Why Shoe Sizing Is So Confusing
Unlike clothing, where you can often estimate a size from looking at a garment, shoe sizing requires precision. A half-size difference in shoes can mean the difference between all-day comfort and blisters. And because shoe sizing systems differ significantly between countries — and even within them — knowing how to convert sizes is essential for online shopping, travel, and buying from international brands.
Men's Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| US | UK | EU | CM (foot length) | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 40 | 25.0 | 9.8" |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 25.4 | 10.0" |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 25.9 | 10.2" |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 41.5–42 | 26.3 | 10.4" |
| 9 | 8 | 42 | 26.7 | 10.5" |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 43 | 27.1 | 10.7" |
| 10 | 9 | 43–44 | 27.5 | 10.8" |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 44 | 27.9 | 11.0" |
| 11 | 10 | 44–45 | 28.3 | 11.1" |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 29.1 | 11.5" |
| 13 | 12 | 47 | 29.9 | 11.8" |
Women's Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| US | UK | EU | CM (foot length) | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 35–36 | 22.0 | 8.7" |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.4 | 8.8" |
| 6 | 4 | 36–37 | 22.9 | 9.0" |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23.3 | 9.2" |
| 7 | 5 | 37–38 | 23.7 | 9.3" |
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 | 24.1 | 9.5" |
| 8 | 6 | 38–39 | 24.5 | 9.6" |
| 8.5 | 6.5 | 39 | 24.9 | 9.8" |
| 9 | 7 | 39–40 | 25.4 | 10.0" |
| 9.5 | 7.5 | 40 | 25.8 | 10.2" |
| 10 | 8 | 40–41 | 26.2 | 10.3" |
| 11 | 9 | 42 | 27.1 | 10.7" |
Understanding Shoe Widths
Length is only half the equation. Shoe width matters just as much for comfort. Most standard shoes are "medium" width, but many brands offer additional widths:
- Men's widths: N (Narrow), M/D (Medium/Standard), W/2E (Wide), XW/4E (Extra Wide)
- Women's widths: N/AA (Narrow), M/B (Medium/Standard), W/D (Wide), XW/2E (Extra Wide)
If you consistently find shoes uncomfortable despite having the right length, try a different width. Many foot problems — bunions, blisters, pinching — are caused by incorrect width rather than incorrect length.
How to Measure Your Foot at Home
- Place a piece of paper on a hard floor and stand on it with your heel against a wall.
- Trace around your foot with a pencil, keeping it vertical (not angled).
- Measure the longest distance from heel to toe in centimetres.
- Compare your measurement to the CM column in the chart above.
- Measure both feet — most people have one foot slightly larger. Always size for the larger foot.
Pro tip: Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening. Feet naturally swell throughout the day, and shoes that fit in the morning may feel tight by evening if sized too small.
Key Differences Between Regional Systems
- US vs. UK: Men's US sizes are typically 0.5–1 size larger than UK sizes. Women's US sizes are about 2 sizes larger than UK sizes.
- EU sizing is based on the Paris Point system (⅔ of a centimetre per size) and is the same for men and women.
- Japanese sizing uses foot length in centimetres directly (e.g., 26.0 = 26 cm foot).