I’ve worn enough Air Max pairs over the years to know one thing. The comfort is real, the look is timeless, but one thing is sure: Air Max sizing can get confusing fast.
So, do Nike Air Max run small or big?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because one pair might fit true to size, the next might feel tight in the toes, and another one somehow feels roomy even though it’s the same size on paper.
Your foot shape and the way you want your sneaker to fit, whether snug or loose, play a huge role.
Nike has also tweaked the Air Max line over the years. Some editions fit a bit tighter, some run roomier, and limited releases can land in their own lane.
That’s why I wanted to put everything in one place.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how each popular Air Max model fits, what to expect if you have narrow or wide feet, and the small differences that actually matter when you’re choosing the right size.
If you just want the answer without the headache, I’ve got you covered.
Now, if you want even more detail after this guide, you can check my full Nike Air Max size chart article. I break down the measurements, conversions, and how the numbers translate to real-life fit, so it’s a solid follow-up once you finish this one.
Let’s get into it…
Do Nike Air Max Run Small?
The Nike Air Max fits true to size, especially if you have regular-width feet. The only time it can feel a little small is if your feet are wide or flat, because the Air Max shape can run a bit short and tight in the toebox.
If you have regular-width feet
I stick to true to size in the Air Max 90, and that usually gives me the exact fit I want.
The shoe fills up around my foot in a clean way, and my toes sit close to the front without feeling cramped.
That’s the fit a lot of people look for in the Air Max 90, and most reviewers with regular feet say the same thing.
When I watch people talk about this shoe, the message is pretty consistent. If you already own Air Max 90s, you’ll probably grab the same size again without thinking about it.
The length, the structure, and the way the upper wraps around your foot all stay very predictable from pair to pair.
So if your feet fall into the normal or “regular” category, true to size makes the most sense.
If you have wide feet
Wide-footed wearers tell a different story. The Air Max 90 has a bit of a stubby toebox and a firm shape through the midfoot, and that combo can push up against the toes and the arch if your feet run wide or flat.
So, if you have wide or flat feet, true to size can feel a little short and cramped on the Air Max 90.
The toebox may press on your toes, and the midfoot can feel tight once you start walking. Going up half a size usually solves that right away and gives you the extra length and comfort you need.
The shoe doesn’t stretch much, so getting that little bit of extra length and room makes the experience easier and more comfortable.
Now, if you want to see how another tight Nike model fits, check my Nike Foamposite sizing guide because those also start snug and need a bit of patience.
Now, if you want a quick answer about how Nike Air Max fit, I made a simple table. You can scan for the model you want and see if it runs small, big, or true to size.
Right after the table, I go into detail on each Air Max model for anyone who wants more help.
| Model | How it fits | Feel | ||||
| Air Max 1 86 Big Bubble |
– True to size – ½ up for wide feet |
Slightly narrow in front | ||||
| Air Max 90 | – True to size – Wide feet might prefer ½ up |
Classic sporty fit | ||||
| Air Max 95 | – TTS for narrow/mid feet – ½ up for wide feet |
Snug & structured | ||||
| Air Max 97 | – True to size for narrow feet – ½ up for wide feet |
Very narrow feel | ||||
| Air Max 270 | – ½ up for most people – True to size only if narrow |
Tight one-piece upper | ||||
| Air Max 720 | – True to size for narrow/mid – ½ up for wide feet |
Snug but more forgiving than 270 | ||||
| Air Max Excee | – True to size – ½ up for wide feet |
Narrower than AM90 | ||||
| Air Max 2090 | – True to size for most – ½ up if wide feet |
Long & narrow | ||||
| Air Max Uptempo 95 | – TTS for most – ½ up if wide & easier entry |
Slightly snug | ||||
| Air Total Max Uptempo |
– Stay TTS – Don’t size down like Air More Uptempo |
More padding inside | ||||
| Air Max Bolt | True to size | Normal Air Max sizing works fine | ||||
| Air Max Pulse | – ½ up recommended – TTS only for narrow feet |
Narrow toe box | ||||
| Air Max Solo | – ½ up minimum – Wide feet may need 1 full size up |
– Runs small – Snug everywhere |
||||
| Air Max FlyKnit Racer | – ½ down suggested – Wide feet stay true to size |
Long & slim fit | ||||
| Air Max Plus Drift | – TTS recommended for most | Dialed-in fit | ||||
Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
Nike Air Max 90 Premium Sizing
The Premium fits like most Air Max 90 Recraft pairs. True to size works well for regular to slightly wide feet, and the length and width feel balanced.
