After trying all types of Vans shoes my conclusion about Vans sizing is this: Although I ordered my normal sizing, the fit was a bit tighter than I’m typically used to. Overall, I do not recommend sizing up, but it was close. If you prefer a looser fit, or are between sizes, sizing up a half size may be best. I’d recommend using this Vans.com sizing tutorial to help you find the proper size:
***UPDATE: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view it at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
I took side-by-side comparison sizing photos of my Vans shoes compared to other popular brands so that you can judge Vans shoe sizing for yourself. To navigate this page you can simply keep scrolling or you can choose your specific type of Vans shoe below to jump ahead to that section:
- Vans Authentic Sizing
- Vans Old Skool Sizing
- Vans Sk8 Sizing
- Vans Slip On Sizing
- Vans Era Sizing
- Vans UltraRange Sizing
- Vans EVDNT UltimateWaffle Sizing
The width of Vans shoes is regular (meaning it isn’t too narrow or too wide). However, the toe box area of classic Vans shoes is shallow compared to most types of normal athletic shoes. For example, here is a photo of my Vans Authentic toe box compared to a Nike Air Max toe box:
This shallow toe box can create a snug fit, especially for those with wide feet.
Many types of Vans shoes are available in wide sizing. To order wide Vans shoes, you actually need to go to the Vans “Wides” page. Click here to view the Vans wides available at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
In this article I will use direct side-by-side comparison photos to help illustrate Vans sizing compared to other popular shoe brands. I will also discuss the width and toe-box depth of Vans shoe sizing in more detail.
Vans Old Skool Sizing
When I compared Vans Old Skool sizing to the sizing of over 20 other types of popular shoes, I found that Vans Old Skool sizing has a snug design. Still, most people order their normal sizing for Vans Old Skool (but don’t expect a loose fit).
Not only did I find Vans Old Skool to run a little bit shorter regarding length, Vans Old Skool (like most types of Vans) has a shallow toe box area. Here is the toe box of my Vans Old Skool compared to the toe box of Nike Air Force 1:
Despite this snug design, my Vans Old Skool sizing advice is to order your normal shoe sizing unless you prefer a looser fit or need extra space near the toe box. You should also use the Vans.com sizing resource linked below which matches your foot size to a proper shoe size:
***Verify Your Size: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans sizing guide available at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
Vans Old Skool Sizing Photos for Men
Vans Old Skool vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Vans Old Skool vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Vans Old Skool vs Crocs Sizing
Vans Old Skool vs Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
Vans Old Skool vs Converse Pro Leather Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Old Skool shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Old Skool sizing photos for men.
Vans Old Skool Sizing Photos for Women
Women’s Vans Old Skool vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans Old Skool vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Women’s Vans Old Skool vs Nike Air Max 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans Old Skool vs Crocs Sizing
Women’s Vans Old Skool vs Reebok Club C Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Old Skool shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Old Skool sizing photos for women.
Vans Authentic Sizing
Vans Authentic fits true to size. This is different than other types of classic Vans (other classic types of Vans fit snug regarding length). Why are these shoes different?
Vans Authentic shoes don’t have padding around the collar like the Vans Era, Vans Sk8, Vans Slip-On, and Vans Old Skool shoes. This creates more space inside the shoe, and a more true-to-size length.
Here is a look at the Vans Authentic collar on my shoes:
Still, like other types of Vans, the Vans Authentic does have a shallow toe box, so if you need extra space around your toes, you may need to adjust sizing. Here is a look at the toe box of my Vans Authentic compared to Nike Air Force 1:
I ordered my normal sizing for Vans Authentic shoes and thought they fit comfortably. However, I would advise you to use the Vans.com sizing resource linked below which matches your foot size to a proper shoe size:
***Verify Your Size: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans sizing guide available at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
Vans Authentic Sizing Photos for Men
Vans Authentic vs Converse Pro Leather Sizing
Vans Authentic vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Vans Authentic vs Crocs Sizing
Vans Authentic vs Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
Vans Authentic vs Etnies Marana Michelin Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Authentic shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Authentic sizing photos for men.
Vans Authentic Sizing Photos for Women
Women’s Vans Authentic vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans Authentic vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Women’s Vans Authentic vs Nike Air Max 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans Authentic vs Nike SB Force 58 Sizing
Women’s Vans Authentic vs Reebok Club C Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Authentic shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Authentic sizing photos for women.
Vans Slip-On Sizing
When I compared Vans Slip-On sizing to other types of popular shoes, I found that Vans Slip-On sizing has a snug design. Still, most people order their normal sizing for Vans Slip-On (but don’t expect a loose fit).
