Vans Sizing Guide: Do Vans Run Big, Small or True to Size?

Most Vans run true to size. Order the US size you wear in other sneakers, and expect a snug first wear in canvas pairs, because the upper loosens more in width than in length. The styles worth a second thought are the Sk8-Hi, which can feel narrow, and the Slip-On, which can feel tight and where advice is mixed.

Below is the model-by-model breakdown for the Old Skool, Authentic, Era, Sk8-Hi and Slip-On, followed by how Vans compare to Nike and Adidas, and a size chart. One thing up front: Vans has its own US, UK and EU labels and is not in our brand data, so the chart here is the standard one, and you should check the size table on the product page before you buy.

The quick answer by model

• Old Skool: true to size. If your feet are wide, go up half or a full size, or look for wide sizing.
• Authentic: true to size.
• Era: true to size, although it can be slightly narrow.
• Sk8-Hi: true to size in length, but it can run narrow, and wider feet may want half a size up.
• Slip-On: generally true to size, but it can feel tighter than the others.

Why canvas Vans feel snug at first

Skate shoes are made to hold close to the foot and to be flat and board-friendly, so the fit starts firm. The canvas uppers are stiff when new and the sides soften within a few wears. This is why most people stay at true size even when the first try-on feels close. Suede and leather panels, which show up on the Old Skool and the Sk8-Hi, relax more slowly than the canvas.

Width runs medium in general. Vans can feel narrower than some other sneaker brands, so people with wide feet tend to notice it before anyone else. That is the main reason you will see "go up half a size" advice, and in those cases the longer shoe buys you width at a small cost to the heel.

Model-by-model fit

Old Skool

The Old Skool is the one most people picture. It runs true to size and fits snugly and comfortably, with a slightly wider upper toe box than the other low-tops. If you have wide feet, it is reasonable to go up half a size or even a full size, or to look for wide sizing where it exists. Start with the half size, since a full size up can produce a loose heel.

Authentic

The Authentic is the simplest Vans shoe: low canvas, no padding, a plain toe cap. It runs true to size, and most buyers wear their regular size. Because the upper is thin, it stretches readily, which is one more reason not to size up unless the width is a real problem. Some premium versions have a little more room in the toe box for slightly wider feet.

Era

The Era is a padded-collar low-top with a lightweight feel. It runs true to size and can be slightly narrow, but true size is usually fine for most people. If you have wide feet, try it on first.

Sk8-Hi

The Sk8-Hi adds a high top and a padded ankle. Length is true to size, but the shoe can fit narrow, especially for wider feet, and the high top adds a feeling of containment around the ankle. Half a size up helps if you notice pressure at the sides of the toes or across the forefoot. You should lace the ankle snugly but not so tight that it limits circulation.

Slip-On

The Slip-On has no laces, so the fit comes entirely from the shape of the upper and the elastic. It generally runs true to size, but it can feel tighter than other Vans. Advice is split on how to size it relative to other brands. Some people suggest half a size up if you usually wear Converse Chuck Taylors, while others advise half a size down in the same comparison. We think the safest route is to buy true size, try them with the socks you plan to wear, and return them if the heel slips or the forefoot pinches. If you wear a true size in a running shoe such as an Adidas Ultraboost, the same size is usually fine in a Slip-On.

Vans vs Nike and Adidas

Vans labels can differ from Nike's. Sources comparing the two report that Nike sneakers run about half an EU size larger than Vans, so a men's US 9 is roughly EU 42.5 at Nike and EU 42 at Vans. For this reason, use the US size when you convert, and treat the EU number as a label rather than a measurement. The conversion chart can help with other brands.

• If you wear Nike Dunks: true to size in Vans. See the Dunk guide.
• If you wear Air Force 1s: those run half a size big, so go up half a size from your AF1 size in Vans. The Air Force 1 guide explains why.
• If you wear Adidas Sambas: the Samba is narrow, so your usual Vans size should be comfortable, though the Samba is the narrower of the two shapes.

Length, width and volume

Length

Length is reliable across the range. Leave about a thumb's width in front of the longest toe once you stand. Canvas will not lengthen much, so you will not stretch your way out of a pair that is too short.

Width

Medium, with a tendency to feel narrow in high-tops. Slightly wide feet usually settle in. Genuinely wide feet should size up by half or look for wide sizing.

Volume

Vans are low-volume shoes with thin insoles. Thick socks or aftermarket insoles can use up that space fast, so if you swap in a cushioned insole, plan on half a size up.

Men's and women's sizing

Most Vans are unisex, though some styles are labeled by gender, so read the product page. If a pair is listed in men's sizes and you buy as a woman, add 1.5 to the men's number to get the women's: a men's 7 is a women's 8.5. Our men's to women's guide has the full conversion.

Size chart (standard, used here for Vans)

Vans is not in our brand data, so the charts below use the standard chart. Foot length is the real foot length for that US size. CM (JP) is the box label on a standard chart. Your Vans may print slightly different UK and EU labels, so go by the US size and the foot length.

For a quick check against another brand, use the brand size comparison or the shoe size calculator.

How to measure and decide

Measure your longer foot in the evening and match it to the Foot length column. A 26.2 cm foot is a men's US 9, and a 27.1 cm foot is a US 10. Then think about width. If you have to squeeze into other low-profile sneakers, plan on half a size up in the Sk8-Hi and Old Skool. Our foot measurement guide shows you how.

Break-in and how canvas changes

Expect the first few wears to be the firmest. Canvas flexes across the ball of the foot and softens along the sides, so a pair that feels a little close at first generally relaxes. Suede and leather panels loosen more slowly. What does not change is length, and the heel counter holds its shape, so a pair with a slipping heel when new will not tighten up on its own.

A simple test: stand up, lace the shoes, and push your toes forward. If your toes hit the end, the pair is too short. If the sides of your foot feel snug but your toes are free, that is the part that will relax.

Choosing between a half size up and true size

This is the decision most Vans buyers face, so a few cues help.

• Go true size if your toes have room, your heel is secure, and the only complaint is general snugness in the canvas.
• Go half a size up if you feel pressure at the little toe, if the Sk8-Hi's sides press your forefoot, or if you plan to wear thick socks.
• Do not go a full size up unless you have very wide feet and the half size already failed. The heel will start to slip.

Shopping for Vans online

Check whether the listing is unisex or gender-specific, because many Vans carry a men's size on the box even when they are sold to everyone. Keep your return window in mind and wear the shoes indoors first. If the retailer is a brand store, compare the size on the page with the measurement you took. For a broader primer on getting sneaker fit right, see how sneakers should fit.

Final recommendation

Buy your usual size. Go up half a size for wide feet, particularly in the Sk8-Hi and Old Skool, and for thick socks or insoles. Try the Slip-On with the exact socks you plan to wear, and do not buy a pair that is short, because canvas stretches in width, not length.