adidas NMD R1 fits at essentially the same number as Air Force 1 — slightly large for most people. Based on 779 owner-reported pairs in the Feetlot database, the typical wearer takes half a size down from their true Nike size. The Primeknit upper has some forefoot stretch, so half down still accommodates moderate widths. If unsure: go half a size down from your true Nike size, or take the same number you wear in AF1. Wide feet should stay true to size.
NMD R1 Sizing — What 779 Pairs in the Feetlot Database Tell Us
The adidas NMD R1 is the most-tracked modern adidas runner in the Feetlot database. Across 779 owner-reported pairs, the residual variance is tight (standard deviation ≈ 0.24 size units), meaning sizing is consistent across the various NMD R1 colorways (Primeknit, mesh, knit-and-leather combos) and the OG releases. The often-confused "NMD R1 runs small" online advice doesn't fully match what Feetlot data actually shows: NMD R1 sits at essentially the same number as AF1, and AF1 wearers go half down — so the NMD R1 also fits half a size below true Nike for the typical wearer.
The reason the "runs small" reputation persists despite the data is the sock-like Primeknit upper. The knit hugs the foot tighter than a traditional sneaker upper, so a true-to-size pair feels noticeably snugger than a true-to-size AF1 — even though they're the same length numerically. The Boost midsole compresses by 1–2 mm after the first 10 hours of wear, which lengthens the effective interior of the shoe slightly. The half-size-down recommendation accounts for both effects.
Should You Size Up or Down in NMD R1?
Standard fit (most people)
Go half a size down from your true Nike size — same adjustment as AF1. The Primeknit upper stretches enough to accommodate a snug half-down fit, and the Boost midsole keeps the foot comfortable. Half down is what most Feetlot owners report as the correct fit.
Wide feet
Stay true to size. The Primeknit upper has some forefoot give but the molded EVA "plugs" at the heel and forefoot are rigid — going down half on wide feet presses the metatarsals against the inner plugs. Width isn't offered separately on most NMD R1 colorways.
Narrow feet
Half a size down is right for most narrow feet. Going a full size down occasionally works for very narrow feet, but the heel plug becomes a pressure point in a too-small pair. Half down is the safer move.
NMD R1 vs NMD R1 V2 vs NMD R1 STLT
The original NMD R1, the NMD R1 V2 (refreshed in 2020 with a different lacing setup), and the NMD R1 STLT (Primeknit Mid) all use the same last and the same length advice — half a size down from your true Nike size. The V2 has slightly more padding around the collar; the STLT extends higher up the ankle but doesn't change the size you'd buy.
How NMD R1 Compares to Other Sneakers
The NMD R1 fits at the same numerical size as Nike Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1, Vans Authentic, Vans Old Skool, adidas Stan Smith, adidas Superstar, adidas Gazelle, Air Max 90, Blazer Mid '77, Air Jordan 4, SB Dunk Low, Nike Dunk Low, Nike Dunk High, Air Jordan 3, Air Max 1, Air Max 95, Air Max 97, Air Max 270, and New Balance 574. According to Feetlot data, all of these sit within a quarter size of NMD R1 — round to the same size in 0.5 increments.
Exceptions: adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 runs about half a size larger than NMD R1 — so go down half from YEEZY to NMD R1 (and the other way too). Converse Chuck Taylor (Low and Hi) runs about half a size larger than NMD R1 as well. Boot-style models (Red Wing Iron Ranger) run a full size smaller than NMD R1 in number — size down a full size from NMD R1 there. Clarks Desert Boot runs about half a size smaller than NMD R1.
Sign in to Feetlot and add a few of your other sneakers to get a personal NMD R1 size recommendation calibrated to your actual foot.
adidas NMD R1 Size Chart (US / EU / UK)
| US Men's | US Women's | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 7.5 | 8.5 | 7 | 40.5 |
| 8 | 9 | 7.5 | 41.5 |
| 8.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 42 |
| 9 | 10 | 8.5 | 43 |
| 9.5 | 10.5 | 9 | 43.5 |
| 10 | 11 | 9.5 | 44 |
| 10.5 | 11.5 | 10 | 44.5 |
| 11 | 12 | 10.5 | 45.5 |
| 11.5 | 12.5 | 11 | 46 |
| 12 | 13 | 11.5 | 47 |
| 13 | 14 | 12.5 | 48 |
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Sizing up half because "NMDs run small". NMD R1 fits at essentially the same number as AF1. The sock-like Primeknit makes the fit feel snugger, but the length isn't actually shorter. Sizing up half gives a too-long shoe with a loose heel.
- Treating NMD R1 like YEEZY 350. YEEZY 350 V2 runs about half a size larger than NMD R1. If you wear YEEZY 350 in 11, take NMD R1 in 10.5 — don't carry the YEEZY size over directly.
- Ignoring the forefoot plug. The white plastic EVA plug at the forefoot is rigid. Going down half on wide feet presses the metatarsals against it.
- Expecting the Boost to break in lengthwise. Boost midsoles compress by 1–2 mm at the heel after the first 10 hours, which can make a pair feel slightly looser. Width and forefoot length don't change.
- Confusing NMD R1 with NMD R2 or CS1. Same brand, different lasts. NMD R2 fits slightly narrower than NMD R1. NMD CS1 (Primeknit slip-on) runs about a half size larger. Don't carry NMD R1 sizing across the NMD line without checking.
How Feetlot Computes These Numbers
Every NMD R1 sizing recommendation on Feetlot is the output of a global offset model fit to over 100,000 owner-reported shoe records. Each shoe gets a single number — its "size offset" — that captures how its sizing drifts relative to a reference shoe (the Nike Air Force 1). When a Feetlot user provides their size in any tracked shoe, the model recovers their true foot baseline and recommends the matching NMD R1 size.
This works better than the pairwise approach you'll see on most sizing blogs because Feetlot uses the entire wardrobe graph. A YEEZY 350 owner contributes data about how YEEZY fits relative to AF1 owners (who often own both), which links back to NMD R1 owners through any shared model. Even when two users share zero shoes directly, the chain of users in between transmits a consistent recommendation. The result: sizing advice that holds up no matter how unusual a wardrobe is.