This snug design is common in skate shoes to provide a secure fit, and this snug design is also common in slip-on shoes to provide a secure fit. And when I compared Vans Slip-On shoes to other slip-on shoes, I found the sizing to be similar. Still, the sizing was snug compared to normal shoe sizing.
Not only did I find Vans Slip-On shoes to run a little bit shorter regarding length, Vans Slip-On (like most types of Vans) has a shallow toe box area. This shallow toe box helps create a secure fit.
Here is the toe box of my Vans Slip-On compared to the toe box of Nike Air Max:
Despite this snug design, my Vans Slip-On sizing advice is to order your normal shoe sizing unless you prefer a looser fit or need extra space near the toe box. You should also use the Vans.com sizing resource linked below which matches your foot size to a proper shoe size:
***Verify Your Size: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans sizing guide available at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
Vans Slip-On Sizing Photos for Men
Vans Slip-On vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Vans Slip-On vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Vans Slip-On vs Crocs Sizing
Vans Slip-On vs Nike Blazer Sizing
Vans Slip-On vs Hey Dude Wally Sox Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Slip-On shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Slip-On sizing photos for men.
Vans Slip-On Sizing Photos for Women
Women’s Vans Slip-On vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans Slip-On vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Women’s Vans Slip-On vs Crocs Sizing
Women’s Vans Slip-On vs Reebok Club C Sizing
Women’s Vans Slip-On vs Birkenstock Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Slip-On shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Slip-On sizing photos for women.
Vans Sk8-Hi Sizing
When I compared Vans Sk8-Hi sizing to the sizing of other types of popular shoes, I found that Vans Sk8-Hi sizing has a snug design that runs just a *tiny* bit smaller than normal shoe sizing. Still, most people order their normal sizing for Vans Sk8-Hi (but don’t expect a loose fit).
This snug design is common in skate shoes to provide a secure fit.
Not only did I find Vans Sk8-Hi to run a little bit shorter regarding length, Vans Sk8-Hi (like most types of Vans) has a shallow toe box area. This shallow toe box helps create a secure fit.
Here is the toe box of my Vans Sk8-Hi compared to the toe box of Nike Air Max:
Despite this snug design, my Vans Sk8-Hi sizing advice is to order your normal shoe sizing unless you prefer a looser fit or need extra space near the toe box. You should also use the Vans.com sizing resource linked below which matches your foot size to a proper shoe size:
***Verify Your Size: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans sizing guide available at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
Vans Sk8-Hi Sizing Photos for Men
Vans Sk8-Hi vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Vans Sk8-Hi vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Vans Sk8-Hi vs Crocs Sizing
Vans Sk8-Hi vs Etnies Sizing
Vans Sk8-Hi vs Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Sk8-Hi shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Slip-On sizing photos for men.
Vans Sk8-Hi Sizing Photos for Women
Women’s Vans Sk8-Hi vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans Sk8-Hi vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Women’s Vans Sk8-Hi vs Nike SB Force 58 Sizing
Women’s Vans Sk8-Hi vs Reebok Club C Sizing
Women’s Vans Sk8-Hi vs Nike Air Max 1 Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans Sk8-Hi shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans Sk8-Hi sizing photos for women.
Vans UltraRange EXO Sizing
Vans UltraRange EXO fits true to size.
The Vans UltraRange EXO is modern type of Vans and has a more regular fit. I found it to fit true to size compared to other types of athletic shoes. This means it fits a little bit longer than other types of classic Vans shoes that have a more snug design.
For example, here is my Vans UltraRange EXO compared to Vans Old Skool sizing:
And here is my Vans UltraRange EXO compared to Vans Slip-On sizing:
I ordered my normal sizing for Vans UltraRange EXO shoes and thought they fit comfortably. However, I would advise you to use the Vans.com sizing resource linked below which matches your foot size to a proper shoe size:
***Verify Your Size: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans sizing guide available at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
Vans UltraRange EXO Sizing Photos for Men
Vans UltraRange EXO vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Vans UltraRange EXO vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Vans UltraRange EXO vs Crocs Sizing
Vans UltraRange EXO vs Nike Blazer Sizing
Vans UltraRange EXO vs New Balance 237 Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans UltraRange EXO shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans UltraRange EXO sizing photos for men.
Vans UltraRange EXO Sizing Photos for Women
Women’s Vans UltraRange EXO vs Air Jordan 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans UltraRange EXO vs Nike Dunk Sizing
Women’s Vans UltraRange EXO vs Nike Air Max 1 Sizing
Women’s Vans UltraRange EXO vs Vans Old Skool Sizing
Women’s Vans UltraRange EXO vs Crocs Sizing
***I took over 20 Vans sizing photos for these Vans UltraRange EXO shoes. Click here to view the rest of my Vans UltraRange EXO sizing photos for women.
