Choosing the right Vans size can be tricky. That’s why many people ask, “Do Vans run big or small?”
But don’t worry, we’ve figured it out.
In general, Vans run true to size, but the fit can vary by model. Slip-Ons can feel tighter, especially if you have wide feet. Contrarily, UltraRange models feel roomier.
But what about Vans sizing when it comes to women and kids? Here, we’re explaining everything with sizing charts. Plus, you’ll learn five proven tips to get the right fit every time.
Stay tuned.
Key Takeaways
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Vans generally fit true to size, but it depends on the model.
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Slip-Ons can feel tighter due to their elastic sides.
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Old Skool and Authentic fit snug at first but stretch over time.
-
UltraRange models run roomier with extra cushioning.
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High-tops like the Sk8-Hi have more ankle padding and can feel tighter.
-
Vans often fit smaller than Nike but tighter than Converse.
-
Going up half a size can help if you have wider feet.
Do Vans Run Big or Small? (Explained)

Vans generally fit true to size, but it depends on the style. Classics like the Old Skool and Authentic can feel a bit snug at first, but stretch over time. If you have wide feet, you should go half a size up. It’s always smart to try them on or check the size guide before buying.
We’ve worn a lot of different Vans over the years, and here’s what we’ve noticed. The classics like the Old Skool, Authentic, and Era tend to fit snug when they’re new. The canvas can feel stiff at first, which means they might pinch a bit, but they loosen up as the material breaks in. That snug fit eventually becomes a comfortable, custom feel.
Slip-Ons are a bit different. Without laces to adjust, they rely on those tight elastic side panels to keep your foot in place. This can make them feel tighter, especially if you have wide feet.
High-top Vans like the Sk8-Hi fit differently, too. They have more padding around the ankle, which can feel tighter, especially if you wear thicker socks. But once broken in, they’re some of the most supportive Vans out there.
If you want a roomier feel right from the start, consider the UltraRange. They’re a bit more cushioned and have a more flexible upper.
How to Get the Right Vans Sizing?
If you want your Vans shoes to fit perfectly, we suggest you measure your feet length and then compare the reading with the charts we are now providing.
To measure your feet, follow these steps:
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Find a hard, flat surface: Place a piece of paper against the wall.
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Stand with your heel against the wall: Keep your foot flat on the paper.
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Mark the tip of your longest toe: Use a pencil for accuracy.
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Measure the distance: Use a ruler to measure from the wall to the mark.
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Repeat for the other foot: Feet can vary in size, so measure both.
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Check the size chart: Use the larger measurement to find your shoe size.
Men and Women Vans Sizing Chart
Foot Length (cm) |
UK |
EU |
US Men |
US Women |
21.5 |
2.5 |
34.5 |
3.5 |
5 |
22 |
3 |
35 |
4 |
5.5 |
22.5 |
3.5 |
36 |
4.5 |
6 |
23 |
4 |
36.5 |
5 |
6.5 |
23.5 |
4.5 |
37 |
5.5 |
7 |
24 |
5 |
38 |
6 |
7.5 |
24.5 |
5.5 |
38.5 |
6.5 |
8 |
25 |
6 |
39 |
7 |
8.5 |
25.5 |
6.5 |
40 |
7.5 |
9 |
26 |
7 |
40.5 |
8 |
9.5 |
26.5 |
7.5 |
41 |
8.5 |
10 |
27 |
8 |
42 |
9 |
10.5 |
27.5 |
8.5 |
42.5 |
9.5 |
11 |
28 |
9 |
43 |
10 |
11.5 |
28.5 |
9.5 |
44 |
10.5 |
12 |
29 |
10 |
44.5 |
11 |
12.5 |
29.5 |
10.5 |
45 |
11.5 |
13 |
30 |
11 |
46 |
12 |
13.5 |
31 |
12 |
47 |
13 |
14 |
32 |
13 |
48 |
14 |
14.5 |
33 |
14 |
49 |
15 |
15 |
34 |
15 |
50 |
16 |
15.5 |
Kids' Shoes
Foot Length (cm) |
UK |
EU |
US |
16.5 |
10 |
27 |
10.5 |
16.5 |
10.5 |
27.5 |
11 |
17 |
11 |
28 |
11.5 |
17.5 |
11.5 |
29 |
12 |
18 |
12 |
30 |
12.5 |
18.5 |
12.5 |
30.5 |
13 |
18.5 |
13 |
31 |
13.5 |
19 |
13.5 |
31.5 |
1 |
19.5 |
1 |
32 |
1.5 |
20 |
1.5 |
32.5 |
2 |
20.5 |
2 |
33 |
2.5 |
21 |
2.5 |
34 |
3 |
22 |
3 |
35 |
4 |
22.5 |
3.5 |
36 |
4.5 |
23 |
4 |
36.5 |
5 |
23.5 |
4.5 |
37 |
5.5 |
24 |
5 |
38 |
6 |
24.5 |
5.5 |
38.5 |
6.5 |
25 |
6 |
39 |
7 |
Toddlers' Shoes
Foot Length (cm) |
UK |
EU |
US |
9 |
1.5 |
17 |
2 |
9.5 |
2 |
17.5 |
2.5 |
10 |
2.5 |
18 |
3 |
10.5 |
3 |
18.5 |
3.5 |
10.5 |
3.5 |
19 |
4 |
11 |
4 |
20 |
4.5 |
11.5 |
4.5 |
21 |
5 |
12 |
5 |
21.5 |
5.5 |
12 |
5.5 |
22 |
6 |
12.5 |
6 |
22.5 |
6.5 |
13 |
6.5 |
23.5 |
7 |
13.5 |
7 |
24 |
7.5 |
14 |
7.5 |
24.5 |
8 |
14.5 |
8 |
25 |
8.5 |
15 |
8.5 |
25.5 |
9 |
15.5 |
9 |
26 |
9.5 |
16 |
9.5 |
26.5 |
10 |
Infants' Shoes
Foot Length (cm) |
Age |
UK |
EU |
US |
8.5 |
1.5 months |
0.5 |
16 |
1 |
9 |
1.5 - 3 months |
1.5 |
17 |
2 |
10 |
3 - 6 months |
2.5 |
18 |
3 |
10.5 |
6 - 9 months |
3.5 |
19 |
4 |
Youth Shoes
Foot Length (cm) |
UK |
EU |
US |
21.5 |
2.5 |
34.5 |
3.5 |
22 |
3 |
35 |
4 |
22.5 |
3.5 |
36 |
4.5 |
23 |
4 |
36.5 |
5 |
23.5 |
4.5 |
37 |
5.5 |
24 |
5 |
38 |
6 |
24.5 |
5.5 |
38.5 |
6.5 |
25 |
6 |
39 |
7 |
Do Vans Slip-Ons Run Big or Small?
