Do ASICS run small? ASICS sizing by model

Quick facts

• Your usual size: Gel-Kayano 14, Gel-1130, Gel-NYC (3 models)
• Half a size up: Gel-Lyte III, Gel-Sonoma 15-50, or any ASICS on a wide foot
• Against Nike: wider but shorter, so a Nike 9 is an ASICS 9.5 in running shoes
• Toe room: about 1 cm between your longest toe and the end of the shoe
• On within: 30 ASICS pairs, 25 at Utopia, read 2 November 2026

Do ASICS run big or small?

Both answers are online, and both are right for someone. Captain Creps, a UK sneaker site, says in one guide that ASICS "are generally true to size, but do run a little tight". In another, it says ASICS lean wide, so narrow feet can go half a size down.

The answer depends on your foot and the model. A wide or high foot feels the snug midfoot and wants half a size more. A narrow foot can feel the wide toe box and stay put or go down.

ASICS sizing is less about the number and more about the last the shoe was built on.

How ASICS fit, model by model

Sneakerjagers, a sneaker news site, keeps a model by model list. Combined with RunRepeat's lab test of the Gel-1130:

• The Gel-Kayano 14 is wider than most ASICS, so take your own size.
• The Gel-1130 fits true to size, medium and slightly roomy. RunRepeat measured its widest point at 94.5 mm, against a 92.4 mm average.
• On RunRepeat, 354 owner votes call the Gel-1130 true to size.
• The Gel-NYC fits true to size, and the wider Gel-Nimbus 9 needs no size up.
• The Gel-Lyte III has a narrow toe cap, so go half a size up. The Gel-Lyte V fits close in the same way.
• The Gel-Sonoma 15-50 fits close, so half a size up.

OG Kicks, a UK stockist, notes that ASICS makes width options on some models. If the forefoot pinches, a wider fit can solve it better than a longer shoe.

ASICS vs Nike sizing

Captain Creps puts it simply: ASICS run "wider but shorter", while Nike runs longer but narrower. Its advice for running shoes is half a size up from your Nike size.

For lifestyle models like the Kayano 14 and Gel-1130, the wider last means many people stay at their Nike size. If your Nike size already feels tight across the toes, go half up in ASICS. Nike sizing has its own guide in do Nikes run small.

For New Balance, Captain Creps finds the toe box roomier than ASICS, so wide feet may find New Balance easier. The full comparison is in New Balance vs ASICS and New Balance sizing.

Kith, JJJJound and the ASICS on shelves now

On 2 November 2026, within had 30 pairs on the ASICS shelf. Utopia had 25, parlor23 had 4, and Outlined had 1. Every listing was in US sizing, mostly men's.

The Gel-1130 was the most stocked model with 9 pairs, then the Gel-Kayano 14 with 7. The GT-2160 had 5 and the Gel-Nimbus 10.1 had 4. Nine pairs were Kith collaborations and two were JJJJound.

Of the 11 Kith and JJJJound pairs, 8 came in a single size, and every ASICS listing was final sale. The size you need decides which pair you can get:

• The Gel-Kayano 14 Black Pure Silver came in US 9.5, 11, 11.5, 12 and 13.
• A JJJJound Kayano 14 in white and blue had only US 9.5 and 10.
• The Gel-1130 Black Pure Silver had five sizes between US 5 and 10.
• The Kith Gel-1130 Cream Scarab had US 11 and 12.

Where to find more pairs is in where to buy ASICS in Canada. Conversions for other brands are in the designer shoe size chart.

The short answer, if anyone asks

ASICS run true to size in length but slightly snug, so wide feet go half a size up. The Gel-Kayano 14, Gel-1130 and Gel-NYC fit true to size.

The Gel-Lyte III and Gel-Lyte V run narrow, so half up. Against Nike, ASICS run wider but shorter.

On 2 November 2026, within listed 30 ASICS pairs, 25 of them at the boutique in Toronto, led by the Gel-1130 and Kayano 14.

Common questions

How should you size ASICS?

Measure your foot, leave about 1 cm of space at the toe, and check the model. Most take their usual size.

Do ASICS run bigger or smaller than Nike?

Shorter but wider. For running shoes, go half a size up from Nike. For the Kayano 14 and Gel-1130, most stay at their Nike size.

Should I size up in the Gel-Kayano 14?

No. It is one of the wider ASICS, so take your own size.

Is the Gel-1130 true to size?

Yes, for normal and narrow feet. Wide feet or a high instep can go half up.

Shelf counts and ranges below refer to their stated check dates. Linked product prices were rechecked on 7 November 2026; available sizes can change before checkout.

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