Are Vans Wide Fit or Narrow?
In general, Vans shoes have a regular width that isn’t too wide or too narrow. There are, however, a couple things to unpack when discussing the width of Vans shoes.
First of all, yes, Vans does offer certain styles in wide sizing, but you need to visit the “Wides” page at Vans.com. This is where you can view all the wide Vans Old Skool shoes offered at Vans.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
In my experience, the more modern types of Vans shoes (UltraRange EXO, EVDNT, etc) have a regular width. However, classic types of Vans shoes (Authentic, Sk8, Old Skool, Slip-On, Era) are a bit different.
These classic types of Vans shoes have a shallow toe box that isn’t as deep as most types of shoes, and might be an issue if you need a roomy toe box. It is important to remember that these classic Vans shoes were designed to be a performance skate shoes, and the snug design provides a secure fit for skaters.
If you need a roomy toe box, it would probably be best to size up or order wide sizing. Let’s discuss width in more detail next, but for a deeper dive, visit my article that discusses the width of Vans shoes.
Vans Sizing Toe Box Depth
Here is the toe box depth of the Vans Authentic compared to Nike Air Max (Vans Authentic on the left):
As you can see, there is a noticeable difference in the depth of those toe boxes. And here is the toe box depth of Vans Old Skool compared to Nike Air Force 1:
And here is the toe box depth of Vans Authentic compared to Air Jordan 1:
And here is the toe box depth of Vans Slip-On compared to Crocs:
I think you get the point without me posting every comparison toe box photo. If you want to see more, click the links below to see more toe box information for that specific shoe:
The main takeaway is expect the classic types of Vans shoes to have a shallow toe box compared to normal shoe sizing. However, when we start comparing the toe box of these shoes to the toe box depth of other skate shoes, we see a more similar fit.
For example, here is the Vans Old Skool toe box compared to Nike SB Blazer:
And here is the Vans Old Skool toe box compared to Nike SB Chron 2:
And here is the Vans Authentic toe box compared to Adidas Gazelle:
The snug toe box is very common in skate shoes to help create a secure, dependable fit. If you need more space in the toe box, it would be best to size up or order wide sizing. I would suggest using the Vans.com sizing resource linked in the next paragraph to help verify your correct sizing:
***Verify Your Sizing: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans shoe sizing guide available at Vans.com to verify your correct size (affiliate link takes you to Vans.com).
Vans Sizing Forefoot Width
A second thing that needs to be unpacked when discussing the width of Vans shoes is the width of the forefoot area near the ball of your feet. This area in Vans actually has a more regular width that is comparable to normal shoe sizing width (and wider than some other skate shoes).
For example, you can see below how this area is wider on the Vans Old Skool than the Nike SB Blazer:
And here is the Vans Authentic width:
And here is the Vans Sk8-Hi width:
Although the design of Vans classic shoes is snug compared to normal shoe sizing, this snug design is very typical in skate shoes (because as we discussed above, these types of performance shoes need a secure fit). When you compare Vans to many other popular skate brands, the sizing is very similar.
For example, here is Vans Old Skool sizing and width compared to Etnies:
The main takeaway is expect the sizing of Vans classic types of shoes to have a snug fit, with a shallow toe box (but the forefoot area near the ball of your feet has a more regular width). If you have wide feet, it would be best to order wide sizing.
For more sizing comparison, visit the articles linked below:
Vans Sizing Conclusion
Do Vans Run Big or Small?
Classic types of Vans shoes run just a little bit smaller than normal shoe sizing regarding length. The lone exception is the Vans Authentic, which has a true-to-size length.
Modern types of Vans shoes (like Vans UltraRange EXO and Vans EVDNT) have a more regular fit.
Should You Order Normal Sizing for Vans?
My advice is to order your normal shoe sizing for Vans. Most people stick to normal sizing and are satisfied with how Vans fit.
Just remember, as we have discussed throughout, certain types of classic Vans have a snug design with a shallow toe box. If you need a roomier toe box, you may need to size up or order wide sizing. This is where you can read more about the depth of the toe box.
Should Vans Fit Tight or Loose?
Vans shoes were designed to be performance skate shoes, and because of that, they are intended to have a snug, secure design that provides a reliable fit. Do not expect Vans to have a loose fit compared to normal shoe sizing.
Most people stick with their normal shoe sizing when buying Vans, but if you prefer a loose fit, it would be best to size up or order wide Vans shoe sizing.
***Verify Your Sizing: Vans.com now has its own sizing tutorial which matches your foot size to a Vans shoe size. Click here to view this Vans sizing guide available at Vans.com to verify your correct size