Adidas Gazelle Sizing Guide and Review
The Adidas Gazelle sneaker first came to production in the 60s (nearly 20 years after the Adidas Samba), with resurgences throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s. With the popularity of its Samba counterpart peaking again in 2022, the Gazelle quickly followed suit as a secondary option as the demand for Samba styles skyrocketed with new styles selling out almost instantly.
Whether you're brand new to Adidas sizing or you already have a pair of the OG Sambas and want to see how they compare to the Adidas Gazelles, finding the right fit can be tricky — and especially if you're ordering a colorway likely to sell out, you'll want to get it right the first time. After lots of research, a deep dive into the EU shoe sizing system, and now owning a few pairs of Gazelles to compare, I'm sharing an Adidas Gazelle sizing guide + everything you need to know before you buy.
I'm styling my Gazelles with these Summer staples this season if you need ideas!
One of these size charts isn't like the others
One thing I've learned is that EU sizing isn't necessarily standard. Although you can mostly assume for example that a size Women's US7.5 translates to an EU38, there can be slight variations depending on the company, manufacturer, etc.
For example, Adidas (Germany) equates a US7 to an EU38 2/3, while Veja (Brazil) equates a US7 to an EU38 and Birkenstock equates a US 7-7.5 to a 38. All similar, but slightly different (and confusing!).
Adidas Gazelle sizing guide
The Adidas Gazelle (Indoor) is a unisex shoe that comes in both men's and women's fits including half and full sizes. In my opinion, the shoe generally runs 1/2 size large. Sticking to your true size is something to consider if you have an extra wide foot, although the Adidas Gazelle generally runs wider than the fit of the Samba.
I think by default we think to browse by our US size because it's what we know best. However, what I've learned that especially with footwear brands that are European-made, it's most accurate to use the origin sizing to find your size! So, instead of buying based on your US size, buy based on your EU size. Which leads to...what if I don't know my EU size?!
The guide above is not Adidas' size chart, but it's a great place to start to find your US to EU size conversion. Adidas' size chart can appear a bit more complicated because they offer EU sizes in whole sizes and thirds: (For example: 37 1/3...wtf is that?). My advice is to use the chart above to find your EU size, and then use your best judgment with Adidas 'thirds' sizing based on the width of your foot to find the closest match.
Adidas Gazelle Review
Sizing
In my opinion, the Gazelle generally runs 1/2 size large. I wear a true size US7 and have a narrow foot. When I buy in EU, I almost always buy a EU38. I've tried the Adidas Gazelle in a 38 and a 38 2/3 and much prefer the fit of the 38. The 38 2/3 is too roomy in the toe.
According to Adidas size chart, a 38 translates to a US6.5, but according to general EU shoe size charts, a 38 translates to a 7-7.5. Putting that all together and knowing they run slightly large, you can see how ordering your true size with this fit may leave you with a shoe that's a little larger than you bargained for.
Quality + Comfort
The Gazelle's were comfy right out of the box for me. Although I found the Sambas just as comfortable, the Gazelles have a more pliable tongue so there's really no breaking in required. In generally, they have a less structured, 'softer' fit than the Sambas due to the general construction of the shoe and are an all around great pair for everyday with great support.
Adidas Gazelle Bold
The Gazelle Bold is the platform version of the OG Gazelle Indoor. I gave this style a try and quickly decided against it. I didn't like the bulky feel and just felt that this style is better suited as a non-platform.
Trend Longevity
While I can't really say how long the Gazelles are here as the sneaker, I can say that they're not going anywhere anytime soon! Just like the Sambas, the Adidas Gazelle is a great sporty yet wearable style that can be worn casually with jeans and a tee or dressed up with tailored pants for a smart casual modern office look. The Gazelles also come in some really fun colorways if you want to veer away from neutrals. Burgundy/maroon is going to be big this upcoming Fall season. Here are some ways I've loved seeing them styled:
Best places to shop for the Adidas Gazelle
The best place to shop for the Adidas Gazelle will always be directly from Adidas, but what's great is that when styles sell out quickly, there will always be other retailers where you can find them. I've also had luck at Nordstrom.
If a particular Gazelle colorway is high on your wishlist, you could also try websites like Stock, Farfetch or GOAT. All of these sites are legitimate and verified resale marketplaces where you can find brand new, in-box styles. StoxkX is always my first choice! I've bought many shoes from them and the process has always been super quick and smooth. My only complaint is that the fees and shipping are a little steep compared to if you were buying from a traditional retailer. I got my Blue Fusion Gazelles from StockX shockingly for under retail.
Current favorite Gazelle styles
More Ways to Style the Adidas Gazelle
I'm willing to bet you already have a lot of these simple staples in your closet. Here are a few easy outfits you can style with the Adidas Gazelle sneakers (click on any image below to shop).
Adidas Gazelle Sizing vs. Samba
While I find the Sambas to be generally true to size, Gazelle's run a solid half size large for me. I recommend sizing down 1/2 size if you have a traditional "M" width food. If you have a wider foot, similarly with the Sambas, always take that into consideration (in this case you may want to stick true to size with the Gazelles). Read my Adidas Samba Sizing Guide & Review.
Hope you found this Adidas Gazelle sizing guide and review helpful!
