, we wore a brand-new pair of Gazelles on a weekend trip and regretted not going half a size up. We had to stop and buy blister pads. That was rough.

In our opinion, Adidas builds their shoes more for a narrow-foot shape. So if your feet are wide or in between sizes, it’s safer to size up by half. We’ve done that for the last few Adidas pairs, and they felt way better.

Always check the return policy too. We now always try them on indoors first so we can swap sizes if needed.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Women’s?

Most Adidas women’s shoes run true to size, but many feel narrow or tight in the front. If you have wide feet, going up half a size is usually the better choice.

We’ve tried over 10 different Adidas models in women’s sizing. From our experience, most of them fit close to the foot, especially in the toe box. Models like the Ultraboost, Stan Smith, and NMD all felt tight in our usual size. After a day of walking, we felt the pinch.

One time, we wore a new pair of Stan Smiths to a music festival. They looked great, but by the end of the day, our toes were done. The next time, we went half a size up for the same shoe, and it was way more comfortable.

If your feet are narrow, you’ll probably be okay sticking to your regular size.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small for Kids?

Adidas kids' shoes usually run a little small. Most parents end up buying half a size or even a full size up. The shoes can feel tight fast, especially when the child has wider feet or is still growing quickly.

We’ve bought plenty of Adidas shoes for our kids, and here’s what always happens — they outgrow them too fast. Not just because they’re growing, but because Adidas shoes start off a bit tight. When we got our son a pair of Adidas Superstars, he was super excited, but they started feeling tight within a few weeks.

That’s when we realized Adidas kids' sizes run on the smaller side. We now always buy at least half a size up, and sometimes a full size depending on the model. For example, the kids’ version of the Ultraboost fit really snug, even though we followed the sizing chart.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Gazelle?

Adidas Gazelle shoes run small. Most people need to go up half a size for a better fit. The shoe has a narrow shape and a firm, flat sole, so it can feel tight, especially if you have wider feet.

We’ve worn a bunch of Gazelles over the years. Every time, the story is the same: they look amazing, but they feel tight. When we wore them in our usual size, we felt pressure in the front after just an hour.

So if you’re getting Gazelles, we highly suggest going half a size up. It makes them way more comfortable, especially if you plan to walk a lot.

Do Adidas Predators Run True to Size?

Adidas Predator football boots usually run true to size for most players. But if you have wide feet, going up half a size can feel better. They have a snug fit built for control, which might feel tight at first.

We’ve worn a few generations of Adidas Predators over the years, and the fit has always felt snug right out of the box.

The issue is, not all feet are the same. One of us has slightly wider feet, and the Predators felt a bit uncomfortable in our regular size. After trying half a size up, the fit felt a lot more natural without losing the locked-in feel.

Do Adidas Sambas Run Big or Small?

Adidas Sambas run small and feel narrow. Most people need to size up by half for a better fit. The classic design has a tight shape that feels snug in a regular size.

We’ve worn multiple pairs of Sambas over the years, and every time, we go up half a size. The regular fit always feels too tight, especially in the toe area. It’s a sleek shoe, made for a slim foot, so that tight feeling makes sense. However, it’s not always comfy.

One of us wore their regular size on a weekend trip and regretted it. Walking around all day in narrow shoes wasn’t fun. Ever since, we have always gone half a size up with Sambas.

Do Adidas Campus Run Big or Small?

Adidas Campus shoes usually run true to size, but they can feel tight if you have wide feet. The fit is snug at first and softens over time. If you’re between sizes or want more room, go half a size up.

The Campus model is made with suede, which softens and shapes to your foot. So if your feet are more narrow or average, you’ll probably be fine with your usual size.

But we always tell people that if you’re between sizes or plan to wear thicker socks, go half a size up.

Do Adidas Spezial Run Big or Small?

Adidas Spezial shoes run slightly small and feel narrow. Most people will be more comfortable going up half a size. The shape is slim, and the toe box is tight. If your feet are wide or you want extra comfort, sizing up is the better choice.

One of us wore their true size on a short city trip, thinking they’d be broken in by the end of the day. They weren’t. Now, we always go half a size bigger.

If your foot is narrow and you like a tight fit, you will be okay sticking to your size.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to Nike?

Adidas shoes usually run a bit smaller than Nike. If your Nike size feels just right, your Adidas pair might feel tight. Going up half a size in Adidas often gives a better fit, especially if your feet are wider or in between sizes.

Adidas vs Nike Sizing Table

If you’re wondering whether you should buy Nike or Adidas shoes, then good news. We’ve written a guide that will help you make a decision. Check out: Adidas vs Nike!

