Side Kicks Streetwear • Sizing Guide
Updated: 10 January 2026
The Air Jordan 1 stands as the most iconic sneaker silhouette ever created. Since launching in 1985 with Michael Jordan's rookie season, this Peter Moore design has transcended basketball to become a cultural phenomenon. Whether you're eyeing classic colourways like the Chicago or Bred, or chasing the latest collaborative release, understanding how Jordan 1s fit is essential.
Unlike some other sneaker models that require sizing adjustments, the Air Jordan 1 has earned a reputation for reliable, consistent sizing across its various iterations. From high-tops to lows, the fit remains remarkably uniform, making it one of the more straightforward Jordan models when it comes to sizing.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Air Jordan 1 sizing, including differences between cuts, tips for wide and narrow feet, and how the leather construction affects fit over time.
Jordan 1 Sizing Quick Reference
- General fit: True to size for most wearers
- Toe box: Roomier compared to modern basketball shoes
- Wide feet: True to size (AJ1s are accommodating for wider feet)
- Narrow feet: Can go half a size down for a snugger fit
- Leather construction: Breaks in and moulds to your foot over time
- Consistency: Same sizing across High, Mid, and Low versions
- Compared to other Jordans: Fits similarly to Jordan 3s and 4s
Do Jordan 1s fit true to size?
Yes, Air Jordan 1s fit true to size for the vast majority of wearers. This is one of the key reasons why the silhouette has remained so popular for nearly four decades – the sizing is predictable and reliable. Unlike some Jordan models that require half-size adjustments, you can confidently order your regular Nike or Jordan size and expect a proper fit.
The Air Jordan 1 was originally designed as a basketball shoe, which means it features a construction that's naturally accommodating for various foot shapes. The toe box is roomier compared to many modern sneakers, providing ample space without feeling boxy or oversized. The classic high-top design, with its structured leather upper and Nike Air cushioning, creates a fit that has remained consistent since 1985.
What makes the Jordan 1 particularly user-friendly is its leather upper. High-quality leather stretches and conforms to your foot shape over time, meaning even if they feel slightly stiff when new, they'll mould to your feet after a few wears. This break-in characteristic ensures a personalised fit that only gets better with age.
Jordan 1 High sizing
The Air Jordan 1 High is the original and most iconic version of the silhouette. With nine lace holes running up the ankle, it offers maximum support and the classic look that made the shoe legendary. The high-top construction doesn't affect sizing – you should stick with your regular size.
Even those with wider feet typically find the Jordan 1 High accommodating without needing to size up. The basketball heritage of the shoe means it was designed to fit securely while allowing for natural foot movement, making it comfortable straight out of the box for most people.
One of the benefits of the Jordan 1 High is its lacing system. With more lace holes than the Mid or Low versions, you have greater flexibility in how you wear them. Many sneakerheads prefer wearing their Jordan 1 Highs with loose laces, which allows for easy on-and-off while maintaining a secure fit. This versatility means you can adjust the fit to your preference without changing sizes.
Jordan 1 Mid sizing
The Air Jordan 1 Mid features a slightly lower collar than the High, with eight lace holes instead of nine. Another distinguishing feature is the Jumpman logo on the tongue, compared to the Nike Air branding found on the Highs. Despite these design differences, the Mid fits virtually identical to the High-top version.
For most wearers, sticking with your true size is the best approach with Jordan 1 Mids. The slightly lower cut doesn't affect the overall fit or how the shoe feels on foot. If you already own Jordan 1 Highs, you can confidently order the same size in Mids.
Those who prefer a snugger, more locked-in fit may consider going half a size down in the Mid, though this isn't necessary for most people. Keep in mind that sizing down will bring your toes closer to the end of the shoe, so only do this if you're certain you prefer a tighter fit.
Jordan 1 Low sizing
The Air Jordan 1 Low cuts below the ankle for a sleek, versatile silhouette that works perfectly for warmer weather and casual styling. Good news for sizing consistency – Jordan 1 Lows fit exactly the same as their High and Mid counterparts.
Whether you're moving between High, Mid, or Low versions, your size remains constant. This makes building a Jordan 1 collection straightforward, as you don't need to remember different sizes for different cuts. If you wear a UK 9 in Jordan 1 Highs, you'll wear a UK 9 in Jordan 1 Lows.
Sizing for different foot shapes
Wide feet
If you have wider feet, you're in luck with the Jordan 1. Thanks to its basketball heritage and roomier construction, the Air Jordan 1 is one of the most accommodating Jordan models for wider feet. Most people with wide feet can stick to their true size without any issues. The shoe may feel slightly snug at first, but the leather upper will stretch and break in beautifully over the first few wears, creating a custom fit.
Narrow feet
Those with narrow feet have the option to go half a size down for a more snug, secure fit. Jordan 1s right out of the box may feel just right for narrow-footed wearers without any adjustment needed. If you do choose to size down, be mindful that this will bring your toes closer to the front of the shoe. It's a personal preference – some prefer the locked-in feel of sizing down, while others are perfectly happy with their true size.
How Jordan 1s compare to other sneakers
Jordan 1 vs Air Force 1
The Air Jordan 1 fits almost identically to the Nike Air Force 1. If you already own Air Force 1s and know your size, you can confidently order the same size in Jordan 1s. Both silhouettes share similar construction principles and offer comparable fits, making the transition between them seamless.
Jordan 1 vs other Jordan models
Within the Air Jordan line, sizing remains remarkably consistent. Jordan 1s fit similarly to Jordan 3s and Jordan 4s, meaning your size should translate across these iconic models. This consistency makes collecting different Jordan silhouettes easier, as you don't need to adjust sizes between models.
