Converse Size Guide

This here will be a quick size guide or an insider on Converse’s shoe sizing. I will be touching on all three of their lines, Chuck Taylor’s, CONS, and Jack Purcell. I’m first going to breakdown sizing of the Chuck Taylor.

The Chuck Taylor All-Star is one of the most iconic sneakers in history and has been around since my parents’ parents were in Grade School. Originally offered in the hi-top and low top silhouettes, converse has expanded their design ideas within the All-Star a ton. You can now find them in any color you can think of as well as just about any material. From Leather, to aged canvas with a zipper feature, there is a pair to catch the whole family’s attention. What some people may not know, is how the sizing works with them…

Chuck Taylor Sizing:

Converse notes that all of their CT All-Stars are unisex sizing, meaning whatever the size is, they will give you the men’s and women’s size for that specific pair. The official Converse site states they run a half-size larger than your normal shoe. They claim if you are a men’s size 11, you would be a Converse size 10.5. While this seems obvious at first glance, I have discovered exceptions in a number of different sizes offered. For example I’m a men’s size 11 through and through no matter the brand / style shoe. However, for Chucks I don’t wear the recommended 10.5, but a whole size smaller. I actually prefer a size 10 over 10.5 when buying a new pair.

I “interviewed” my Dress Code Family to see what their personal experiences have been with the shoe, and it seems that roughly half go down the recommended half-size, while the rest of us go a whole size down. I also noticed that the people going a whole size down in Chuck Taylor’s are also people that wear larger sizes.

Jack Purcell & CONS Sizing:

Comparing the Jack Purcell to the Chuck Taylor, you would think the only difference between the two is the slightly different toe cap on the JP’s, right? In actuality, Converse states that the Jack Purcell model runs true to size in all models, so you won’t have to worry if you are looking to pick these up instead of some Chucks. The CONS line is where things get tricky. CONS is the lifestyle/skate line within the company, offering a wide variety of silhouettes and styles. For the skate collection, everything runs true to your normal shoe size, but with the lifestyle models such as the CTA Pro or Star Player Mid, you are recommended to go a half-size down. What’s frustrating is the lifestyle line is “assorted” in terms of sizing. Some run a half-size down and some are true to size.

My recommendation:

Anyone looking to get a pair of Converse Brand Shoes, is urged to try them on before purchasing. If you know what size you normally wear and are interested in a pair of Chuck Taylor’s, try both the whole and half size down to see what size YOU like better. For any CONS models you may be unsure about, try them on.

Unable to try on a pair at the store? No worries! Just refer to the Converse Official Site’s unisex size guide. An easy way to check the converse’s recommended shoe guide do the following.

1. Visit  converse.com
2. In the search box type the SKU / Style number of the shoe that you are interested in.
3. On the product page converse will either state the following: “Runs true to size” or “Runs a half-size large.”