Finding the perfect pair of shoes isn't just about style—it's about fit. Yet, with a myriad of shoe sizing systems used worldwide, navigating international sizes can be confusing. The above shoe size conversion chart and calculator, will take the guess work out and allow you to find the right international conversion for your shoes instantly. While knowing your shoes size across different sizing systems, it is also beneficial to understand the conversion between men's and women's shoe sizes, as this can be a handy tool when shopping
How to Use the Shoe Size Conversion Calculator
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Select Your Gender: Choose between Men's and Women's sizes for accurate conversion.
- Choose the Size System: Options include US, UK, EU, China, Japan, and more.
- Enter Your Shoe Size: Input your size based on the system you've selected.
- View Converted Sizes: Instantly see your equivalent sizes across various international systems, including measurements in centimeters and inches.
- Convert to Opposite Gender : This can be useful sometimes when shopping for a particular shoe that is not available in your size but in the opposite genders' size.
Understanding the Origins of Shoe Sizing Systems
Why Do Shoe Sizes Vary Globally?
The variation in shoe sizes across countries stems from historical differences in measurement systems and manufacturing practices. While some countries use the length of the foot as the basis for sizing, others consider the length of the shoe's last (the mold used to create the shoe).
Common Shoe Size Systems Around the World
- US Sizes: Used primarily in the United States and Canada, with separate scales for men, women, and children.
- UK Sizes: Originated in the United Kingdom and are also used in Australia and New Zealand.
- European (EU) Sizes: Adopted across mainland Europe, these sizes are unisex and typically range from 35 to 48.
- Japanese Sizes: Based on the length of the foot in centimeters, providing a straightforward measurement.
- Chinese Sizes: Similar to European sizes but may vary slightly due to manufacturing differences.
Comprehensive Shoe Size Conversion Chart
For quick reference, here's a segment of our international shoe size conversion chart:
| US Men's |
US Women's |
UK |
EU |
AUS |
China |
Japan |
CM |
Inches |
| 6 |
7.5 |
5.5 |
39 |
5.5 |
39 |
24 |
24.1 |
9.5 |
| 6.5 |
8 |
6 |
39.5 |
6 |
39.5 |
24.5 |
24.4 |
9.6 |
| 7 |
8.5 |
6.5 |
40 |
6.5 |
40 |
25 |
24.8 |
9.8 |
| 7.5 |
9 |
7 |
40.5 |
7 |
41 |
25.5 |
25.4 |
10 |
| 8 |
9.5 |
7.5 |
41 |
7.5 |
41.5 |
26 |
25.7 |
10.1 |
| 8.5 |
10 |
8 |
42 |
8 |
42 |
26.5 |
26 |
10.3 |
| 9 |
10.5 |
8.5 |
42.5 |
8.5 |
43 |
27 |
26.7 |
10.5 |
| 9.5 |
11 |
9 |
43 |
9 |
43.5 |
27.5 |
27 |
10.6 |
| 10 |
11.5 |
9.5 |
44 |
9.5 |
44 |
28 |
27.3 |
10.8 |
| 10.5 |
12 |
10 |
44.5 |
10 |
44.5 |
28.5 |
27.9 |
11 |
| 11 |
12.5 |
10.5 |
45 |
10.5 |
45 |
29 |
28.3 |
11.1 |
| 11.5 |
13 |
11 |
46 |
11 |
46 |
29.5 |
28.6 |
11.3 |
| 12 |
13.5 |
11.5 |
46.5 |
11.5 |
46.5 |
30 |
29.4 |
11.6 |
| 13 |
14.5 |
12.5 |
47 |
12.5 |
47 |
31 |
30.2 |
11.9 |
| 14 |
15.5 |
13.5 |
48 |
13.5 |
48 |
32 |
31 |
12.2 |
| 15 |
16.5 |
14.5 |
49 |
14.5 |
49 |
33 |
31.8 |
12.5 |
| 16 |
17.5 |
15.5 |
50 |
15.5 |
50 |
34 |
32.6 |
12.8 |
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Tips for Buying Shoes Internationally
- Measure Your Feet Regularly: Foot size can change over time due to factors like age, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy.
- Consider Foot Width: Some countries and brands offer width fittings, such as narrow, regular, or wide.
- Read Customer Reviews: Look for comments on sizing accuracy, comfort, and fit.
- Check Return Policies: Ensure you can exchange or return the shoes if they don't fit properly.
The Impact of Shoe Fit on Foot Health
Wearing the correct shoe size is vital for:
- Comfort: Prevents blisters, chafing, and discomfort during wear.
- Foot Health: Reduces the risk of long-term foot problems like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
- Posture and Alignment: Supports proper posture, reducing strain on your back and joints.
Keep in mind that it is critical to have the perfect fit for your shoes, in particular, when you use your shoes for sports such as running.
Understanding Half Sizes and Widths
- Half Sizes: Offer a more precise fit between whole sizes. If a full size is too tight and the next size up is too loose, a half size might be ideal.
- Width Measurements:
- N (Narrow): For slimmer feet.
- M (Medium): Standard width.
- W (Wide): For broader feet.
- WW (Extra Wide): For very wide feet.
If you like to find your Shoe Width or understand more about this topic, checkout our article on Shoe Width for Men's & Women's, there we go into the details about shoe width and everything you need to know about this topic.
Cultural Considerations in Shoe Sizing
- Asian Sizing: Often smaller and narrower than Western sizes. When buying shoes from Asian countries, consider sizing up.
- European Brands: Tend to have a more standardized sizing system, but fashion brands may run smaller.
- US and UK Differences: Remember that UK sizes are typically one (men's) or two (women's) sizes smaller than US sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a size 38 in US women's shoes?
A European size 38 typically corresponds to a US women's size 7.5 to 8. However, this can vary by brand and shoe style.
How do I convert EU shoe size to US?
Use our Shoe Size Conversion Calculator by selecting EU as your original size system, entering your size, and viewing the US equivalent. For example, an EU 42 is approximately a US men's size 9.
What is the difference between UK and US shoe sizes?
For men's shoes, UK sizes are generally one size smaller than US sizes. For example, a UK men's size 9 is roughly a US men's size 10. For women's shoes, the difference is usually about two sizes.
How do inches relate to shoe sizes?
Inches measure the length of your foot, which can then be matched to a shoe size using sizing charts. This is especially useful when precise measurement is needed.
Final Thoughts
Navigating international shoe sizes doesn't have to be a hurdle. By understanding the various sizing systems and accurately measuring your feet, you can confidently convert between sizes and find the perfect fit. Whether you're buying sneakers, dress shoes, or sandals, our Shoe Size Conversion Calculator is an invaluable tool to simplify your shopping experience.
