Vans Authentic vs Nike Air Max 90 Sizing
Vans Authentic vs Nike Air Max 90: side-by-side fit, toe-box width and the exact size to order in each — Nike Air Max 90 runs bigger. Free interactive sizing comparison.
Should you size down from the Vans Authentic to the Nike Air Max 90?
Yes — size down a half size. If you wear a US 10 in the Authentic, order about a US 9.5 in the Air Max 90.
How they compare
Vans Authentic → Nike Air Max 90: The Vans Authentic runs true to size and has a slightly narrower toe box compared to the Nike Air Max 90. If you wear a US 10 in the Authentic, your target size for the Air Max 90 is US 9.5.
Nike Air Max 90 → Vans Authentic: The Nike Air Max 90 runs about a half-size large and has a slightly wider toe box compared to the Vans Authentic. If you wear a US 10 in the Air Max 90, your target size for the Authentic is US 10.5.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Vans Authentic | Nike Air Max 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length Fit | True to Size | Runs Large (~½ size) |
| Toe Box Profile | Narrow | Standard |
| Arch Support | None | Moderate |
| Upper Material | Canvas | Leather/Mesh |
Size conversion: Vans Authentic → Nike Air Max 90
If you wear these US sizes in the Authentic, here is the size to order in the Air Max 90.
| Your US size in Authentic | Recommended Air Max 90 size |
|---|---|
| US 8 | US 7.5 |
| US 9 | US 8.5 |
| US 10 | US 9.5 |
| US 11 | US 10.5 |
| US 12 | US 11.5 |
Frequently asked questions
Which runs bigger, the Vans Authentic or the Nike Air Max 90?
The Nike Air Max 90 runs longer than the Vans Authentic. The Authentic is the snugger of the two, so you may want extra length going the other way.
If I wear a US 10 in the Authentic, what size is the Air Max 90?
Target a US 9.5 in the Air Max 90. A US 9 in the Authentic maps to about US 8.5, and a US 11 to about US 10.5.
Is the Authentic wider than the Air Max 90?
The Vans Authentic has a slightly narrower toe box versus the Nike Air Max 90 (narrow vs standard). Forefoot room is one of the biggest reasons two shoes at the same length still feel different.
How do the Authentic and Air Max 90 compare on support and material?
The Authentic pairs none arch support with a canvas upper; the Air Max 90 has moderate support and a leather/mesh upper.
Try it: adjust the size and compare live
Verdict
The Vans Authentic runs true to size and has a slightly narrower toe box compared to the Nike Air Max 90. If you wear a US 10 in the Authentic, your target size for the Air Max 90 is US 9.5.
| Spec | Vans Authentic | Nike Air Max 90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length Fit | True to Size | Runs Large (~½ size) |
| Toe Box Profile | Narrow | Standard |
| Arch Support | None | Moderate |
| Upper Material | Canvas | Leather/Mesh |