Short answer
The Adidas Gazelle offers a low-profile, grounded silhouette that balances retro aesthetic with technical fit complexities. Characterized by a shallow vertical toe box height of 25.0 mm and a narrow 91.0 mm midfoot, the shoe relies on its adaptive pigskin suede upper to provide lateral relief over time.
Cross-sizing: what size to buy
Find a shoe you already own and read across to the Adidas Gazelle size to buy.
| Reference Shoe | US | EU | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your usual | Buy | Your usual | Buy | |
| Adidas Samba OG | 10 | 9.5 | 44 | 43.3 |
| Nike Dunk Low | 10.5 | 10 | 44.5 | 44 |
| Nike Air Force 1 | 9.5 | 10 | 43 | 44 |
| Adidas Handball Spezial | 10 | 10 | 44 | 44 |
-
Adidas Samba OG
Your usual Buy US 10 9.5 EU 44 43.3 -
Nike Dunk Low
Your usual Buy US 10.5 10 EU 44.5 44 -
Nike Air Force 1
Your usual Buy US 9.5 10 EU 43 44 -
Adidas Handball Spezial
Your usual Buy US 10 10 EU 44 44
Fit Notes
- Adidas Samba OG
- The Samba is historically narrower and stiffer than the Gazelle. If you wear a US 10 in Samba because it is your true length, size down to 9.5 in Gazelle to account for the Gazelle's increased internal length and more flexible suede. If you only wear a 10 in Samba to compensate for narrowness, the Gazelle's adaptive upper in a 9.5 will offer superior lateral comfort without excessive toe room.
- Nike Dunk Low
- Nike models typically utilize a more snug and narrow last architecture. The Gazelle features significantly more internal length in equivalent sizes. Sizing down 0.5 US from your standard Dunk size is required to achieve a locked-in fit and prevent heel slippage caused by the Gazelle's low-cut collar.
- Nike Air Force 1
- The Air Force 1 is notoriously oversized and runs large even by Nike standards. The Gazelle features a narrower midfoot and a lower-volume toe box than the AF1, making it fit closer to a standard athletic baseline. You should size up 0.5 US from your AF1 size to match the Gazelle's narrower dimensions.
- Adidas Handball Spezial
- Both shoes utilize similar suede materials, but the Spezial is built on a wider last with a more forgiving toe box and aggressive arch support. Most users maintain the same size across both models, though the Gazelle will feel noticeably more 'streamlined' and lower to the ground.
Sizing FAQ
Does the Adidas Gazelle run true to size?
Generally, no. Due to the Adidas 1/3 sizing system and the shoe's historical design as an indoor trainer, the Gazelle runs long. Approximately 80% of users with standard to narrow feet recommend sizing down by a half-size (0.5 US) to ensure proper lockdown. However, wide-foot wearers should stay true-to-size (TTS) to benefit from the extra internal volume.
Is the Adidas Gazelle good for wide feet?
Yes, the Gazelle is considered one of the more viable 'Terrace' models for wide feet. While the silhouette is slim, the pigskin suede upper is highly adaptive and stretches to provide lateral relief. It is ranked as more comfortable for wide feet than the Adidas Samba, though less spacious than the Adidas Handball Spezial. Those with E or EE widths should stick to their TTS measurement.
How is the arch support on the Adidas Gazelle?
The Gazelle features a moderate, contoured arch support built into its rubber cupsole. It is not an aggressive orthotic fit, but it provides more structure than a completely flat vulcanized shoe. Users accustomed to modern performance foams like Boost may find it feels 'flat,' while those with lower arches typically find the gentle contour provides comfortable daily support.
Specs & Sizing
| Weight | 310 g |
|---|---|
| Retail price | $100 |
| Price on Amazon | $85–$110 |
| Release year | 1968 |
| Upper | Premium suede or nubuck (depending on colorway), with soft mesh lining and padded tongue |
| Midsole | Vulcanized rubber with minimal EVA cushioning |
| Outsole | Durable rubber with triple-stacked heel design for stability and retro look |
| Fit & sizing | True to size for average width; consider half-size up for wider feet or relaxed fit |