If your feet are really wide, going up half a size makes things easier, but for most people, sticking with your usual Air Max 90 size gives you the right fit.
Related: Since Huaraches usually run small, you can check my article on how Huaraches fit to avoid the usual mistake people make.
Nike Air Max 90 SE Sizing
This version follows the same Recraft fit. True to size feels great, especially with the updated build Nike introduced in 2020.
They feel more comfortable than older 90s, with less stiffness underfoot. If you already know your Air Max 90 size, stick with it.
Related: For anyone wondering whether Nike LeBrons fit small or big, I explain how each model fits and how that compares to Air Max sizing.
Doernbecher x Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
This pair runs narrower than most recent Air Max 90s. The length stays fine true to size, but the toebox can pinch if your feet lean wide.
Narrow or normal feet can stay true to size. Wide feet are better off going half a size up to avoid that tight forefoot.
Related: Vomeros feel smoother underfoot, so if you want the right size, check my Vomero sizing guide.
Nike Air Max 90 Recrafted Sizing
The Recrafted fits true to size and feels balanced. Even with slightly wide feet, there’s no need to size up.
Some Air Max models (like certain AM1s or older 90s) can run short, but this version fits properly without adjustments.
Off-White x Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
This pair runs long and narrow. True to size works, especially if you wear thinner socks. With thicker socks, the shoe can start feeling tight in the midfoot and forefoot.
Most people should stay true to size, unless your feet are very wide.
Related: Air Force 1 often run roomier than most Air Max models, so you can check my Air Force 1 sizing guide for the right fit.
Patta x Nike Air Max 90 SP Sizing
This one fits true to size and is one of the more accommodating pairs.
Even with slightly wide feet, the fit stays comfortable, with no pressure around the toebox or midfoot. Most people can buy their regular Nike size without worry.
Nike Air Max 90 Drift Sizing
The Drift fits true to size for narrow and regular feet. If you usually wear the same size in the AM90, AM95, or AM1, stick with that. Wide feet might feel squeezed, so half a size up is the safer move.
Nike Air Max 90 LTR Sizing
This version fits just like standard Air Max 90s. If you already know your 90 size, stick with it. Narrow and normal feet won’t need adjustments.
Nike Air Max 90 Gore-Tex Sizing
The Air Max 90 Gore-Tex runs small. This pair is not forgiving. Even narrow feet can feel pressure once your foot swells during real wear.
The toebox, especially around the pinky area, runs tight. Going half a size up is strongly recommended for almost everyone.
Nike Air Max 90 NRG Sizing
The NRG follows the updated Recrafted fit well. True to size works even if your feet lean slightly wide. The shoe holds your foot without squeezing or causing hot spots.
Nike Air Max 90 LV 8 Sizing
These run true to size, but the fit is snug because of the extra padding inside. If you wear thicker socks or don’t like a tight feel, go half a size up.
True to size works for thin socks and narrow feet, but wide feet will prefer sizing up.
Nike Air Max Plus Sizing
The Air Max Plus (or TN) has a reputation for being a narrow sneaker. If you have narrow feet, true to size is usually the safest call.
The length feels right, and even though the shoe hugs your foot, it breaks in after a few wears and starts to feel more natural.
Some pairs of the TN feel a bit roomier than the old OG versions, which threw me off the first time I tried them. I actually felt like I could go down half a size and still have space in the toe box.
That almost never happens with TNs. But to stay consistent with other Air Max Plus releases, true to size remains the smarter and safer option unless you know you like a very snug fit.
When you compare this newer shape to the OG TNs, the difference becomes obvious. Older TNs squeezed the sides of your feet and made people think about sizing up, but going up usually made the shoe feel too long.