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to New Balance?

Adidas shoes usually run smaller than New Balance. New Balance shoes have a roomier fit, while Adidas feels tighter, especially in the toe area. Most people go up half a size when switching from New Balance to Adidas.

Adidas vs New Balance Sizing Table (for Men)

Adidas vs New Balance Women's Shoe Size Comparison

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to Vans?

Adidas and Vans have similar sizing, but Vans feel slightly roomier. Adidas shoes often have a tighter fit, especially around the midfoot. If you wear Vans comfortably, you might need to go up half a size in Adidas for a similar feel.

Adidas vs Vans Sizing Table (Men’s)

Adidas vs Vans Sizing Table (Women’s)

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to Converse?

Converse shoes usually run big, while Adidas runs small or true to size. Most people go down a size in Converse but need to size up in Adidas. If you wear a size 9 in Converse, you’ll likely wear a 9.5 or even 10 in Adidas.

Adidas vs Converse Sizing Table (Men’s)

Adidas vs Converse Sizing Table (Women’s)

Final Words

Finding the right size in Adidas can be a little tricky, but we’ve done the trial and error for you. Here’s the recap:

• Adidas shoes are mostly true to size, but can feel snug.

• Sizing up half usually helps, especially in narrow models.

• Models like Sambas, Gazelles, and Spezial run small.

• Adidas runs smaller than New Balance and Converse.

Happy shopping!

Let’s be honest: buying Adidas shoes online is risky. You think you know your size, but when they show up, they pinch your toes. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why so many people are searching: Do Adidas run big or small?

Here’s the straight-up answer:

Adidas shoes mostly run true to size, but many styles feel a bit tight or narrow. If your feet are wide or you're between sizes, sizing up half is usually the safer move. But it really depends on the model, and that’s where things get tricky.

We’ve tested over 12 Adidas shoes ourselves and compared them to other brands like Nike, New Balance, and Converse. You’ll get real opinions, tips, and even a model-by-model guide.

So, stay tuned!

Key Takeaways

• Most Adidas shoes run true to size, but many styles feel snug.

• If you have wide feet, it’s best to go up half a size.

• Adidas Sambas and Gazelles definitely run small and tight.

• Adidas Predators fit true to size but can feel tight at first.

• Compared to Nike and New Balance, Adidas feels slightly smaller.

• Adidas vs Converse is the biggest difference — Converse runs big.

• For kids, Adidas shoes often run small and need to be sized up.

• Always try new pairs indoors first in case you need to exchange.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small? (Know the Details)

Adidas shoes mostly run true to size, but some styles feel a bit narrow or tight. A few models, like the Ultraboost and Gazelle, can feel small, especially if you have wide feet. That’s why always check the specific model because sizing does vary a little.

Adidas Sizing Table

From our testing, Adidas shoes usually run true to size, but not always. What we noticed is that most pairs feel snug at first, especially in the toe area. When we tried the Ultraboost and NMD in our usual size, they felt tight out of the box. After a few wears, they stretched a bit, but still not roomy.

One time, we wore a brand-new pair of Gazelles on a weekend trip and regretted not going half a size up. We had to stop and buy blister pads. That was rough.

In our opinion, Adidas builds their shoes more for a narrow-foot shape. So if your feet are wide or in between sizes, it’s safer to size up by half. We’ve done that for the last few Adidas pairs, and they felt way better.

Always check the return policy too. We now always try them on indoors first so we can swap sizes if needed.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Women’s?

Most Adidas women’s shoes run true to size, but many feel narrow or tight in the front. If you have wide feet, going up half a size is usually the better choice.

We’ve tried over 10 different Adidas models in women’s sizing. From our experience, most of them fit close to the foot, especially in the toe box. Models like the Ultraboost, Stan Smith, and NMD all felt tight in our usual size. After a day of walking, we felt the pinch.

One time, we wore a new pair of Stan Smiths to a music festival. They looked great, but by the end of the day, our toes were done. The next time, we went half a size up for the same shoe, and it was way more comfortable.

If your feet are narrow, you’ll probably be okay sticking to your regular size.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small for Kids?

Adidas kids' shoes usually run a little small. Most parents end up buying half a size or even a full size up. The shoes can feel tight fast, especially when the child has wider feet or is still growing quickly.

We’ve bought plenty of Adidas shoes for our kids, and here’s what always happens — they outgrow them too fast. Not just because they’re growing, but because Adidas shoes start off a bit tight. When we got our son a pair of Adidas Superstars, he was super excited, but they started feeling tight within a few weeks.

