My Vans arrived - question on sizing

catgirl

Stupid question: do Vans stretch? They fit but I am so unused to this type of sneaker. I have them on barefoot and they are a bit roomy at the toe (typical for me with my wide feet). How should a sneaker like this fit? They feel like slippers right now. They do have a small elastic gusset.

Should they start a little tight, or am I confusing them with skinny denim?

10 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from kerry

kellygirl

Veteran

I do not own vans but DD live in them. They end up molding to your feet. I don't think they stretch much. They shrink a bit when you wash them but go back to their regular size after wearing. I think they should fit and not be too tight when you purchase. Not sure that helps?

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Hmmmm. They do feel a little big. I wish Nordstrom had mentioned the men's sizing as I usually size down in men's shoe sizes. Now they are sold out, of course. Wonder if I can wear them with socks or no show socks - not that familiar with how to style Vans. But I LOVE them....

10 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Oh yeah, the unisex sizing is a little confusing too. I think they run a little wider--not really longer when it comes to the Classic styles.
Most kids wear them with socks--I think they would get stinky without them.
They are totally cool. Hope you can get sorted on the fit!

10 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Una in my experience Vans shoes do stretch out a bit. What size do u usually wear? I see they still have 6's and 6.5's in stock. I was thinking u wore one of those sizes?

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I think I need a 5.5 in these. I got the 6 and they are a little sloppy. They are meant to wear sockless, right?

10 years ago

adorkable

Veteran

FWIW, a women's 7-7.5 is about a 5 in unisex, but I don't know what size you wear.

10 years ago

Glory

Veteran

This is tricky and exactly the conundrum I had with the converse last summer. I ended up getting a half size up and putting a small insole in. I do not think that canvas will stretch much, and the other thought is if worn in summer your feet may swell a bit.

10 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Yes wear sockless

10 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

How about an insole? They make sockless shoes more comfortable for me and take up a little extra room when I'm between sizes.

10 years ago

kerry

Veteran

alaskagirl, please help! I've been eyeballing metallic leather vans at J Crew. I cannot find them in Toronto. I'd like to order them right the first time since it's a hassle return from Canada. Can you help me with sizing? I usually take a 6.5 and my foot is a bit wide. I also have a high instep and worry this style might prove a problem. Also, are your vans canvas or leather? Would the canvas be more accommodating (ie. stretchy)? Can you put the canvas ones in the washer?

Thanks!

10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I am by no means a Vans expert - these are my first pair!

From the sizing chart they are men's sizes and 1.5 smaller for women which I didn't realize when I ordered. So what Nordstrom listed as a 6 is a men's 4.5 (not a 4 as I would have guessed from Dr. Martens and other unisex brands). I am usually a 5.5 with wide high volume high arched boxy feet, but I often go with women's size 6 because 5.5. wide is so hard to find. I'm ALWAYS a 4 in unisex/men's shoes, though, and I should have gotten the women's 5.5 or men's 4 in these babies.

This pair was a bit loose all over, and I read online that this particular style (the Beatles version) runs a little big. If you are a true 6.5, I think you should order your true women's size, which would be a men's 5.

Mine are canvas. More experienced people might chime in about stretching but these seem more sturdy than other canvas shoes I've had.

10 years ago

kerry

Veteran

Thank you, Una!

10 years ago

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