This newer build gives narrow feet a more forgiving fit while keeping the same silhouette.
If you have wide feet, the story changes. The shoe still leans narrow overall, so half a size up makes a big difference in comfort. It gives your foot a bit more breathing room without making the shoe feel too long or sloppy.
The Air Max Drift fits true to size for narrow feet. The fit feels precise with no extra space. Nike usually nails the sizing on models like this, and the Drift fits right in line with that.
So the simple rule for the Air Max Plus goes like this:
- True to size for narrow and normal feet.
- Half a size up for wide feet.
Do Nike Air Max 270 Run Small?
If your feet are a bit wide but not truly wide, you can still stick with your normal Air Max size. The upper has enough flexibility to adapt around the midfoot once you’re inside.
Some people with narrow feet even go half a size down because the upper stretches and the length feels generous.
But if you’re worried about width and can’t try them on in person, it’s safer to stick with your regular Air Max size.
A shoe that’s slightly long is way easier to live with than a shoe that’s squeezing your sides all day.
Compared to a classic Air Max 90, the 270 is narrow by design, and the heel-to-toe slope makes your foot slide forward a bit more.
Wide-footed people usually do better going up half a size for comfort, width, and ease of entry.
Even if you can technically squeeze into true to size, the pressure on the midfoot and the front can get annoying fast. Half a size up tends to open up the fit without making the shoe feel sloppy.
Now, if you have narrow feet, true to size is the easiest call. The shape of the shoe naturally hugs your foot and gives you that sleek feeling the 270 is known for.
What you should expect is a little “learning curve” with the height of the heel. The big Air unit lifts the back of your foot more than a regular Air Max, so the first couple of steps feel different.
Once you get used to the ramp feeling, the fit feels balanced and natural.
Nike Air Max 1 Sizing
The Air Max 1 stays pretty consistent across most releases, so whatever size you normally wear in recent Air Max 1s is usually the size you should grab again.
For narrow, normal, and even slightly wide feet, true to size works well. The shoe has a snug shape, but the length feels right, and the upper breaks in with wear.
If you prefer a bit more wiggle room or if your feet lean wide, half a size up makes the fit more comfortable.
The Air Max 1 has a slender build with a lot of padding inside, and that padding makes the shoe feel tighter than other Nike models.
When you go up half a size, the extra length is noticeable, but the width finally relaxes, especially in pairs like the Corduroy, Crepe, and Urawa versions.
Wide footers usually enjoy that half size up much more than true to size.
When you’re dealing with women’s releases, you convert your men’s size by going up 1.5. So if you normally wear a men’s 9, your women’s equivalent is a 10.5.
After the conversion, just stick to the same true size or half size up you usually wear in Air Max 1s.
AM1 Big Bubble
The Big Bubble model sticks to the same rule. True to size works for most people, although the shape feels slightly different underfoot because of the more noticeable heel-to-toe drop.
AM1 Premium
The Premium versions also follow the same pattern. True to size is fine for most, but anyone with wide feet still gets a better experience by going up half a size.
AM1 Collabs
Some pairs run a bit roomier than the older Air Max 1s. I noticed that with collabs like Travis Scott, Concepts, Patta, and even the Golden Eye Big Head Mode.
True to size in those models feels good, even if your foot leans slightly wide. They don’t squeeze the toe box as aggressively as older GR pairs did.
If your feet are very wide, the Air Max 1 becomes tricky. True to size feels too tight in the toe box and arch, but sizing up leaves more room in the length than some people like.
Most wide footers end up accepting the half size up for comfort, but if you want the perfect fit, trying a pair in-store helps a lot because the shoe varies from release to release.
So to keep it simple:
- True to size for narrow, normal, and slightly wide feet.
- Half a size up if your feet are wide.
- Convert men’s to women’s by adding 1.5, then stick with your usual Air Max 1 size choice.
Nike Air Max 1 ’86 OG Sizing
If you already know your size in recent Air Max 1 releases, you can stick to that exact same size here. Most people say the ’86 OG version feels very similar to modern Air Max 1s, so nothing unusual in terms of fit.
