Does the Nike Air Force 1 Run True to Size? | How do Nike Air Force 1’s fit?

Arguably THE most iconic sneaker of all time, the Nike Air Force 1 has transcended streetwear. No matter your taste, there’s a pair for you. But there has been one issue with the shoes fit for years.

Ask around, and I’m sure you’ll be told to go a half size down (ex: if you normally wear a 10.5, get a 10). I second that, but let me explain why. When you try on a new pair in your normal size I’m sure they fit perfectly (maybe a bit snug, if anything), but they don’t take long to break in at all. Whether you have narrow or wide feet, the lacing system helps the mid-foot to work for just about everyone. But it’s creasing that’s the issue.

Simply put, the Air Force 1 is a chunky shoe with a wide toe box. Unlike the Air Jordan 1, mainly because of its shape, not many AF1’s look better with wear and creasing. You combat the roomy toe box and minimize creasing by going a half size down in your forces.

It’s too late. I already bought my pair true to size. What do I do now? 

INSOLES. For some reason, this answer is a bit controversial. Some people feel they don’t work. I strongly disagree. Maybe you just haven’t found the right one(s) for you, and there are different ways to go about it. I swap the insoles in pretty much all of my shoes for additional comfort. In an instance like this where the goal is to prevent creasing, there are three ways you can approach it.

Most Air Force One’s come with a standard, ultra thin insole. Your first option is to take this one out and add a thicker, store bought, insole of your choice. Your second and third options are pretty much the same. Insert another insole on top of the existing one. If you feel doing so with the store bought insole gives you too much lift, try taking the insoles out of a comfortable shoe you already own. An insole with Nike Zoom technology should do the trick. 

(And before you ask, no. I do not recommend products like the forcefields, toe guards, or crease protectors for the toe box. You’re doing too much. Don’t force yourself to be uncomfortable because you want to get a fit off. Stop walking funny, we can tell.)