However, it's worth noting that some Jordan models like the 5s and 6s are known to run wider, while others like the 4s have a narrower forefoot. The Jordan 1 strikes a nice balance, offering a true-to-size fit that works for most foot shapes without requiring adjustments.
Understanding the break-in period
Jordan 1s are crafted from high-quality leather, which brings both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. When you first unbox your pair, the leather may feel slightly stiff – this is completely normal and actually a sign of quality construction.
Over the first few wears, the leather will begin to soften and mould to the unique contours of your feet. This break-in process typically takes about a week or two of regular wear. During this time, you'll notice the shoe becoming progressively more comfortable as the materials adapt to your foot shape.
It's important to set realistic expectations: while the leather will soften and conform, Jordan 1s won't stretch dramatically from tight to loose. If your pair feels uncomfortably snug when new, sizing up is the better solution rather than hoping they'll stretch significantly. The break-in process enhances comfort but doesn't fundamentally change the size.
Tips for achieving the perfect fit
Sock selection matters
The type of socks you plan to wear with your Jordan 1s can influence your sizing decision. If you prefer thick, cushioned socks, you might find going half a size up provides the extra room needed for all-day comfort. This is particularly relevant during colder months when you're more likely to wear heavier socks.
Conversely, if you typically wear thinner socks or plan to rock your Jordan 1s in warmer weather, your true size should provide the ideal fit. Many sneakerheads adjust their sock choice seasonally, using thinner options in summer and thicker ones in winter, all while maintaining the same shoe size.
Lacing techniques
How you lace your Jordan 1s significantly impacts fit and comfort. The beauty of the Jordan 1's design is its versatile lacing system, which allows for multiple wearing styles. Many wearers prefer keeping their laces relatively loose, which permits easy slip-on functionality while the high-top collar still provides ankle support.
During the break-in period, looser lacing can help accommodate the stiffer leather. As the shoe moulds to your foot, you can tighten the laces to your preferred level of security. Experiment with different lacing tightness to find what works best for your comfort and intended use.
Consider your use case
While Jordan 1s were originally designed for basketball, they're predominantly worn as lifestyle sneakers today. If you're planning to wear them casually, true to size works perfectly. For those rare occasions where you might use them for light athletic activity, the same sizing applies – the basketball DNA of the shoe means it's built to perform even in your regular size.
Women's sizing considerations
Women's Air Jordan 1s fit true to size, just like the men's versions. However, there are important conversion details to understand, particularly regarding US sizing. Nike produces some Jordan 1s specifically as women's releases, which are often denoted as "WMNS" (women's).
When converting between men's and women's US sizes, the standard rule is to go 1.5 sizes up from men's to women's. For example, a US men's 7 equals a US women's 8.5. If you're a woman looking to purchase a men's-exclusive release, you would typically go 1.5 sizes down from your usual women's size.
It's worth noting that UK and EU sizes are unified across men's and women's releases, so conversions are only necessary for US sizing. Women's versions may have a slightly narrower fit in some releases, but generally, the same true-to-size principle applies.
Why Jordan 1 sizing is so consistent
One of the most praised aspects of the Air Jordan 1 is its sizing consistency across nearly four decades of production. This reliability stems from Nike's commitment to maintaining the original specifications and construction methods that made the shoe iconic in the first place.
Whether you're buying a general release, a limited colourway, or a high-profile collaboration, the fit remains remarkably uniform. This consistency extends across all three cuts – High, Mid, and Low – making it easy to build a diverse collection without worrying about size variations.
The predictable sizing also contributes to the Jordan 1's status as one of the most accessible premium sneakers. New collectors can purchase with confidence, knowing that if one pair fits well, future pairs in the same size will too.
Final sizing recommendations
Standard feet: True to size
Wide feet: True to size (Jordan 1s are accommodating)
Narrow feet: True to size, or half size down for snugger fit
All cuts (High/Mid/Low): Same size across all versions
Thick socks: Consider half size up
Between sizes: Go with your regular Nike/Jordan size
Frequently asked questions
Do Jordan 1s run big or small?
Jordan 1s fit true to size. They don't run big or small compared to standard Nike sizing, making them one of the most reliable sneakers for consistent fit.
Should I size up in Jordan 1s?
Most people do not need to size up in Jordan 1s. The shoe is true to size and accommodating for wider feet. Only size up if you prefer a very roomy fit or plan to wear thick socks regularly.
Do Jordan 1 Highs fit the same as Lows?
Yes, Jordan 1 Highs, Mids, and Lows all fit the same. You can order the same size across all three cuts without any adjustments needed.
Are Jordan 1s good for wide feet?
Yes, Jordan 1s are excellent for wide feet. Their basketball heritage means they're naturally accommodating, and the leather upper stretches to conform to your foot shape over time.
How long does it take to break in Jordan 1s?
Jordan 1s typically take 1-2 weeks of regular wear to fully break in. The leather will soften and mould to your feet during this period, becoming progressively more comfortable.
Do Jordan 1s fit the same as Air Force 1s?
Yes, Jordan 1s and Air Force 1s fit almost identically. If you know your Air Force 1 size, you can confidently order the same size in Jordan 1s.
What's the difference between men's and women's Jordan 1 sizing?
In US sizing, women's sizes are 1.5 sizes larger than men's (e.g., men's US 7 = women's US 8.5). UK and EU sizes are unified. Women's versions may have a slightly narrower fit but follow the same true-to-size principle.
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