I’m a true size 9 slightly on the wider side. I grabbed a size 9 in both the ‘86 OG and in recent AM1s and the fit felt basically identical. They’re not too loose and not too snug.
If you have a really wide foot, half a size up makes more sense. Everyone else can stay true to size with no issues.
Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Big Bubble Sizing
The Big Bubble fits close to a standard Air Max 1, but the shape around the forefoot feels a touch wider on some pairs. Narrow and normal-width feet can go true to size without thinking twice.
If your feet run slightly wide, true to size still works. Some people mentioned the initial fit feels snug when you first slide your foot in, especially around the toe box, but it breaks in after a couple of wears.
Wide footers are the only group that might want to go up half a size. The Air Max 1 silhouette is still naturally slim, even with the Big Bubble tweaks.
True to size can feel tight around the arch and toe box for wide feet, so half a size up usually solves that without making the shoe too long.
Men vs. Women Air Max 1 86 Big Bubble
If you want to understand how the men’s and women’s Big Bubble pairs compare, here’s the simple version…
Both versions use the same four-circle bubble unit, but what actually changes is the shoe size.
When the women’s sizes drop into the smaller ranges, the bubble looks a bit more compact because the whole shoe shrinks. Once you hit women’s size 9 and up, the bubble looks almost identical to the men’s.
Now, in terms of fit, if your feet lean narrow, the women’s pair gives you a cleaner, more secure fit. The men’s pair adds a bit of width, so wide footers usually feel more comfortable there.
I always tell women with wide feet to go for the men’s sizing if they can. It just feels more natural.
The heel sits a touch higher on the men’s version, but it isn’t something you feel once you’re walking around. Outside of that, the two versions stay the same. Same bubble. Same shape. Same vibe.
Related: Prestos fit nothing like Air Max, so if you want the full story, check my Nike Presto sizing guide.
Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Premium Sizing
The Premium version runs true to size, but it feels a bit more snug because of the heavier materials and thicker textiles on the upper.
I stuck with my usual size 9 and it worked fine.
If your feet lean narrow, normal, or just slightly wide, true to size is still the move. The fit stays secure and comfortable once the shoe loosens up a bit.
However, if your feet are genuinely wide, half a size up is safer.
The area near the lace line can feel tight straight out of the box, and the materials don’t stretch as much as the mesh-based AM1s.
Sticking with whatever size you normally wear in Air Max 1s will keep things simple, but wider feet often prefer that half-size bump.
Nike Air Max 270 React Sizing
The 270 React is a much friendlier shoe for different foot shapes. The materials are lighter, airier, and they don’t squeeze your foot the same way the OG 270 does.
True to size works for most people, including slightly wide feet. If you have very wide feet, trying them on is smart, but most people with wider feet actually get away with true to size because of the flexible upper.
Nike Air Max 270 React ENG Sizing
This version fits true to size, but there’s one thing you need to keep in mind…
Because the heel-to-toe slope pushes your foot forward, some people like going up half a size for extra breathing room in the front.
If you like wearing your laces loose and want a relaxed casual fit, you’ll be happier going true to size.
If you like wiggle room or hate that “toe pressure” feeling, half a size up is worth considering. Just expect a bit of heel slip unless you tighten your laces.
Nike Air Max 270 Vistascape Sizing
The Vistascape fits like a more structured version of the regular 270. True to size is the safest option. The shape still leans narrow, but the build is supportive and locked-in. If your feet are narrow, you won’t need to adjust your sizing at all.
Air Max Scorpion Sizing
The Scorpion fits pretty much true to size. The shoe feels a bit narrow, but that might be because of the massive heel structure. If you have narrow feet, true to size will fit you perfectly.
If your feet are wide, you might consider half a size up, but the knit upper has enough give for most people to stay true to size.
If you can try them on first, do it. The upper feels similar to Vapormax, so if Vapormax works for you in your true size, the Scorpion should too.
Nike Air Max 95 Sizing
The Air Max 95 is one of those Nike models that stays pretty consistent in terms of sizing. If you have normal feet, true to size is the safest pick.
