Shoe Size Converter
Convert shoe sizes between EU, UK, and US standards easily and accurately.
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Table of Contents
Understanding International Shoe Sizing Systems
The world of shoe sizing is complex, with multiple systems used across different countries and regions. Understanding these differences is crucial when shopping for shoes internationally or online.
Major Shoe Sizing Systems
European (EU) System
The European sizing system, also known as Paris Point, is used throughout continental Europe. It's based on the length of the last (the foot-shaped form used to make shoes) in centimeters:
- Each size increases by 0.667 cm (6.67 mm) or 2/3 of a centimeter
- Ranges typically from 35-48 for adults
- Does not differentiate between men's and women's sizes
- Calculated as: (Foot length in cm + 1.5 cm) × 1.5
UK System
The UK system is one of the oldest sizing systems, dating back to 1324. It's based on the "barleycorn" measurement:
- Each full size increases by 1/3 inch (8.46 mm)
- Half sizes increase by 1/6 inch (4.23 mm)
- Adult sizes typically range from 3-14
- Does not differentiate between men's and women's sizes
- Calculated as: ((Length of the last in cm / 2.54) × 3) - 25
US System
The US system is based on the UK system but with some key differences:
- Separate scales for men, women, and children
- Men's sizes are roughly one size larger than UK (UK 9 = US 10)
- Women's sizes are typically two sizes larger than UK (UK 5 = US 7)
- Each full size increases by 1/3 inch (8.46 mm)
- Adult sizes typically range from 4-15 for men and 5-12 for women
- Calculated as: ((Length of the last in cm / 2.54) × 3) - 23 for men
Mondopoint System
Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the 1970s as a universal standard:
- Based on foot length in millimeters
- Sometimes includes foot width as a percentage
- Example: 267/90 means 267mm length with 90% width ratio
- Commonly used for ski boots and military footwear
- Also used in Japan, Korea, and China (sometimes labeled as JP, KR, or CN)
Key Differences Between Systems
| Feature | EU | UK | US | Mondopoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Measurement | Paris Point | Barleycorn | Adapted Barleycorn | Millimeters |
| Size Increment | 6.67 mm | 8.46 mm | 8.46 mm | 5 mm |
| Gender Distinction | No | No | Yes | No |
| Typical Adult Range | 35-48 | 3-14 | 4-15 (M), 5-12 (W) | 230-310 mm |
Brand Variations
It's important to note that even within the same sizing system, different brands may have slight variations:
- Athletic shoes often run smaller or narrower than dress shoes
- Some brands are known to run consistently small (e.g., many Italian manufacturers)
- Others may run consistently large (e.g., some American brands)
- The same numerical size can vary by up to 1-1.5 sizes between different manufacturers
Width Measurements
Beyond length, shoe width is also an important factor that varies across systems:
- US Width: Typically uses letters - N (narrow), M (medium), W (wide), XW (extra wide)
- UK Width: Uses a letter system from A (narrowest) to H (widest), with F being standard
- EU Width: Sometimes indicated with symbols or terms like "schmal" (narrow) or "weit" (wide)
- Mondopoint: Expresses width as a percentage of foot length
Practical Conversion Chart
Here's a quick reference chart for common shoe sizes across different systems:
| Foot Length (cm) | US Men | US Women | UK | EU | CM/JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.5 | 5.5 | 7 | 5 | 38 | 235 |
| 24.1 | 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 39 | 240 |
| 24.8 | 6.5 | 8 | 6 | 39-40 | 245 |
| 25.4 | 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 250 |
| 26.0 | 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41 | 260 |
| 26.7 | 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 265 |
| 27.3 | 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 43 | 270 |
| 27.9 | 9.5 | 11 | 9 | 44 | 275 |
| 28.6 | 10.5 | 12 | 10 | 44-45 | 285 |
| 29.2 | 11 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 45 | 290 |
How to Measure Your Foot Correctly
For accurate shoe sizing, follow these steps to measure your foot properly:
- Prepare materials: You'll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Measure at the right time: Feet tend to swell throughout the day, so measure in the afternoon or evening for the most accurate size.
- Stand on the paper: While wearing the type of socks you'd normally wear with the shoes you're buying, stand with your weight evenly distributed on the paper.
- Trace your foot: Keeping the pencil perpendicular to the paper, trace the outline of your foot. Make sure to trace as close to your foot as possible.
- Mark the dimensions: Draw straight lines touching the furthest points of your tracing (heel, toe, and both sides).
- Measure length and width: Use your ruler to measure the length from the heel to the longest toe and the width at the widest part of the foot in centimeters.
- Repeat for both feet: Feet are rarely identical in size, so measure both and use the larger measurements for sizing.
- Use the measurements: Refer to the conversion chart above or use the calculator on this page to find your size.
Common Shoe Sizing Issues and Solutions
Even with proper measurements and conversion charts, you might encounter these common sizing issues:
Between Sizes
If your measurements fall between standard sizes, consider these options:
- For athletic shoes: Go up half a size for more comfort during activity
- For dress shoes: Choose the smaller size as leather will stretch slightly
- For wide feet: Size up if the wider option isn't available
Different Sized Feet
It's normal for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. In this case:
- Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot
- For significant differences (more than one size), consider purchasing different sized shoes or using inserts
- Some specialty stores and online retailers offer "mismatched" sizing programs
Brand Inconsistencies
Brands often have their own unique sizing standards:
- Check brand-specific size charts when available
- Read customer reviews mentioning "runs small" or "runs large"
- Some brands like Nike typically run smaller, while others like New Balance often run larger
- European luxury brands (Gucci, Prada) often run smaller than their US counterparts
Special Foot Conditions
Certain foot conditions require special consideration:
- Bunions: Look for wider toe boxes and soft, flexible materials
- Flat feet: Ensure proper arch support or room for orthotic inserts
- High arches: Choose shoes with adequate cushioning and depth
- Consider specialized footwear if standard sizing doesn't accommodate your needs
Tips for Successful Online Shoe Shopping
- Check the return policy: Make sure the retailer offers hassle-free returns before purchasing
- Read user reviews: Look for comments about sizing, fit, and comfort
- Order multiple sizes: If possible, order your measured size and half a size up or down
- Consider material: Leather stretches with wear, while synthetic materials generally don't
- Account for socks: Consider the thickness of socks you'll wear with the shoes
- Time of day matters: Feet tend to swell during the day, so shoes that fit in the morning might be tight by evening
Pro Tip:
How to Convert Shoe Sizes
To convert shoe sizes between different systems, follow these steps:
-
1Enter your shoe size in the input field
-
2Select the size system you want to convert from
-
3Select the size system you want to convert to
EU = UK + 33
EU = US + 31
UK = EU - 33
US = EU - 31
Common Examples
Example 1 EU 42
EU 42 = UK 9 = US 11
Example 2 UK 7
UK 7 = EU 40 = US 9
Example 3 US 10
US 10 = EU 41 = UK 8
Example 4 EU 38
EU 38 = UK 5 = US 7