When shopping for athletic footwear, one of the most common concerns is sizing. A shoe that doesn’t fit properly can ruin your comfort, performance, and even lead to injuries. Among popular sportswear brands, Under Armour has carved a niche for itself with innovative technology, sleek designs, and performance-driven footwear. But many shoppers often wonder: does Under Armour shoes run small?
If you’ve found yourself asking this question before hitting “checkout,” you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore Under Armour shoe sizing in detail, compare it to other brands, and provide tips on getting the perfect fit for your feet.
Contents
- 1 The Importance of Shoe Fit
- 2 So, Do Under Armour Shoes Run Small?
- 3 Why Under Armour Shoes May Feel Smaller
- 4 How Under Armour Sizing Compares to Other Brands
- 5 Popular Under Armour Models and Their Fit
- 6 Signs That Your Under Armour Shoes Don’t Fit Right
- 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Size in Under Armour Shoes
- 8 Final Verdict: Do Under Armour Shoes Run Small?
- 9 Key Takeaways
The Importance of Shoe Fit
Before diving into Under Armour specifically, it’s worth understanding why shoe fit matters so much. Footwear that runs too small can cause blisters, bunions, and overall discomfort. On the other hand, shoes that run too large might lead to instability and lack of proper support during workouts or everyday use.

Importance of Shoe Fit
Performance shoes, especially running shoes and training shoes, need to provide the perfect balance of snugness and flexibility. This is why brands like Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Hoka, and Under Armour pay special attention to sizing and fit.
So, Do Under Armour Shoes Run Small?
The short answer: Yes, in many cases Under Armour shoes tend to run slightly small or narrow compared to standard sizing.
However, the degree of tightness can depend on:
- Shoe model (running shoes vs. basketball shoes vs. casual sneakers)
- Your foot shape (wide, narrow, or standard)
- Regional sizing variations (U.S. vs. U.K. vs. EU sizes)
- Personal preference (some people prefer snug fits for performance, others want extra room for casual wear)
Many customer reviews across different models report that Under Armour shoes, especially their performance sneakers, can feel tighter at the toe box and narrower in the midfoot compared to brands like Nike or Adidas.
Why Under Armour Shoes May Feel Smaller
There are a few reasons why some buyers feel Under Armour runs small:
- Performance-Oriented Design
- Under Armour shoes are designed for athletes and workouts. They often prioritize a snug, “locked-in” fit to enhance stability, especially in running and training shoes.
- Narrower Construction
- Many Under Armour models are built with a slimmer profile. This design may feel restrictive to people with wide feet, making the shoe feel smaller even if the length is technically correct.
- Material & Upper Structure
- Some shoes use stiff mesh, knit uppers, or synthetic overlays that don’t stretch much, unlike more flexible shoes from other brands.
- Brand Fit Philosophy
- Each brand has its own sizing philosophy. For example, Nike often runs narrow, Adidas can run true-to-size or slightly big, and Under Armour leans toward snug fits.
How Under Armour Sizing Compares to Other Brands
If you’re switching from another shoe brand to Under Armour, here’s how the sizing usually compares:
- Nike vs. Under Armour
Nike is also known for running narrow. However, Under Armour tends to be even snugger in certain models, especially in running shoes. If you’re a true size in Nike, you may need to size up by half in Under Armour. - Adidas vs. Under Armour
Adidas shoes generally run true-to-size or slightly roomy. Compared to Adidas, Under Armour often feels tighter. If you wear a size 10 Adidas, you might find a 10.5 Under Armour more comfortable. - Brooks/Hoka vs. Under Armour
These running shoe brands are known for wider toe boxes and comfort. If you’re coming from Brooks or Hoka, expect Under Armour to feel significantly more snug. - Puma vs. Under Armour
Puma shoes are usually sleek but not as tight as Under Armour. If you wear true-to-size in Puma, you might need to go up half a size in Under Armour.
Popular Under Armour Models and Their Fit
To help narrow things down, here’s a breakdown of how different Under Armour shoe lines typically fit:
1. Under Armour Running Shoes
- Examples: HOVR Sonic, HOVR Infinite, Charged Assert
- Fit: Generally run slightly small and narrow. Best to size up by half if you have wide feet or prefer extra room in the toe box.
2. Under Armour Training Shoes
- Examples: UA TriBase, Project Rock Training Shoes
- Fit: Tend to be true-to-size but snug, especially in the midfoot. Great for stability but not the best for wide feet.
3. Under Armour Basketball Shoes
- Examples: Curry Flow series, Spawn series
- Fit: These shoes are true-to-size for most wearers, but wide-footed athletes may need to size up half. They are designed for quick cuts and lockdown fit.
4. Under Armour Lifestyle/Casual Sneakers
- Examples: UA Forge, UA Charged Pursuit casuals
- Fit: Usually true-to-size, as they’re made for everyday comfort rather than high-performance stability.
Signs That Your Under Armour Shoes Don’t Fit Right
To avoid long-term discomfort, look for these red flags after trying them on:
- Toes feel cramped or rub against the front.
- Sides of your feet feel pinched.
- Heel slips when walking (indicating the shoe is too big).
- Pain or hot spots after 20–30 minutes of wear.
If you experience any of these, you may need a different size or even a different model better suited to your foot shape.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size in Under Armour Shoes
- Measure Your Feet First
- Use a ruler or Brannock device to measure your foot length and width. Compare it to Under Armour’s official size chart.
- Consider Half Sizes
- If you’re between sizes or have wide feet, go half a size up in Under Armour shoes.
- Check Customer Reviews
- Look at reviews for the specific shoe model. Some UA shoes run more true-to-size than others.
- Know Your Foot Type
- If you have narrow feet, true-to-size should work well.
- If you have wide feet, size up or consider Under Armour’s wide-size offerings (available in select models).
- Try Them On Later in the Day
- Feet swell throughout the day. Trying shoes on in the evening helps you pick the most accurate size.
- Use Return Policies
- Under Armour’s online store and most retailers have flexible return policies. Don’t hesitate to exchange if the first pair doesn’t fit right.
Final Verdict: Do Under Armour Shoes Run Small?
Overall, yes, Under Armour shoes often run slightly small or narrow, especially in their performance models like running and training shoes. While casual sneakers and basketball shoes are closer to true-to-size, many people find sizing up half a size provides a better fit—particularly if they have wide feet.
If you’re switching from Adidas, Brooks, or Hoka, expect Under Armour shoes to feel snugger. Nike users may feel the difference less dramatically but might still benefit from a half-size increase.
At the end of the day, comfort and performance are personal. The best way to ensure the right fit is to know your foot measurements, compare sizing charts, and take advantage of return policies.
Key Takeaways
- Under Armour shoes tend to run small and narrow compared to standard sizing.
- Running and training shoes are the most likely to feel tight, while basketball and lifestyle shoes often fit closer to true-to-size.
- Wide-footed individuals should size up by half a size or look for UA wide options.
- Always check reviews for specific models before purchasing.
- Proper shoe fit enhances comfort, stability, and performance.
✅ With this guide, you can confidently answer: Does Under Armour shoes run small? For most people, the answer is slightly, yes. But with the right adjustments, you can find the perfect pair that supports your lifestyle, workouts, and daily comfort.
Recommended Link Setup
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👉 Under Armour Official Size Chart
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(place in the conclusion as a buying option) - Optional Dofollow (neutral but helpful resource):
👉 How to Measure Your Foot for Shoes – Runner’s World
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