The shoe doesn’t feel narrow like TNs, so you don’t need to size up unless you simply want a bit more breathing room.
I stick with true to size for most 95s because the length and width feel well-balanced. The shoe doesn’t squeeze your toes, and it doesn’t taper aggressively the way some older Nike models do.
It’s also more comfortable underfoot than a Jordan 1 or a Dunk. The heel sits higher and feels more cushioned, so you’ll notice a little extra height when you stand in them.
If you have wide or flat feet, things get a little more personal. Some wide-footers stick with true to size and feel completely fine.
The length works, the width works, and nothing pinches. Others feel the shoe gets a bit short and prefer going up half a size.
My guideline is simple:
If your wide feet struggle with short toe boxes or you often feel pressure around the arch area in Nike shoes, go up half a size. You’ll get more room without losing that classic 95 structure.
Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble Sizing
This one keeps things straightforward. The Big Bubble fits true to size for most foot shapes, and the width feels reasonable. If you already wear true to size in classic Air Max pairs, you’ll feel right at home here.
Nike SB Air Max 95 Sizing
The SB version flips the story a little…
The upper feels softer, the materials feel more broken-in, and the inside of the shoe sits lower because the insole is thinner. Once you step in, your foot sits closer to the Air unit, and the whole shoe feels more open.
Because of that, the SB 95 fits more true to size than a typical Air Max 95.
If you normally size up half a size in regular 95s, you probably won’t need to do that here. True to size works for narrow feet, normal feet, and slightly wide feet.
I even know people who prefer going down half a size because the shoe has more space than older 95s. I wouldn’t go down personally, but I get why it works for some.
Air Max 95 “Ultra” Sizing
The Ultra fits true to size for most people, but it has a slightly narrower feel compared to the OG.
It’s not uncomfortable, but if you have wide feet, think about going up half a size. Length stays consistent with the original, so the only real difference is width.
Nike Air Max Uptempo 95 Sizing
The Uptempo 95 stays true to size, but it does feel snug, especially around the width. Wide-footers might want half a size more room.
The shoe is also harder to get on because of the bungee system. Once you’re inside, true to size works for most people, but don’t expect the same level of comfort you get from modern Air Max cushioning.
Ducks of a Feather x Nike Air Max 95/97 Sizing
This collab has a more forgiving upper than older 95s. There’s less taper in the toe box, and the shoe doesn’t squeeze the front of your foot as much.
If you have narrow, normal, or slightly wide feet, true to size works great. If your feet are very wide or you prefer a looser fit, half a size up is the better move.
You can always tighten the laces for more security.
Nike Air Max SNDR Sizing
The first thing you need to know is that the Air Max Sunder is a women’s-sized release, so you have to do the conversion.
It’s simple: go up one and a half sizes from your true men’s size. If you’re a men’s 9, your equivalent women’s size is 10.5. That’s what I went with.
Length-wise, the fit is solid. I get about a thumb’s width of space, which feels just right. The tricky part is the width and the way the shroud sits on top of your foot.
The shoe has laces under the zipper, and when I zip it up all the way, the shroud presses down on the lace knot.
With slightly wide feet, that pressure feels noticeable. It’s not painful, but it’s the kind of snugness that reminds you you’re wearing the shoe.
When I leave the shroud slightly unzipped, the whole fit relaxes. My foot gets more room at the ball and instep, and the pressure on top disappears. So the shoe can feel fine, but it depends on how you wear it.
Here’s how I see it:
Narrow or normal-width feet: true men’s size +1.5 (women’s equivalent) works. The fit will feel snug and one-to-one because of the neoprene inner bootie, but not unmanageable.
Slightly wide feet (like mine): still go true size +1.5, but expect the top of the shroud to feel tight at first. Unzipping it a bit makes a big difference.
Wide feet or high instep: you may want to go up half a size above your converted equivalent. The extra length might feel a bit roomier, but the width relief will probably matter more.
Nike Air Max DN Sizing
If you want the quick answer: the Air Max DN runs true to size, but the toe box feels narrow and shallow, especially if your feet lean wide.
