Convert shoe sizes between US men, US women, UK, and EU sizing systems.
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Individual results vary based on your inputs and assumptions, so review important decisions with a qualified professional.
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Shoe sizes are one of the most confusing measurement systems globally — not only do the UK, US, and European systems differ, but men's and women's shoes use different scales within the same country, and children's sizing follows yet another system entirely. Whether you are buying online from a US retailer in the UK, shopping European brands on holiday, or ordering shoes as a gift for someone overseas, this comprehensive guide will help you convert accurately every time.
| System | Region | Basis | Increment |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | United Kingdom, India, South Africa | Barleycorn (1/3 inch) from children's size 1 | 1/3 inch per size |
| US Men's | United States, Canada | Same barleycorn system, different starting point | 1/3 inch per size |
| US Women's | United States, Canada | 1.5 sizes larger than US Men's | 1/3 inch per size |
| EU (Paris Points) | Europe, most of world | Paris points (2/3 cm or 6.67 mm) | 2/3 cm per size |
| CM (Mondopoint) | Japan, Korea, ISO standard | Foot length in centimetres | Continuous (5 mm increments common) |
Converting between US and UK men's shoe sizes is straightforward: US Men's = UK + 0.5 (approximately). In other words, a UK size 9 is approximately a US size 9.5.
| UK Men's | US Men's | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6.5 | 39–40 | 24.4 |
| 7 | 7.5 | 41 | 25.1 |
| 8 | 8.5 | 42 | 25.7 |
| 9 | 9.5 | 43 | 26.7 |
| 10 | 10.5 | 44–45 | 27.3 |
| 11 | 11.5 | 45–46 | 28.0 |
Women's sizing differs more significantly: US Women's = UK Women's + 2 (approximately) or US Women's = UK Women's + 1.5 depending on the brand. Most commonly, UK 4 = US 6.5, UK 5 = US 7.5.
| UK Women's | US Women's | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5.5 | 36 | 22.2 |
| 4 | 6.5 | 37 | 23.0 |
| 5 | 7.5 | 38 | 23.6 |
| 6 | 8.5 | 39 | 24.3 |
| 7 | 9.5 | 40–41 | 24.9 |
| 8 | 10.5 | 41–42 | 25.6 |
European shoe sizes are based on Paris points, where 1 Paris point = 2/3 of a centimetre (6.67 mm). The size number represents the interior length of the shoe in Paris points. EU sizing is the same for men and women (no gender separation), unlike UK and US systems.
To convert foot length in cm to EU size: EU = foot length (cm) / 0.667. For example, a 26 cm foot = 26 / 0.667 = 39 EU (approximately — always round up). EU sizes are fractional: EU 39 and EU 39.5 are common half-size increments in European markets.
Major European brands (Adidas, Puma, Birkenstock from Germany; Geox from Italy; Camper from Spain) natively use EU sizing. When buying these brands from UK retailers, always check whether the retailer lists EU or UK sizes — most UK retailers convert to UK sizing, but some specialist retailers use EU natively.
Children's sizing runs from birth through approximately age 12–13, after which children transition to adult sizing. In the UK, children's sizes run from 0 (infant) up to 13, then restart at 1 (adult). In the US, children's sizes run similarly: infant (1C–6C), toddler (7T–12T), little kids (13K–3Y), big kids (3.5Y–7Y).
| UK Children's | US Children's | EU | Approx Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1C | 15–16 | Newborn |
| 4 | 5C | 20–21 | 12–18 months |
| 7 | 8C | 24–25 | 2–3 years |
| 10 | 11C | 28–29 | 4–5 years |
| 13 | 1Y (youth) | 32–33 | 7–8 years |
The most accurate method to find your true shoe size:
The Brannock Device (the metal sizing instrument found in shoe shops) measures both foot length and width simultaneously and is the US standard measuring tool. UK shoe shops typically use similar measuring equipment.
Length is only part of the equation — width matters significantly for comfort. UK and US systems handle width differently:
Wide-fit shoes are particularly important for people with bunions, high insteps, or diabetic foot conditions. UK brands like Hotter and DB Shoes specialise in wide-fit footwear. In the US, New Balance and Brooks offer the widest range of width fittings in athletic footwear.
Running shoe experts consistently recommend going 0.5–1 full size larger than your casual shoe size. During running, feet swell with heat and repeated impact, and your longest toe should have at least 10–15 mm (a thumbnail's width) of clearance at the front. Wearing running shoes that are too tight is a leading cause of blisters, black toenails, and bunion aggravation.
For men's shoes: US size = UK size + 0.5 (a UK 9 = US 9.5). For women's shoes: US size = UK size + 2 approximately (a UK 5 = US 7). EU to UK men's: subtract approximately 33.5 from EU size (EU 43 is approximately UK 9). Always check brand-specific size charts as sizing varies between manufacturers.
No. UK and US shoe sizes use the same barleycorn increment system but start from different points. Men's UK shoes are approximately 0.5 sizes smaller than US equivalent. Women's UK shoes are approximately 2 sizes smaller than US equivalent. A UK women's size 5 is a US women's size 7 or 7.5 depending on the brand.
EU sizes are based on Paris points, where 1 Paris point = 2/3 of a centimetre. The size number equals the shoe's interior length in Paris points. EU sizing is unisex — there is no separate men's and women's scale. EU 37 fits a foot of approximately 23 cm; EU 42 fits approximately 27 cm.
A UK men's size 9 is approximately EU 43. A UK women's size 9 is approximately EU 43–44. Note that EU sizing can vary by about half a size between brands, so always measure your foot length (approximately 27 cm for a UK men's 9) and refer to the specific brand's size chart.
Yes — most podiatrists and running specialists recommend going 0.5 to 1 full size up from your casual shoe size for running shoes. Feet swell during running, and you need 10–15 mm of clearance at the toe. Buying running shoes that are too tight is a primary cause of blisters, black toenails, and foot injuries.
Trace your child's foot on paper (weight-bearing, standing), measure the longest dimension from heel to longest toe, add approximately 12 mm (1.5 cm) for growth allowance, and convert to the appropriate size chart. Children's feet grow approximately 1–1.5 shoe sizes every 6 months under age 3, slowing to about one size per year by age 5–6. Check sizing every 6–8 weeks for young children.
In UK women's sizing, D is narrow and E is standard. In UK men's sizing, D is narrow, E is standard, EE is wide, and EEE and EEEE are extra wide. Most standard shoes sold are E (men's) or D (women's) width. Wide-fit shoes (EE/EEE for men, EE for women) are important for people with wider feet, bunions, or certain medical conditions.
Yes, significantly. Shoe last design (the 3D foot form used to make the shoe) varies between manufacturers, meaning a Nike size 10 may fit differently from an Adidas size 10 even though they are nominally the same. This is especially true for running shoes, where toe box shape, heel cup depth, and instep height all vary. Always check a brand's specific size guide and consider half-size adjustments when switching brands.