Shoe Size Conversion Chart - US, UK, EU, China | Women & Men

Shoe size conversion at a glance#

Shoe size conversion maps the same foot across the US, UK, EU and Chinese (CN) systems plus foot length. Sizes split by gender, so a US women’s 8.5 is an EU 39, while a US men’s 8 is an EU 41. CN sizes match the EU numbers below and are based on foot length.

Women’s shoe sizes

Men’s shoe sizes

For CN to US, a CN 42 is a US women’s 9.5 or a US men’s 8, a CN 43 a women’s 10 or men’s 9, and a CN 46 a US men’s 12. EU 39 is a US women’s 8.5 or men’s 6, EU 44 a men’s 11, and EU 45 a men’s 12. A US men’s 9 is a UK 8.5, and a US women’s 9 a UK 7. CN and EU numbers also read as foot length: a CN 42 women’s shoe fits about a 25.5 cm (10 in) foot, and a US women’s 9 about a 25 cm (9.8 in) foot.

These conversions are read from this page’s own women’s and men’s charts, where CN equals the EU number and the foot length column follows the Japanese (centimeter) scale, cross-checked against US-retailer conventions. Sizes still vary by brand and last, so measure your foot length where you can. You can also use the shoe size conversion calculator, the shoe width chart, or the brand to brand shoe size converter.

Understanding different shoe size systems#

Buying shoes abroad can feel like decoding a secret code. The US, UK, and EU each start their number line in a different spot, while Japan simply measures the foot in centimetres. Here’s the 30-second cheat sheet:

• US vs UK: A men’s US 9 is a UK 8.5: men’s UK sizes run half a size below US. For women, subtract two: a US women’s 8 is a UK 6.
• EU: One unisex scale measured in Paris points (⅔ cm). An EU 43 fits both genders.
• Japan: The number is your foot length in centimeters, so a JP 25 fits a 25 cm (9.8 in) foot.
• China: Also based on foot length, but shoes usually carry the EU-style numbers in the charts below (CN 41, CN 42). The official standard is millimeters, so a label can also read 255 for a 25.5 cm (10 in) foot.
• Korea: Korean sizes use Mondopoint, the foot length in millimetres. Multiply your foot length in centimetres by 10, so a 25.5 cm foot is a Korean 255, which reads as a US women's 9.5 or a men's 8 in the charts below.

How shoe sizes differ between countries: the US, UK and Australia use barleycorn-based scales (steps of one-third inch, about 8.5 mm) with separate men’s and women’s ranges. Europe runs one unisex scale in Paris points (about 6.7 mm per step); German, French and Italian sizes are all EU sizes, so use the Europe column. Japan labels foot length in centimeters, and China bases sizes on foot length too. The same foot can be a US men’s 10, UK 9.5, EU 43, CN 44 and JP 27.

Understanding these differences is crucial when converting sizes or selecting your own size. The below shoe conversion chart will help you find your size and understand the differences across size systems.

Why do the same size shoes fit differently?#

Two shoes both labelled EU 43 can differ by up to a full size, because brands build on different lasts, the foot-shaped mould a shoe is made around, and measure the shoe rather than your foot. Athletic brands often run small, while some European fashion labels run narrow. The most reliable approach is to convert to foot length in centimetres first, then check the brand's own size chart. For a size matched to a specific brand, use the brand to brand shoe size converter.

Womens international conversion chart shoe sizing#

Skip the guesswork: use the chart below to cross-reference US, UK, EU, AU, Chinese, and Japanese sizes at a glance.

Shoe size conversion resources#

Because shoe sizes differ between genders, we provide two specific resources to assist with these conversions:

• Women's to Men's Shoe Size Chart: This chart offers detailed guidance for converting women's shoe sizes to men's shoe sizes across different international sizing systems.
• Men's to Women's Shoe Size Chart: Similarly, this chart helps in converting men's shoe sizes to women's shoe sizes, ensuring you find the right fit across different shoe sizing systems.
• Brand to Brand Shoe Size Converter: Convert men's or women's shoe sizes across brands instantly. Our free tool covers over 400+ brands and various shoe categories.

Converting women's shoe sizes#

Finding the right shoe size when comparing between international systems can be tricky for women. Here are some common conversions:

• US to EU: A US women's size 8 is approximately a European size 38-39.
• US to UK: Subtract two sizes from the US size to get the UK size. For example, a US women's size 8 would be a UK size 6.
• US to Japan: Add about 16 to the US women's size to get the Japanese size (Japanese sizes are foot length in centimeters). So, a US size 8 would be about a Japanese size 24, a 24 cm (9.4 in) foot.