I went with my usual Nike size, and the length felt perfect.
The first few minutes felt snug around the ball of my foot and in the toe box, but the pressure eased up as I kept them on.
So if you have a narrow, normal, or slightly wide foot, true to size works unless you prefer a roomy front. If you have a really wide foot, half a size up makes more sense and helps you avoid the tight toe box.
If your feet fall in the “standard-width” category, the DN fits exactly how you expect a modern Air Max to fit. True to size is the move.
The feel underfoot isn’t wild or futuristic, even with the DN cushioning. It feels like a modern take on a retro Air Max. You get that familiar ride, and the overall fit stays balanced as long as you stick to your usual size.
If you have narrow feet, the sizing can go two ways, depending on what you want. The toe box doesn’t offer much extra height or wiggle room, so if you like space around your toes, half a size up will feel more natural.
If you prefer a tight, one-to-one feel, true to size works, but expect a snug front. For people with wide or flat feet, sizing up isn’t optional. The DN is simply too narrow for true-to-size to feel comfortable.
Some DN pairs feel slightly lifted toward the back, but nowhere near as dramatic as the Air Max 720. Because of that, the heel feels locked in even if you go half a size up. So if you normally size up in models like the 97 or 95, going up here won’t feel strange.
Nike Air Max DN8 Sizing
The DN8 feels like the DN but even more narrow and sleek, especially in the toe box. True to size works for narrow and normal-width feet if you’re okay with a snug feel.
If you want more space up front, half a size up helps. For slightly wide feet, you can stick to true to size if you like a tight, exact fit, but half a size up is the safer choice.
If your feet are truly wide, the DN8 becomes a challenge. Even with half a size up, the narrow shape might feel uncomfortable over longer wear. In that case, I’d probably skip this model altogether unless you can try them on in person.
Heel lockdown is solid on the DN8, so even if you size up, the back of the shoe won’t feel sloppy. That makes the half-size-up option more practical here.
Better Gift Shop x Nike Air Max DN8 Sizing
The collab pairs fit the same way: true to size for narrow or normal-width feet, but definitely snug in the toe box.
With slightly wide feet, the fit depends on the socks you wear. Thin socks feel fine, but thicker socks make the narrow toe box feel tight. Wide-footed readers should go up half a size without hesitation.
Nike Air Max 720 Sizing
The Air Max 720 fits true to size, but the feel leans snug. The upper is softer than something like the Air Max 97, so the break in is easier, and the shoe loosens up after a few wears.
True to size works for most people, but the first step-in feel is tight enough, especially if your feet lean wide.
If you wore the Air Max 270 before, that model ran tighter because of the one-piece upper. The 720 has a separate tongue that removes some of the pressure across the top of the foot, so the fit feels more forgiving.
Wide-footed readers may still want to consider half a size up from the start, just to avoid that snug toe box.
Narrow-footed readers can stick with true to size without any problem. If you want an even more locked-in fit, half a size down would work, but true to size is still the safer call.
Nike Air Max Excee Sizing
The Excee fits more narrow than an Air Max SC or even an Air Max 90. I went true to size and the length felt right. The shape runs slim, so wide footers may want half a size up.
Since the Excee is a general release model, you can try them easily before buying, which helps a lot if you’re unsure.
Nike Air Max 97 Sizing
The Air Max 97 also fits true to size, but it feels very narrow when you first put it on. The shoe breaks in and becomes more comfortable over time.
If your feet are on the wider side, half a size up makes more sense because going a full size up creates too much length.
Other Air Max Models
Nike Air Max 2090 Sizing
The 2090 runs true to size with a shape that feels a little long and narrow. I went with my usual size, and it felt good overall.
The upper doesn’t stretch much, so people with really wide feet may struggle with the width. True to size works for most people.
Narrow footers will also be fine in their usual size. The only small issue is the toe box, which can feel slightly cramped. Half a size up might feel too long, so it becomes a personal choice between a snug feel or a bit more length. Wide feet definitely need half a size up.
