TL;DR: International shoe sizing systems use different units of measurement, making conversion charts necessary for online shopping. A US men"s 9 is roughly a UK 8, an EU 42, and 27 CM.
- Global Systems: The primary shoe sizing systems are US/Canada, UK, European (EU), and Japanese (CM/Mondopoint).
- Measure Your Feet: For the best fit, measure your foot length in centimeters or inches from heel to longest toe.
- Gender Sizing: US sizing differs for men and women; a men"s size is typically 1.5 to 2 sizes smaller than a women"s size for the same foot length.
- Width Matters: Standard shoe width is "D" for men and "B' for women, but many brands offer narrower (A, B) or wider (E, EE) options.
- Brand Variation: Sizing is not standardized between brands due to differences in shoe lasts, materials, and manufacturing.
How Shoe Sizing Systems Differ Globally
International shoe sizing systems are not standardized, with major regions using their own distinct measurement scales. The United States and Canada use a system derived from the British one, but with a different starting point. The UK system is based on the barleycorn, an old unit of measurement equal to 1/3 of an inch.
The European system, used across most of continental Europe, is based on Paris points, where one point equals 2/3 of a centimeter. The Japanese system, also known as Mondopoint, is the most straightforward; it directly corresponds to the length of the foot in centimeters (CM). These foundational differences in units and starting points mean there is no perfect mathematical formula to convert between all systems, making conversion charts an essential tool.
Men's International Shoe Size Conversion Chart
A men"s US size 10 is approximately a UK 9.5 and an EU 43. This chart provides approximate conversions for men"s shoe sizes across the most common international standards. Always check a specific brand's size guide, as manufacturing variations can affect the final fit.
| US & Canada | UK & Ireland | Europe (EU) | Japan (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 41.5 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 42 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 42.5 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 43 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 10 | 44 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 45 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 46 | 30 |
| 13 | 12.5 | 47 | 31 |
Women's International Shoe Size Conversion Chart
The US sizing system for women is different from the men"s system, typically running 1.5 sizes larger. For example, a women"s US 8.5 is equivalent in length to a men's US 7. This distinction does not exist in the UK or EU systems, which are unisex in principle but may have different width profiles.
| US & Canada | UK & Ireland | Europe (EU) | Japan (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 22 |
| 5.5 | 3 | 35.5 | 22.5 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 36 | 23 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 37 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 38 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 39 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 6.5 | 40 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 7 | 40.5 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 41 | 27 |
| 11 | 8.5 | 42 | 28 |
How to Accurately Measure Your Foot at Home
To find your most accurate shoe size, measure your foot length in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest. You will need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or tape measure.
- Step 1: Place the paper on a hard, flat surface. Sit in a chair or stand with your foot firmly on the paper.
- Step 2: Trace the outline of your foot. Hold the pen or pencil upright and perpendicular to the paper to get the most accurate outline.
- Step 3: Mark the tip of your longest toe and the back of your heel on the tracing.
- Step 4: Use the ruler to measure the distance between these two points. This is your foot length.
- Step 5: Compare this measurement in inches or centimeters to a size chart. For best results, measure both feet and use the measurement of the larger foot.
Understanding Shoe Width and Why It Matters
Shoe width is a critical component of fit that is often indicated by a letter next to the size number. In the US system, the standard or medium width for men is "D", while for women it is "B". Sizes get progressively wider as the letters advance (E, EE, EEE) and narrower as they go down (C, B, A).
Wearing a shoe with the incorrect width can lead to discomfort, blisters, bunions, and other foot problems. If a shoe feels tight on the sides but the length is correct, you likely need a wider size. Conversely, if your foot slides side-to-side, a narrower size may be required. Not all brands offer multiple widths, but many athletic and comfort-focused brands provide a range of options.
Why Shoe Sizes Vary Between Brands
A shoe size is not a universally fixed measurement, which is why a size 9 from one brand can fit differently than a size 9 from another. The primary reason for this discrepancy is the shoe last, a three-dimensional mold that gives a shoe its shape. Every brand and even different shoe models within a brand can be built on a different last, affecting length, width, and overall volume.
Other factors contributing to size variation include the materials used, the shoe"s construction method, and its intended purpose. For example, a running shoe is designed to allow for foot swelling and may have a roomier toe box than a leather dress shoe of the same stated size. Because of this, it is always best practice to consult the specific brand"s official size guide and read customer reviews for feedback on fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EU 42 shoe size in other regions? An EU size 42 is approximately a US men"s size 9 and a US women"s size 11. In the UK system, it corresponds to roughly a men's 8.5.
Are UK and US shoe sizes the same? No, UK and US shoe sizes are not the same. A US men"s size is typically 0.5 to 1 size larger than the UK equivalent (e.g., US 10 is a UK 9 or 9.5). A US women"s size is about 2 sizes larger than the UK size (e.g., US 8 is a UK 6).
Do feet get wider with age? Yes, feet often get wider and longer with age. Over time, ligaments and tendons can lose elasticity, causing the arch to flatten and the foot to spread. This is a common reason why a shoe size that fit well for years may no longer be comfortable.
What is the Mondopoint sizing system? Mondopoint is a standardized system that measures foot length and width in millimeters. It is used by NATO for military boots and is also the standard for ski boots and many Asian shoe brands, providing a more precise fit than traditional sizing systems.