How tight should Air Force 1 be?

My Personal Fit And Sizing Experience With The Air Force 1

In most cases, I personally wear a US size 12 in Nikes, but I prefer to go down a half-size to an 11.5 with the Nike Air Force 1. When going tts, there’s more room in the toe than I prefer from a length perspective, so going with the smaller size gives me a fit that allows me to wear the shoes loosely laced, with no heel slippage.

In a pinch, I could still wear a size 12 if my preferred size wasn’t available, but I would probably have to wear thicker socks and tighten the laces a bit.

AIR FORCE 1 VS. OTHER SNEAKERS I OWN

From my experience, the Nike Air Force 1 has a similar fit profile to the Air Jordan 5 and 6 which I both prefer to wear in a US11.5 as opposed to my usual US12. In comparison to other brands, I’d have to say the Air Force 1 fit similar to New Balance 990s.

What Size Should I Get In The Air Force 1?

sizing Suggestions BASED ON YOUR FOOT TYPE

If you have Narrow Feet: For those with narrow feet, you should definitely consider going down a half size from your normal Jordan/Nike size. Staying tts may result in excess room in the toe box which will cause forward foot movement when walking.

If you have Wide Feet: For those with wide feet, you will be safe going tts or with your most common Nike or Jordan size due to the roominess of the Air Force 1’s toe area. Going up a half size may create a situation where there is too much extra length in the shoe and you may experience unwanted forward foot movement when walking.

Sizing SUGGESTIONS Based On Your Fit Preference

If you prefer a Snug Fit: Those that prefer a snug fit should definitely consider going down a half-size from their most common Nike size in the Air Force 1 to achieve a comfortable 1-to-1 fit.

If you’re in a pinch and can’t find your preferred size, staying with your most common Nike/Jordan size would most likely work, but may require you to tighten up your laces for a more secure fit.

If you prefer a Roomy Fit: If you prefer a roomy fit, then staying with your most common Nike/Jordan size should provide ample room for most buyers. If you’re in a pinch and can’t find your preferred size, going up a half-size may work, but avoid going down a half-size.

now it’s your turn

What this fit and sizing guide helpful?

One of the most covetable silhouettes in the world, the Nike Air Force 1 has secured a place in the rotations of sneakerheads across the globe. Originally designed for the basketball court, they’re now a stylish staple that’s perfect for everyday wear. However one thing that can be tricky is finding the perfect fit when it comes to Nike Air Force One sizing. We get hundreds of messages wondering, do they fit true to size? Does the iconic Nike Air Force 1 run big? Are AF1s comfortable?

Luckily, The Sole Supplier team has shared their insider tips on what size to cop, what to do if they’re too big and how to keep them looking brand new.

Nike Air Force 1 Sizing – What’s The Verdict?

  • Fit: We always recommend sizing down half a size, these sneakers infamously fit large! If you're a size UK8, go for a UK7.5
  • Comfort: Air Force 1s are very comfortable, but there’s definitely comfier sneakers out there
  • Care: AF1s are soo easy to clean! A damp cloth does the job or feel free to use a specialist shoe cleaner for deeper stains
  • Sizing: Comes in unisex sizing so you know the deal. And always remember to convert EU sizing!

Scroll to learn everything you need to know before you cop your next pair of Nike Air Force 1…

Nike Air Force 1 - What Our Product Specialists Think

How tight should Air Force 1 be?
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Miles, Senior Digital Marketing and Acquisition Manager

"Not the most comfortable sneaker in the world, but a good day beater."

Do Air Force 1s fit true to size?

Yes! The Nike Air Force 1 famously runs big so we recommend you should go a half size down to get the best fit. If you're a UK7.5 go for a UK7. This is because they are rounded at the toe so have a lot of extra room in the toe box.

Are they comfortable?

The Nike AF1 is not the most comfortable pair of sneakers I've ever worn but it's a good day beater.

What's your favourite colourway?

How do you keep yours clean?

I like my sneakers to have a nice worn-in look, so I keep the cleaning to a minimum. But if they're looking battered I will give a quick wipe with a damp cloth.

How do they fit in comparison to other Nike styles?

They come up a lot bigger than most Nike sneakers.

What size are you usually?

I'm a UK9.5 in pretty much every other shoe.

How tight should Air Force 1 be?
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Emily, Senior Digital Marketing and Acquisition Manager

"The support for my feet is perfect."

How do they fit?

They fit big! I will always buy at least 0.5 size down, sometimes a whole size down for a snug fit. Before I knew this, I would have to purchase an insole to make sure they didn't slide around whilst I was walking.

Are Nike Air Force 1s comfortable?

Definitely! These are hands down some of the comfiest sneakers I own. The Air technology offers great comfort for all-day wear and the support they offer your feet is incredible. The AF1 is a shoe you can wear all-day everyday with no complaints.

How do you keep yours clean?

For the leather Air Force 1s I own, a simple wipe with a specialist cleaner wipe if they get a bit dirty during the day works well! For pairs such as the Travis Scott or CLOT, they are difficult to clean and therefore prevention is key eg: with a protective spray.

