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Do ASICS Run Small? Size Chart and Fit by Model

• Federico D'anna

Founder & Lead Editor

Federico D'anna

Federico D'anna has spent 9 years reviewing sneakers with a methodology built on hands-on wear notes, side-by-side comparisons, and verified buyer feedback.

Learn more about Federico D'anna

Short answer

ASICS running shoes are true to size against other running shoes, but the brand advises half a size up from casual shoes. The retro Gel-Kayano 14 is narrow in the forefoot, and wide feet should pick a 2E or 4E width before changing length.

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Quick picks

Ranked picks from our own reviews and verified user reports.

1 An image of a pair of sneakers Asics GEL-Cumulus 27

Asics Gel-Cumulus 27

True to size with wide options

Read review Sizing guide

Best for: Most width options $140 retail Amazon $139.95 4.6/5 (300 user reports) Shop · Amazon
2 An image of a pair of sneakers Asics Novablast 5

Asics Novablast 5

Roomy toe box for wide feet

Read review Sizing guide

Best for: Roomiest true-to-size fit $150 retail Amazon $140 - $150 4.6/5 (1,104 user reports) Shop · Amazon
3

Asics Contend 9

Affordable true to size fit

Read review Sizing guide

Best for: Budget pick with a wide option $70 retail 4.3/5 (334 user reports) Shop · Amazon

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No, ASICS running shoes fit true to size compared with other running shoes, but ASICS recommends half a size up from your casual shoe size. We checked sizing data on 8 ASICS models to bring you this complete guide.

Finding the right fit depends heavily on your reference footwear. Below you will find the official charts, a model-by-model table, width options and how ASICS compares with Nike, Brooks and HOKA.

ASICS size chart (US, UK, EU and cm)

Men’s:

US MenUKEUFoot length (cm)
764025.25
7.56.540.525.5
8741.526
8.57.54226.5
9842.527
9.58.543.527.5
1094428
10.59.544.528.25
11104528.5
11.510.54629
121146.529.5
13124830.5

Women’s:

US WomenUKEUFoot length (cm)
5335.522.5
643723
6.54.537.523.5
753824
7.55.53924.5
8639.525
8.56.54025.5
9740.525.75
9.57.541.526
1084226.5
11943.527.5

By UK size, an ASICS women’s US size is one size above the men’s US size. A women’s US 8 equals a UK 6, which matches a men’s US 7. Widths on the official chart follow specific letters. Men get B for narrow, D for standard, 2E for wide and 4E for extra wide. Women get 2A for narrow, B for standard, D for wide and 2E for extra wide.

Follow these steps to measure your feet at home:

  • Measure at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
  • Stand with your heel lightly against a wall and mark your longest toe.
  • Measure both feet and use the longer measurement to find your size.

Should you size up in ASICS?

The phrase “true to size” in our data means compared with your usual running shoe. ASICS frames it from a different starting point on its official size chart: “For running shoes, we generally recommend sizing up a half size from your casual shoe size.”

You should stay at your normal size if you are replacing an older running model. You should go up half a size if your baseline is a casual sneaker or a dress shoe. Wide feet should choose a wider width before changing the actual length of the shoe. Most current models come in 2E and many offer 4E options.

Do ASICS run small? Model by model

We analyzed buyer reports across the current lineup to see exactly how each trainer fits. Seven of the eight models fit true to size in length for most buyers.

ASICS models that fit true to size

ModelFitWhat to buyWidth
Gel-Cumulus 27True to sizeUsual size, or 2E/4EStandard, 2E, 4E (men)
Gel-Nimbus 27True to sizeUsual size, half up for wide feetNormal to wide toe box
Novablast 5True to sizeYour usual sizeMedium to wide, roomy toe box
Gel-Kayano 31True to sizeUsual size, half up if the toe box feels tightWide and extra wide available
Gel-Kayano 33True to sizeYour usual size in every widthMen narrow to extra wide
GT-2000 13True to sizeUsual size, or wide and extra wideSlightly narrow, roomy forefoot
Gel-Contend 9True to sizeUsual size, or the wide versionMedium, wide available

The Gel-Cumulus 27 offers the most width options, though the standard width can feel snug in the forefoot for some runners. The Gel-Kayano 33 stays true to size across all available widths, from narrow to extra wide. The Gel-Nimbus 27 features improved toe box room over earlier versions based on 967 buyer reports. The GT-2000 13 fits normal to slightly narrow but provides a roomy forefoot with wide options available.

ASICS models that feel small

ModelFitWhat to buyWidth
Gel-Kayano 14True length, narrow forefootHalf up for D-width or wide feetMedium to narrow forefoot

The Gel-Kayano 14 is a retro lifestyle model rather than a current daily trainer. Our data includes 400 buyer reports for this specific shoe. It fits true in length but remains quite narrow in the forefoot, prompting many buyers to size up.

ASICS vs Nike, Brooks and HOKA sizing

Comparing brands helps you find the right fit when switching from your current daily trainers. We compared cross sizing data to see how these popular models stack up against the competition. You can also read our detailed Nimbus 27 vs Novablast 5 comparison for more internal brand differences.

