The Vans catalog features a handful of silhouettes designed between 1966 and 1992, from the Authentic to the Half Cab, and you can still order them today using the same sizing logic. The only question is, which one will be your favorite?
This Vans size guide provides you with the EU/US/UK/CM conversion chart and the fit verdict model by model, covering the iconic silhouettes in the catalog.
And once you've found the right size, a quick stop at our price comparison tool will help you avoid paying full price!
How do Vans fit: big or small?
Neither. Vans fit true to size (TTS), and this applies to almost the entire range.
In our catalog, the seven Vans models listed are all classified as fitting normally, with no adjustments needed.
The Vans Size Chart (EU / US / UK / CM)
The key column is the one in centimeters.
Vans are sold in unisex sizes, and the length of the foot remains the only measurement that doesn't change based on the market of origin for the sneaker.
| CM | EU | UK | US Men | US Women |
|---|
| 22.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 6 |
| 23 | 36.5 | 4 | 5 | 6.5 |
| 23.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 7 |
| 24 | 38 | 5 | 6 | 7.5 |
| 24.5 | 38.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8 |
| 25 | 39 | 6 | 7 | 8.5 |
| 25.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
| 26 | 40.5 | 7 | 8 | 9.5 |
| 26.5 | 41 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 10 |
| 27 | 42 | 8 | 9 | 10.5 |
| 27.5 | 42.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 11 |
| 28 | 43 | 9 | 10 | 11.5 |
| 28.5 | 44 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 12 |
| 29 | 44.5 | 10 | 11 | 12.5 |
| 29.5 | 45 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 13 |
| 30 | 46 | 11 | 12 | 13.5 |
| 31 | 47 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 32 | 48 | 13 | 14 | 14.5 |
To measure: heel against a wall, foot flat on a sheet of paper, mark the longest toe and measure the distance in centimeters. Measure at the end of the day when your foot has swollen, and keep the larger value if your two feet differ. Allow for 0.5 to 1 cm of extra space in front of the longest toe.
Common mistake: ordering from an American site or second-hand by copying the displayed number. A label "8" could be a US Men (EU 41), a US Women (EU 38.5), or a UK (EU 42.5). Start with the length in centimeters, not the number on the box.
How does each Vans model fit?
All these silhouettes share the same rubber sole and sizing logic, but the internal volume varies from model to model.
Here are the guidelines, from the most popular model to the more niche ones.
Vans Old Skool
The Style #36 from 1977, the first Vans to feature leather panels and the Sidestripe. The Old Skool fits true to size (TTS), with a moderately narrow forefoot. If you have wide feet, go up half a size.
Vans Authentic
The Style #44 from 1966, the very first shoe from the brand. The Authentic fits TTS in length, with a useful nuance to know: its toe box is low rather than narrow, which creates pressure on the top of the foot when you have wide feet. Going up half a size solves the issue. Also, expect a slightly longer break-in period compared to the Old Skool.
Vans Knu Skool
The chunky reissue of the 90s silhouettes, and the second most popular Vans model with us after the Old Skool. The Knu Skool fits TTS, but its more enveloping upper makes it tight at the toe right out of the box. If you like more volume in the front, or if you have wide feet, go up half a size.
Vans Slip-On
The Style #98 from 1977, laceless. The Slip-On fits TTS and is designed to fit snugly: the elastic keeps the foot in place without any adjustments, and it loosens slightly over time. Stick with your usual size. The LX Classic Slip-On, made with more premium materials, follows the same sizing.
Vans Era
The Style #95 from 1976, designed with Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. The Era is the easiest to order in the range: TTS, padded collar, quick break-in. Nothing tricky here.
Vans Sk8-Hi
The Style #38 from 1978, the high-top version of the Old Skool. Also TTS, with no adjustments needed. The only constraint is putting it on with a high upper, which can be adjusted by loosening the lacing on the last two eyelets. The padded collar requires a few wears to break in.
Vans Half Cab
Designed in 1992 for Steve Caballero. The Half Cab fits TTS, with a firmer hold than the low models thanks to its mid-top design.
| Model | Sizing Advice |
|---|
| Old Skool | TTS, +0.5 if wide feet |
| Authentic | TTS, +0.5 if wide feet or high instep |
| Knu Skool | TTS, +0.5 for more volume in the front |
| Slip-On and LX Classic Slip-On | TTS, snug fit by design |
| Era | TTS |
| Sk8-Hi | TTS |
| Half Cab | TTS |
Vans vs Nike, Converse, and New Balance
If you're coming from another brand, the fit can feel different.
With Nike, the sizing often runs a bit small, and many wearers compensate by going up half a size: with Vans, that adjustment isn't necessary. On the other hand, with Converse, it's the opposite; the Chuck Taylor runs large, and the brand itself recommends going down half a size.
When it comes to width, New Balance offers a good portion of its lineup in multiple widths, which Vans doesn't do for its classics. If you're coming from running, our sizing guides for ASICS and Saucony detail these differences.
FAQ
Do Vans run big or small? Neither: Vans fit true to size. None of the silhouettes in the catalog require length adjustments. The only exception is for wide feet, which benefit from going up half a size in the Authentic, Old Skool, and Knu Skool.
Does the canvas of Vans stretch over time? Not in width. It softens at first, making the sneaker easier to slip on, but the length and width don’t change. A sneaker that’s too tight at the start won’t loosen up with wear.
Should you get the same size in Old Skool and Knu Skool? Yes, both fit TTS (True To Size).