Nike Air Max BW OG Sizing
For the BW OG, I ordered my true size and they feel a little long. It’s weird because I can only fit one finger behind my heel, so the length feels bigger than the actual heel room.
If you don’t have a Brannock device, you can push your foot all the way to the front and check the space behind your heel. One finger means you’re good. Two fingers means the shoe is too long. Three fingers means it’s way too big.
If you go for them, true to size stays the safest call. They will feel a bit loose, but going down half a size might leave you with almost no wiggle room. It’s one of those awkward fits that sits between two sizes.
Nike Air Max TW Sizing
I ordered my true size, and they fit big. I honestly wish more people talked about this shoe because I would have gone down half a size without hesitation.
The one thing that annoyed me is the entry. It acts like a sock tongue but not in a good way. It isn’t stretchy, it’s gusseted, and it doesn’t open enough, so getting your foot in feels harder than it should.
If your feet are narrow, they fit much closer to true to size. I normally go true to size in the Air Max 90, Air Max 1, Nike Dunk, and Jordan 1, and the TW matches that for narrow feet. So if you fall in that category, stick to your usual size.
Nike Air Max Craze Sizing
The Craze has a weird fit because of the back strap. It changes the way the shoe holds your ankle, so the sizing doesn’t feel as straightforward as the SNDR, for example.
If you have narrow feet, true to size works great. The strap actually helps keep your ankle locked in, even if it doesn’t look the best.
If you have wide feet or you like extra room, you might need half a size up. That strap can make the rear feel tight for broader feet.
Nike Air Max CB 94 Sizing
These fit true to size. Whatever you normally wear, that’s what I’d pick. You can go down half a size if you want a super snug fit, but it becomes harder to get inside the shoe because of the inner bootie.
I wish they raised that thing because the entry is just annoying.
Nike Air Max Penny Sizing
The insole feels cheap, so if you plan to swap it for a thicker one, stick to your true size. The Penny runs a little big and that thicker insole fills the extra space perfectly.
If you’re keeping the stock insole, you can either stay true to size or go down half a size. True to size feels loose in the heel for me.
They get looser the longer you wear them. Half a size down gives you a better fit, but they feel tight for the first few minutes every time you put them on.
It really depends on how you want them to feel. The shoe looks amazing, but the fit isn’t perfect. If you want a locked-in toe box, go down half a size. If you want to swap the insole, stay true to size.
For the Stussy Air Max collab, these fit true to size. Whatever you usually wear, order that.
Nike Air Max 1000 Sizing
This model only comes in full sizes, so the fit depends a lot on whether you usually wear a whole size or a half size.
If you normally wear a whole size, true to size works well. I grabbed my usual size 9 and the length felt fine, but the shoe felt snug because it wasn’t printed for my exact foot shape.
When you buy Zellerfeld sneakers directly, you usually scan your feet, and they adjust the print to match your exact shape.
Since this pair was pre-printed for an event, it didn’t have that custom fit. Anyone buying resale will probably have the same experience, so keep in mind that you’re wearing a shoe shaped for someone else’s foot.
If you usually wear a half size, I would go up. So if you’re a 9.5, get a 10. If you’re an 8.5, get a 9. These don’t come with the kind of stretch you get from traditional uppers, so it’s safer to size up rather than down.
For wide or flat feet, going up a size is the safer bet. The sides have less give, and the narrow heel shape can make the fit feel even tighter.
If you stick to your true size with wide feet, you might struggle with pressure on the sides, so sizing up helps you avoid that.
The ankle opening hugs the leg nicely, so you can still get away with a slightly larger size.
I tested both a size down and a size up, and the size down felt perfect only if I didn’t need any extra toe or heel space. The size up worked when I wore thicker socks or wanted that extra breathing room in the forefoot.
If Nike ever releases these online with foot scanning enabled, the fit should feel perfect. But for now, with only full sizes available, true to size works best for most people, and half-size wearers should size up.
Nike Air Max 95000 Sizing
This pair also skips the foot-scanning option and only comes in full sizes.
Since the upper doesn’t stretch and the shoe has no laces, it’s better to play it safe. Go with your true size if you’re a whole size.