  • Nike Pegasus 41: the Gel-Cumulus 27 and Novablast 5 take the same US size.
  • Nike Air Force 1: it runs large, so buyers take half a size more in the Gel-Kayano 31 and Gel-Kayano 14, and a full size more in the GT-2000 13.
  • Brooks: the Gel-Kayano 31 matches your Adrenaline GTS 24 size; the GT-2000 13 is often bought half a size up from an Adrenaline GTS 24 in standard width; the Novablast 5 is often bought half a size up from a Ghost 16. Check our list of the best Brooks running shoes for more fit details.
  • HOKA: the Gel-Nimbus 27 matches your Clifton 10 size.

Easiest ASICS to size

Gel-Cumulus 27

This daily trainer fits true to size and offers the widest range of fittings in the lineup. Men can choose standard, 2E and 4E widths, while women get narrow and D options.

Cushioning is praised by 87 percent of buyers and stability scores 84 percent. The retail price is $140, but the standard width can feel snug in the forefoot and some buyers report outsole wear. Read our Gel-Cumulus 27 review and check the Gel-Cumulus 27 sizing page for more details.

Novablast 5

Runners looking for a spacious fit will appreciate the medium to wide profile and roomy toe box. It fits true to size and suits neutral runners.

Cushioning receives praise from 90 percent of the 1,104 buyers in our data. Stability scores lower at 70 percent since it is a neutral shoe. Retail is $150 with Amazon prices between $140 and $150, though some users note sole peeling. See the Novablast 5 review and Novablast 5 sizing page before buying.

Gel-Contend 9

This affordable entry level shoe fits true to size and includes a dedicated wide option. It suits buyers who want a wide option on a budget.

Cushioning is praised by 70 percent of the 334 buyers in our data and stability scores 60 percent. It retails for $70 and sells for about $65 to $70 on Amazon. The upper wears quickly and it feels slightly heavy, so read the Gel-Contend 9 review and Gel-Contend 9 sizing page first.

How to choose your ASICS size

  • Measure both feet: Always measure at the end of the day and use the longer foot to determine your baseline size.
  • Know your reference shoe: Stick to your normal size if replacing a running shoe, but go up half a size if your baseline is a casual sneaker.
  • Pick a width before changing length: Choose a 2E or 4E width if the standard fit feels tight, rather than sizing up and getting a shoe that is too long.
  • Between sizes: Size up to the next half size if your foot measurement falls exactly between two sizes on the official chart.
  • Returns and discounts: Buy from retailers with easy return policies and check our running shoe Black Friday deals to save money on your next pair. You can also read our New Balance sizing guide or our Adidas sizing guide if you are comparing multiple brands.

Final verdict

Most ASICS running shoes fit true to size in length when compared to your current daily trainers. The brand recommends sizing up half a size only if your reference shoe is a casual sneaker or dress shoe. Wide feet should prioritize selecting a 2E or 4E width before changing the actual length of the shoe. The only major exception in our data is the retro Gel-Kayano 14, which requires a half size up for standard and wide feet due to a narrow forefoot.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do ASICS run small or big?
Most ASICS running shoes fit true to size in length when compared to your usual running footwear. The main exception in our data is the lifestyle Gel-Kayano 14, which features a narrow forefoot. If you have wide feet, you might need to size up half a size in that specific retro model. Otherwise, stick to your standard running shoe size for a proper fit.
Should I size up in ASICS?
You should only size up if your reference shoe is a casual sneaker or dress shoe. The brand officially recommends going up half a size from casual footwear. If you are comparing them to other running shoes, you should stay at your usual size. Wide feet might also need a half size up in narrow models, but choosing a wider width is usually better.
Is ASICS sizing the same as Nike?
Sizing between the two brands depends on the specific models you compare. Our data shows that the Gel-Cumulus 27 and Novablast 5 take the exact same US size as the Nike Pegasus 41. However, Nike casual shoes like the Air Force 1 run large. Buyers often take a half size or even a full size more in ASICS when switching from those casual Nike models.
How do ASICS women's sizes convert to men's?
The conversion relies on the UK sizing scale. A women's US size is exactly one full size above the equivalent men's US size. For example, a women's US size 8 converts to a UK size 6. That same UK size 6 corresponds to a men's US size 7. The same one-size gap holds across the official chart.
Do ASICS come in wide widths?
Yes, the brand offers extensive width options for runners with broader feet. Most current running models are available in wide and many come in extra wide sizes. Men can choose from standard, wide, and extra wide options. Women have access to standard, wide, and extra wide fittings. We recommend selecting a wider width before changing your actual shoe length for the best fit.
Does the Gel-Kayano 14 run small?
This retro lifestyle model fits true to size in overall length according to hundreds of buyer reports. The issue is that it feels small because the forefoot is quite narrow. Runners with standard or wide feet often need to go up half a size to get a comfortable fit. It is not a current performance trainer, so the fit differs from modern daily running shoes.

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