One of the most frustrating aspects of international shopping for sneakers—specifically the ubiquitous Air Force 1 (AF1)—is the inconsistency in sizing. You might be a US 10 in a retail pair, but when browsing the vast ecosystem of sellers on a Kakobuy spreadsheet, that number can lose its meaning. Different factories use different lasts (molds), and a budget batch might fit totally differently than a premium tier batch. In this tutorial, we will walk you through exactly how to compare sizing across sellers to ensure you get the perfect fit every time.
Why Sizing Varies on Spreadsheets
Before diving into the tutorial, it is crucial to understand why sizing discrepancies exist. On a Kakobuy curation spreadsheet, you are seeing links to items produced by various factories. These factories are often referred to by their batch codes (e.g., VT, OWF, S2, XP).
A “batch” refers to a specific production run using specific materials and molds. The VT Batch (known for budget-friendly basic AF1s) might run a half-size large, while the OWF Batch (often used for Off-White collaborations) might be True to Size (TTS). If you switch sellers but the seller is sourcing from the same factory/batch, the size will be the same. If you switch batches, the sizing changes.
Step 1: Establish Your Baseline (The CM Standard)
Forget US, UK, or EU sizing for a moment. To survive in the world of specialized shopping spreadsheets, you must know your foot length in centimeters (CM) or millimeters (MM).
- Measure your foot: Place your heel against a wall and measure to the tip of your longest toe.
- Check your current shoes: Look at the size tag of your best-fitting Nike sneakers. Look specifically for the CM or CHN measurement.
- The Rule: Nike Air Force 1s generally run big. Most seasoned shoppers size down 0.5 US from their regular running shoe size (like an Air Max or Ultraboost). However, this rule fluctuates based on the seller's batch.
- Locate the “Batch” Column: Identical AF1 colorways can be listed under different batches. If the spreadsheet lists “Sadesa Leather Version,” this usually implies a higher quality mold that fits closer to retail specs (slightly roomy). If it says “Budget” or “Promotion,” the sizing can be unpredictable.
- Read the “Remarks” or “Notes”: Good spreadsheet curators will leave notes like “TTS” (True to Size) or “Size down 0.5.” Trust these community observations.
- Seller A (Budget Tier): Often lacks a detailed contour chart. They might just list EU sizes. In this case, standard conversion (EU 44 = US 10) usually applies, but budget molds are often wider. If you have narrow feet, sizing down is mandatory here.
- Seller B (High Tier - XP/OG Batches): These sellers often provide a table showing “Insole Length.” This is your golden ticket. Compare the insole length listed (e.g., 280mm) to the measurement you took in Step 1.
- If you ordered a US 10, the insole should generally be around 28cm.
- If the photo shows 29cm, the shoe is huge.
- If it shows 27cm, it will be too tight.
- WTG / Wood Table Guy (Budget): Notorious for inconsistent sizing. Usually fits massive. Recommendation: Size down 0.5 to 1 full size.
- XP Batch: High quality, softer leather. Fits True to Size relative to retail AF1s (which implies they are slightly roomy compared to runners).
- Sadesa Batch: Uses the same leather supplier as retail. The fit is almost 1:1 with retail. Stick to your specific Nike size.
- OWF (Off-White Factory): Specifically for Off-White AF1 collabs. These tend to have a tighter toebox due to the deconstructed materials. Go True to Size (do not size down).
Step 2: Analyzing the Spreadsheet Metadata
When you open a Kakobuy spreadsheet, do not just click the link and buy based on the picture. You need to analyze the columns provided by the curator.
Step 3: Comparing Seller Size Charts (The Deep Dive)
Once you click a link from the Kakobuy spreadsheet (redirecting you to the product interface), you must find the specific size chart for that seller. Do not assume a generic chart applies.
Step 4: The “Remarks” Strategy During Order
When placing your order on Kakobuy, you are given a text box for remarks to the agent. Use this to safeguard your purchase.
Template to copy/paste:
“Please ask the seller which size is best for a foot length of [Your CM] cm. If uncertain, please purchase EU [Your Size].”
Agents communicate directly with sellers in Chinese. The seller knows their batch better than anyone. If their current batch of Triple White AF1s is running small, they will often tell the agent to switch your size, saving you the hassle of a return.
Step 5: The Insole Measurement QC (Crucial Step)
This is the most important step in the tutorial. Once the item arrives at the Kakobuy warehouse, you receive Quality Control (QC) photos. Standard photos show the outside of the shoe. You must pay a small fee (usually a few cents) for an “Extra Photo.”
Instruction for Agent:
“Please take a photo of the insole measurement with a measuring tape.”
How to interpret the photo:
By comparing this photo to your own best-fitting shoe's insole, you eliminate all guesswork. If the sellersent a pair that doesn't match the chart, you have proof to return it domestically within China before shipping it internationally.
Step 6: Comparing Popular AF1 Batches
To give you a head start on the spreadsheet, here is a quick comparison of common AF1 batches found on Kakobuy:
Conclusion
Navigating Kakobuy spreadsheets for the perfect Air Force 1 requires more than just clicking a link. It requires a systematic approach: knowing your centimeter size, creating a dialogue with the agent, and verifying with photographic evidence of the insole. By following this method, you can confidently switch between sellers and batches, knowing that your fresh white kicks will fit perfectly the moment they arrive at your door.