How do they fit in comparison to other Nike styles?

What size are you usually?

UK6.5 - Majority of sneakers including Jordan 1s. UK5.5 / UK6 - Nike Air Force 1s UK7 - Yeezy 350 V2, Yeezy 700.

How tight should Air Force 1 be?
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Jess, Digital Marketing Executive

"I find that the Nike Air Force 1 silhouette fits similarly to Air Max 1s."

How do they fit?

They’re definitely a bit roomy if you go true to size. You need to go at least half a size down – but if you’ve gone true to size it’s easily fixed with an insole.

Are they comfortable?

I find them so comfy! I walked around Rome for at least seven hours in my AF1 and had absolutely no problems.

What is your favourite Air Force One?

I absolutely love the Air Force One Shadow, it's a great change from the classic AF1 and comes in some amazing colourways!

How do you keep yours clean?

I’m not too fussed about them creasing tbh and I like my shoes to be a bit battered up. If they get really dirty I’ll give them a quick wipe with a cloth but that’s the full extent of it.

How do they fit in comparison to other Nike styles?

I have Nike running shoes that fit true to size but I find the Air Force 1 silhouette fits similarly to Air Max 1s.

What size are you usually?

How tight should Air Force 1 be?
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Taylor, Digital Marketing Executive

"They're a difficult shoe to keep fresh but they're so comfortable."

How do they fit?

Normally Air Force 1s fit half a size down, although the ones I'm wearing here are more true to size. With their added flywire cabling, they give the shoe a more snug fit.

Are they comfortable?

They are crazy comfortable and definitely an everyday staple but they do crease very quickly.

What is your favourite AF1 colourway?

The colourway I probably wear most is the Air Force 1 Triple Black. It's a great beater shoe and holds up well when worn all day everyday.

How do you keep yours clean?

They are a difficult shoe to keep fresh but crease protectors and the odd bit of specialist cleaner works a treat.

How do they fit in comparison to other Nike styles?

Compared to other Nike styles such as the Air Max 97 and Air Max 1, the AF1 is a slightly bigger shoe and the sizes sometimes differ based on materials and style.

What size are you usually?

Normally a UK8, I cop a UK7.5 in the Air Force 1 and they fit like a glove. So they do run a little big.

How tight should Air Force 1 be?
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Ped, Head of Acquisition

"I use leather protector to minimise the chance of creasing."

How do they fit?

Usually I go for half a size down as they’re quite roomy in the toe.

Are they comfortable?

They're very comfortable for a shoe that doesn't have that much cushioning in it.

How do you keep yours clean?

I use a leather protector to try to minimise creasing as much as possible.

How do they fit in comparison to other Nike styles?

They're big compared to other Nike styles. In most other silhouettes I'm a size UK10, but with Air Force 1 I have to get at least a UK9.5.

What size are you usually?

I'm usually a UK10 but this varies - especially when it comes to shoes that fit a little more snug such as Yeezys.

We recruited The Sole Womens to let us know everything about the Nike Air Force 1 Women's Sizing....

How tight should Air Force 1 be?
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Kelly, Senior Content and Social Media Manager

"Washing the laces helps keep them nice and fresh."

How do they fit?

They fit slightly larger, so make sure you order half a size down on classic Air Force 1 styles.

Are they comfortable?

They’re super comfy, a go-to in my collection and perfect for pairing with everything from my Mom jeans or sweats to a pair of cycle shorts.

How do you keep yours clean?

Just don’t step in any mud or puddles! And I'll give them a wipe down when they get a little dirty. Also washing the laces helps to keep them looking fresh.

How do they fit in comparison to other Nike styles?

What size are you usually?

I'm usually a size UK6 but opt for a UK5.5 in Air Force 1.

Nike Air Force 1: What You Need To Know

One of Nike’s bestselling silhouettes, the Nike Air Force 1 originally debuted in 1982 and has stolen a place in the shoedrobes of sneaker fans ever since. Streamlined, easy to style and ultra-functional, they’re famous for fitting like a dream both on and off the court.

A favourite for collaborators, the AF1 has been re-designed by everyone from Off-White’s Virgil Abloh and rapper Travis Scott to street artist Nike Air Max 1 Size Guide. This classic silhouette holds a special place in the hearts of fans world-over, but why? Not only are they designed to go with absolutely everything in your wardrobe, they’re durable enough to see you through every single day.

Want to know more about how certain Nike styles fit? Be sure to check out our other Nike size guides below:

Are air forces supposed to be a little big?

The Nike Air Force 1 famously runs big so we recommend you should go a half size down to get the best fit. If you're a UK7. 5 go for a UK7. This is because they are rounded at the toe so have a lot of extra room in the toe box.

Why do my Air Force 1 look so big?

Unlike most sneakers that narrow at the toe “Uptowns” (as they call them in Harlem) are round at the toe and so they tend to run big and wide —depending on your foot. Several trusted retailers and sneaker blogs confirm the AF1 run big.