Back-to-school shopping clusters around lifestyle sneakers people actually wear to class — AF1, Dunk, Samba/Gazelle/Spezial, Chucks, NB 550, Vans. Generic “Nike runs small” advice fails across that list. Pick the model first, then the size.
| Model | Verdict | Width | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Force 1 '07 | Runs Big Verified | Roomy boxy toebox | Size down half a size (TTS if wide feet) |
| Nike Dunk Low | True to Size Verified | More tapered than AF1 — can feel snug in toebox | True to size; half up if wide |
| Adidas Samba OG | Runs Narrow Verified | Narrow low-volume last — common complaint | True to size length; half up if wide feet |
| Adidas Gazelle | Runs Narrow Partial | Narrow non-stretch suede — snugger than Stan Smith/Superstar | True to size in length but runs narrow — wide feet go up half |
| Adidas Handball Spezial | True to Size Partial | Roomier than Samba among terrace trio; pliable suede stretches | True to size; half up if wide feet |
| Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High | Runs Big Verified | Flat canvas last; wide options available | Size down half a size |
| New Balance 550 | Runs Narrow Partial | Narrow leather toebox — limited width SKUs | True to size length; half up if wide |
| Vans Old Skool | True to Size Partial | Can feel narrow/snug in toebox | True to size; half up if wide |
| Jordan Air Jordan 1 High | True to Size Verified | Basketball-heritage toebox — roomier than Dunk; narrow feet may half down, wide may half up | True to size (same as usual Nike/Jordan size) |