If you’re in between sizes, go up rather than down. The TPU around the heel grips the sock well enough to keep the shoe from slipping off, so the extra space doesn’t feel sloppy.
Nike SB Air Max Ishod Sizing
True to size works for most people. The last isn’t as slim as it looks, so even wide feet should be fine.
The fit feels a little loose overall, so if you have very narrow feet, trying them in store is the safest option. If you have really wide feet, going up half a size makes sense until the sides break in. If your feet are normal or slightly wide, true to size is still the best call.
Nike Air Max Zephyr Sizing
The AM Zephyrs fit like the Air Max 720, so true to size is the safest choice. The slanted design pushes your toes forward, and if you don’t like that feeling, half a size up helps.
The only problem with going up is that the heel starts to feel floppy, so I stuck to my true size. If you know your size in the 720, you’ll know your size here.
Nike Air Max Waffle SP Sizing
You can go true to size if you usually wear thick socks, because the shoe has very little padding. If you have narrow feet or prefer a snug fit, half a size down feels better.
Wide feet can stay true to size because the upper doesn’t have any stiff seams that dig into the sides.
Nike Air Max Impact 4 Sizing
This shoe has that one-to-one basketball fit. True to size is the way to go, and it locks in nicely. It’s a little snug because of the performance shape, but that’s normal for this kind of build. Whatever size you usually wear in Nike basketball models should work here.
Related: Anyone who likes that snug performance fit can read my Kobe sizing guide because they’re very different from the casual Air Max feel.
Nike Air Max TL 2.5 Sizing
Simple and easy. True to size works great.
Nike Air DT Max 96 Sizing
They fit true to size and feel exactly like old-school 90s trainers. If you’ve worn older Barkley models, you’ll get a similar feel here.
Nike Air Tuned Max Sizing
This one runs snug. If you want more toe room, go up half a size. Trying them in store helps a lot.
Nike Air Max 200 Sizing
True to size works even if you have wide feet. The mesh upper flexes nicely, and there are no seams pressing into the pinky toe.
Over time, the break-in makes the fit even better. If you’re very wide-footed, you may need to loosen the laces at first, but the shoe eventually forms around the foot without pressure points.
Nike Air Total Max Uptempo Sizing
For most people, true to size is the right call. If you already know your fit in the Air Total Max line, stick to that. Do not size down like you might with the Air More Uptempo. These run more padded and sit closer to the foot, so a smaller size will feel too tight.
Nike Air Max Bolt Sizing
If you have narrow feet or regular, true to size works really well. The fit feels similar to the Air Max 200 but without the bulky padded tongue, so the front of the shoe stays clean and comfortable. Your regular Air Max size should work fine.
Nike Air Max Pulse Sizing
This one runs narrow, especially toward the toes. True to size can work for narrow feet, but expect a snug feel. If the front of your foot fills shoes quickly, going up half a size will give you more comfort.
Nike Air Max Solo Sizing
You need at least half a size up. Even narrow feet will feel squeezed in a true to size pair. Wide footers should consider going up a full size. The shoe sits lifted in the back, which pushes the foot forward, so sizing up gives you a more natural feel.
Nike Air Max Flyknit Racer Sizing
This model fits long and narrow. The Flyknit upper and the slanted shape make the shoe feel roomy in length and tight on the sides.
If you have narrow feet, a half size down works best. If you have wide feet, stick to true to size so the knit has enough room to stretch.
Final Thoughts
I know Air Max sizing can feel all over the place, but once you understand how each model fits, things get a lot easier.
I always look at the shape of the shoe first, then how my foot reacts after a bit of walking. That small detail usually tells me everything I need to know.
You might end up true to size in one pair and half a size up in another, and that’s normal with the Air Max line.
At the end of the day, I want you to feel confident before you buy. If you know your foot shape, how you like your sneakers to feel, and what to expect from each model, you’re already in a better spot than most people.
So, do Nike Air Max fit small?
Now, do Nike Air Max run small? I hope this guide has saved you the sizing headache and helped you pick the pair that actually feels right when you step into it.