Sizing guide Updated

Adidas Superstar Sizing Guide: Does It Run Small or True to Size?

Short answer

The Adidas Superstar remains an enduring streetwear icon, but navigating its fit requires a precise understanding of its unique volumetric properties. While officially designated as true to size (TTS), real-world consumer experiences show that standard foot profiles often find the shoe slightly large or long, causing noticeable heel slippage.

Runs true to size

Cross-sizing: what size to buy

Find a shoe you already own and read across to the Adidas Superstar size to buy.

  • Nike Air Force 1 Low

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 10 or 10.5
    EU 44 44 or 44.5

  • Adidas Stan Smith

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 9.5
    EU 44 43.5

  • Adidas Samba OG

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 9.5
    EU 44 43.5

  • Nike Dunk Low

    Your usual Buy
    US 10 9.5 or 10
    EU 44 43.5 or 44

Fit Notes

Nike Air Force 1 Low
The Air Force 1 features a highly spacious, high-volume cut, whereas the Superstar is slightly narrower through the midfoot. Standard feet can wear the same size (US 10) for a snug, locked-in fit, while those who prefer extra breathing room or have wider feet should buy a half-size larger (US 10.5) in the Superstar.
Adidas Stan Smith
The Stan Smith is narrower and fits closer to a true standard length than the Superstar. Because the Superstar possesses a significantly wider forefoot profile and runs slightly long in comparison, dropping down a half size (US 9.5) prevents annoying heel lift and optimizes midfoot security.
Adidas Samba OG
The Samba features an extremely narrow, low-volume T-toe box, causing many standard wearers to size up to US 10 purely to gain adequate width. Because the Superstar's rounded shell toe offers vast forefoot space and lateral relief, you must account for this compensation factor and drop back down a half size (US 9.5) to align with your true anatomical length.
Nike Dunk Low
Standard Dunks run true to size. The Superstar has a slightly longer footbed; standard-width feet should size down to US 9.5 to eliminate heel slippage, whereas wide-footed individuals should stay at US 10 to ensure their toes clear the unyielding lateral edges of the rubber shell toe.

Sizing FAQ

Does the Adidas Superstar run true to size?

The Adidas Superstar is designed to fit true to size (TTS), and the standard brand sizing chart applies accurately. However, real-world experiences vary based on foot shape. Wearers with average to wide feet find their normal size fits comfortably, but those with standard or narrow profiles often note that the silhouette runs slightly long, leading to heel slip. Sizing down by half a size is recommended for standard or narrow feet if a tighter, locked-in fit is preferred.

Is the Adidas Superstar good for wide feet?

The Adidas Superstar is widely considered one of the most wide-foot-friendly classic lifestyle shoes on the market. This is directly attributable to the rounded, non-tapering shell-toe design which provides lateral relief and prevents pinching of the metatarsals. While standard true-to-size ordering is ideal for wide feet, individuals with extra wide feet or those buying heavily padded editions like the Superstar II should size up a half size to prevent their toes from pressing painfully against the inelastic rubber dome.

How is the arch support on the Adidas Superstar?

The Adidas Superstar provides very flat, minimal arch support from the factory, which is typical of heritage court shoes designed in the late 1960s. The flat rubber cupsole lacks modern responsive foam cushioning, which can lead to midfoot fatigue during extended wear. To optimize comfort, it is highly recommended to replace the thin factory sockliner with a structured aftermarket orthotic insole, which provides necessary arch reinforcement and absorbs excess vertical volume to lock the heel deeper into the shoe.

Specs & Sizing

Weight 408 g
Retail price $100
Price on Amazon $60-$100
Release year 1969
Upper leather
Midsole rubber with cushioning
Outsole herringbone rubber for grip
Technologies rubber shell toe cap, non-marking sole
Fit & sizing true to size; go half size up for wide feet or looser fit