Here’s the deal: Vans Slip-Ons usually fit true to size, but they can feel tight at first. Without laces to adjust, the elastic sides keep your foot locked in.
We’ve broken in a lot of pairs over the years. In our opinion, these shoes feel a bit uncomfortable until the canvas stretches out.
And here’s a tip we’ve picked up – if you’re trying to break them in faster, wear them with thick socks around the house for a few hours. It helps stretch the canvas a bit more quickly.
Do Vans Run Big or Small for Women?
Women’s Vans usually fit true to size, but it can depend on the style. We’ve tried a lot of different models, and the Old Skool, Authentic, and Era tend to fit snug at first. The canvas can feel a bit stiff, but it softens up with time.
If you have narrow feet, this can work in your favor. But if you’ve got wider feet, you might want to go up half a size for a more relaxed fit.
Slip-Ons can feel even tighter. They don’t have laces, so there’s no way to loosen them up if they’re a bit snug out of the box. We’ve found that these break in nicely after a few wears, but if you like a looser fit from the start, sizing up is a good idea.
The UltraRange models are different. They have a roomier fit and more cushioning, which makes them a great option if you’re on your feet all day. They’re also a good choice if you’re used to more cushioned, athletic-style shoes.
Do Vans Run Big or Small for Kids?
Kids’ Vans generally fit true to size. The classic styles like the Old Skool, Authentic, and Era tend to fit snug out of the box. That’s great for stability, but it can be a bit tight if your kid has wider feet. They usually break in over time, but they might be a bit stiff at first.
High-tops like the Sk8-Hi fit differently. They have more padding around the ankle, which means they can feel tighter, especially if your kid likes to wear thicker socks.
Slip-Ons for kids are also known to be a bit snug. Without laces, they rely on the elastic sides for a secure fit, which can be tricky until they stretch out.
If you’re buying for a fast-growing kid, going up half a size can make them last a bit longer.
Do Vans Run Big or Small Compared to Converse?
Vans usually run a bit smaller than Converse, but it depends on the style. Converse shoes, especially the classic Chuck Taylor All Stars, have a roomier fit. They’re known for their longer, narrower shape, which can make them feel bigger if you’re used to Vans.
We’ve found that if you wear a size 9 in Converse, you will need a 9.5 in Vans for a similar fit. Vans shoes, like the Old Skool, Authentic, and Slip-Ons, fit more snugly right out of the box. They have a more structured design with thicker soles and less stretch, so they can feel tighter at first.
Do Vans Run Smaller Than Nike?
Yes, Vans generally run smaller than Nike. Nike shoes tend to have a more generous fit with a wider toe box and softer, more flexible materials. For example, if you wear a size 10 in Nike, you might need a 10.5 in Vans for a similar fit.
Vans shoes are known for their snug, low-profile design. They don’t have as much arch support or padding as most Nike sneakers, which can make them feel tighter, especially if you have wider feet. We’ve found that Vans also tend to be a bit stiffer right out of the box, while Nike shoes usually have more give from the start.
If you’re making the switch from Nike to Vans, it’s a good idea to size up, especially if you plan to wear thicker socks.
Vans Sizing Tips for the Best Fit
Here are some quick tips to help you find your ideal Vans size:
Sizing Tip |
Why It Helps |
Measure your feet at the end of the day |
Your feet are slightly larger in the evening |
Consider going up half a size for wide feet |
Vans can be narrow, especially Slip-Ons |
Break them in at home |
Canvas softens up over time |
Wear the socks you plan to use |
It affects the overall fit |
Check reviews for specific models |
Some Vans styles fit differently |
Vans Sizing vs Others: A Comparison
Now, let’s do Vans vs others in terms of fitting.
Shoe Brand/Model |
Sizing |
Vans |
Run Small |
True to Size |
|
Run Small |
|
Run Big |
|
Run Big |
|
Run Big |
|
Run Small |
|
Run Big |
|
True to Size |
|
Run Big |
|
Run Small |
|
Run Big |
|
Run Small |
|
Run Big |
|
True to Size |
Final Words
Here’s a recap:
-
Vans generally run true to size, but some models fit tighter.
-
Slip-Ons can be snug without laces to adjust.
-
High-top models offer more support but can feel tighter around the ankle.
-
UltraRange models are a good choice if you want more room and cushioning.
-
Going up half a size can help if you have wide feet or want a roomier fit.
With the right size, you’ll get the most out of your Vans. Happy shopping!