That’s when we realized Adidas kids' sizes run on the smaller side. We now always buy at least half a size up, and sometimes a full size depending on the model. For example, the kids’ version of the Ultraboost fit really snug, even though we followed the sizing chart.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Gazelle?

Adidas Gazelle shoes run small. Most people need to go up half a size for a better fit. The shoe has a narrow shape and a firm, flat sole, so it can feel tight, especially if you have wider feet.

We’ve worn a bunch of Gazelles over the years. Every time, the story is the same: they look amazing, but they feel tight. When we wore them in our usual size, we felt pressure in the front after just an hour.

So if you’re getting Gazelles, we highly suggest going half a size up. It makes them way more comfortable, especially if you plan to walk a lot.

Do Adidas Predators Run True to Size?

Adidas Predator football boots usually run true to size for most players. But if you have wide feet, going up half a size can feel better. They have a snug fit built for control, which might feel tight at first.

We’ve worn a few generations of Adidas Predators over the years, and the fit has always felt snug right out of the box.

The issue is, not all feet are the same. One of us has slightly wider feet, and the Predators felt a bit uncomfortable in our regular size. After trying half a size up, the fit felt a lot more natural without losing the locked-in feel.

Do Adidas Sambas Run Big or Small?

Adidas Sambas run small and feel narrow. Most people need to size up by half for a better fit. The classic design has a tight shape that feels snug in a regular size.

We’ve worn multiple pairs of Sambas over the years, and every time, we go up half a size. The regular fit always feels too tight, especially in the toe area. It’s a sleek shoe, made for a slim foot, so that tight feeling makes sense. However, it’s not always comfy.

One of us wore their regular size on a weekend trip and regretted it. Walking around all day in narrow shoes wasn’t fun. Ever since, we have always gone half a size up with Sambas.

Do Adidas Campus Run Big or Small?

Adidas Campus shoes usually run true to size, but they can feel tight if you have wide feet. The fit is snug at first and softens over time. If you’re between sizes or want more room, go half a size up.

The Campus model is made with suede, which softens and shapes to your foot. So if your feet are more narrow or average, you’ll probably be fine with your usual size.

But we always tell people that if you’re between sizes or plan to wear thicker socks, go half a size up.

Do Adidas Spezial Run Big or Small?

Adidas Spezial shoes run slightly small and feel narrow. Most people will be more comfortable going up half a size. The shape is slim, and the toe box is tight. If your feet are wide or you want extra comfort, sizing up is the better choice.

One of us wore their true size on a short city trip, thinking they’d be broken in by the end of the day. They weren’t. Now, we always go half a size bigger.

If your foot is narrow and you like a tight fit, you will be okay sticking to your size.

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to Nike?

Adidas shoes usually run a bit smaller than Nike. If your Nike size feels just right, your Adidas pair might feel tight. Going up half a size in Adidas often gives a better fit, especially if your feet are wider or in between sizes.

Adidas vs Nike Sizing Table

If you’re wondering whether you should buy Nike or Adidas shoes, then good news. We’ve written a guide that will help you make a decision. Check out: Adidas vs Nike!

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to New Balance?

Adidas shoes usually run smaller than New Balance. New Balance shoes have a roomier fit, while Adidas feels tighter, especially in the toe area. Most people go up half a size when switching from New Balance to Adidas.

Adidas vs New Balance Sizing Table (for Men)

Adidas vs New Balance Women's Shoe Size Comparison

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to Vans?

Adidas and Vans have similar sizing, but Vans feel slightly roomier. Adidas shoes often have a tighter fit, especially around the midfoot. If you wear Vans comfortably, you might need to go up half a size in Adidas for a similar feel.

Adidas vs Vans Sizing Table (Men’s)

Adidas vs Vans Sizing Table (Women’s)

Do Adidas Run Big or Small Compared to Converse?

Converse shoes usually run big, while Adidas runs small or true to size. Most people go down a size in Converse but need to size up in Adidas. If you wear a size 9 in Converse, you’ll likely wear a 9.5 or even 10 in Adidas.

Adidas vs Converse Sizing Table (Men’s)

Adidas vs Converse Sizing Table (Women’s)

Final Words

Finding the right size in Adidas can be a little tricky, but we’ve done the trial and error for you. Here’s the recap:

• Adidas shoes are mostly true to size, but can feel snug.

• Sizing up half usually helps, especially in narrow models.

• Models like Sambas, Gazelles, and Spezial run small.

• Adidas runs smaller than New Balance and Converse.

Happy shopping!