Most sneaker brands sold in India follow UK sizing, but the actual fit still shifts from brand to brand. A UK 8 in Nike can feel snugger than a UK 8 in Adidas or Puma, because every brand cuts its shoe lasts a little differently.
The safest way to find your real sneaker size in India is to measure your foot length in centimetres and match it against each brand's own chart, instead of just going by the number you usually wear.
This guide covers sneaker size conversion in India, how the major brands compare, and how to buy sneakers online without a sizing gamble.
How Do I Know My Sneaker Size?
Start with your actual foot length, not your usual shoe size.
- Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall
- Mark the tip of your longest toe
- Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in cm
- Repeat for both feet and use the longer measurement
- Add 0.5 to 1 cm of extra room for comfort
Measure in the evening. Feet swell slightly through the day, so an evening measurement gives you a size that works all day long, not just first thing in the morning.
Do Sneakers Run True to Size in India?
Not always, and this is the biggest source of confusion. India largely follows UK sizing, but "true to size" depends on the brand's own last, the mould the shoe is built around. Two brands can print the same UK number and still fit differently in length and width.
That is also why a size that works for one pair, like the casual everyday styles in our guide to the best casual sneakers under ₹3000, might not be the exact size you need in a running shoe or a chunkier silhouette from another brand.
Are Nike and Adidas Sizes the Same? Why Sizes Vary by Brand
Short answer: close, but not identical.
- CHNKS: Runs true to size, close to Nike, with a medium width that suits most Indian foot shapes
- Nike: Generally true to size in length but narrower through the toe box
- Adidas: True to size, with a slightly roomier fit than Nike
- Puma: Often runs about half a size smaller and narrower
- New Balance: Tends to run slightly bigger, with better width options for wider feet
The gap comes down to the last each brand uses, plus small differences in upper material and toe shape. A snug last in mesh feels different from the same number in leather or suede.
Sneaker Size Chart India (UK to US, EU, CM)
| UK Size | US Men | EU Size | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 39 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 8 | 41 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 9 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 10 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 11 | 44 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 12 | 45 | 29.5 |
Treat this as a starting point. Always cross-check against the specific brand's chart before you order, especially for width-sensitive feet.
Should I Buy Sneakers One Size Bigger?
Only in specific cases. Go half a size up if the model runs narrow, if you plan to wear thick socks, or if the toe box feels tight in reviews. For brands that already run roomy or true to size, sticking with your measured size usually works better than sizing up out of habit.
What Size Sneakers Should I Buy Online?
Buying sneakers online in India comes down to three checks.
- Measure your feet in cm rather than relying on memory
- Check the exact brand and model's size chart, not a generic one
- Read recent buyer reviews for fit notes like "runs small" or "true to size"
Homegrown labels tend to keep sizing simple and consistent across drops. If you're exploring options beyond the big international names, our roundup of the best Indian sneaker brands in 2026 is a good place to compare fit philosophies, including brands like CHNKS that stick to true-to-UK-size, true to size, clean silhouettes rather than inconsistent sizing across collections.
FAQs
Do sneakers run true to size?
It depends on the brand. Nike and Adidas are close to true to size, Puma often runs smaller, and New Balance tends to run slightly bigger.
Should I buy sneakers one size bigger?
Only if the specific model runs narrow or small. Check reviews and the brand's own chart before sizing up.
How do I know my sneaker size?
Measure your foot length in cm using the wall and paper method, then match it to the brand's specific size chart rather than a generic one.
Are Nike and Adidas sizes the same?
They're close but not identical. Nike tends to run narrower in the toe box, while Adidas is slightly roomier at the same UK size.
What size sneakers should I buy online?
Measure your feet, check the exact model's size chart, and read recent reviews for fit feedback before you order.
Conclusion
Sneaker sizing in India isn't one fixed number, it shifts by brand, model, and material. Measure your feet in cm, check the brand's own chart, and read fit notes before you buy. Get that right once, and you'll rarely have to guess again, whether you're shopping global names or homegrown brands like CHNKS that keep their sizing straightforward and true to their design story.