Common women's shoe size conversions#

• Size 38 in US: European size 38 is about a US women's size 7.5-8.
• Size 39 in US: European size 39 corresponds to a US women's size 8.5-9.
• Size 40 in US: European size 40 is roughly a US women's size 9-9.5.
• Size 41 in US: European size 41 translates to a US women's size 9.5-10.

Mens international conversion chart shoe sizing#

Finding the right shoe size when shopping internationally can be challenging. The below shoe size conversion chart helps you find the right size across American, British, European, Australian, Chinese or Japanese shoe size systems.

Converting men's shoe sizes#

Men's shoe size conversions can also be complex. Here are some common conversions that might help you find your fit right away:

• US to EU: A US men's size 9 is a European size 42.
• US to UK: Subtract half a size from the US size to get the UK size. For instance, a US men's size 10 would be a UK size 9.5.

Common men's shoe size conversions#

• Size 43 in US: European size 43 is a US men's size 10.
• Size 44 in US: European size 44 corresponds to a US men's size 11.
• Size 45 in US: European size 45 is a US men's size 12.

Converting between men's and women's sizes#

This is a less known trick, but sometimes you might find a style you love that is only available in the opposite genders size. Well that's actually not a problem, here's how to convert them:

• Men's to women's US sizes: Add 2 to the men's size to get the women's size. For example, a men's size 8 would be a women's size 10.
• Women's to men's US sizes: Subtract 2 from the women's size to get the men's size. So, a women's size 10 would be a men's size 8.

Keep in mind that some brands use a smaller gap of 1 to 1.5 sizes between men's and women's versions of the same shoe. Check out our Brand to Brand Converter to find the most accurate conversion across brands and genders.

Measuring your feet for accurate sizing#

Follow these key steps to measure your feet properly so you can determine your accurate shoe size for both US and international shoe brands:

• Measure foot length: Place your heel against a wall and measure from the tip of your longest toe to your heel. This is your foot length and relates to shoe size.
• Measure foot width: Use a ruler to measure across the widest part of your foot. This will help you find the right width shoe.
• Measure instep height: Use a tape measure to measure from the top of your foot arch to the top joint of your big toe. This guides shoe arch support needs.
• Find your shoe size: Use a shoe size conversion chart and your foot length to find your shoe size in any country. Women's sizes are usually 2 sizes bigger than men's.

We've covered the key steps for measuring your feet properly so you can find your exact shoe size for US, UK, European and other international sizing systems.

What if you are between shoe sizes?#

When a conversion lands between two sizes, size up rather than down. Feet swell over the day and a snug shoe leaves no room, while a slightly large shoe can be adjusted with an insole or thicker socks. Half a size is only about 4 mm of length, so the difference is small. Take the smaller size for narrow feet or laced styles that cinch down, and the larger size for wide feet, stiff leather, or thick socks.

Mens, womens & kids international conversion chart shoe sizing#

FAQs on converting shoe sizes for men, women, and kids#

Measuring your feet and converting the sizes between US, European, and UK shoe scales can ensure shoes bought abroad fit correctly. Our FAQ covers precise size conversions for men's, women's, and children's shoe sizes between these international sizing systems. For full kids' conversions, see the international children's shoe size chart.

What is a US men's size 10 in European sizing?#

A US men's size 10 converts to a European size 43.

What UK size is equivalent to a US men's size 11?#

A US men's size 11 equals a UK size 10.5 in men's shoe sizing.

What is a US women's size 8 in European shoe sizes?#

A US women's 8 converts to about a European size 39 for women's shoe sizing.

What European size is a UK women's size 5?#

A UK women's 5 falls between a European 37 (UK 4.5) and 38 (UK 5.5) on the women's chart above.

What is a US boys size 5 in UK children's sizes?#

A US boys size 5 converts to a UK children's size 3.5.

What European size is a US girls size 4?#

A US girls size 4 equals a European children's size 35.

What is a UK children's size 12 in US kids sizes?#

A UK children's size 12 converts to a US kids size 13.

What is a European children's size 28 in US sizing?#

A European children's size 28 equals a US kids size 12.5.

What is a European size 39 in US sizes?#

A European 39 converts to about a US women’s 8.5 or a US men’s 6. EU sizing is unisex, so the US size depends on whether it is a men’s or a women’s shoe.

What is a European size 44 in US sizes?#

A European 44 is a US men’s 11 (UK 10.5). In women’s sizing it converts to about a US 11.5.

What is a US size 9 in UK sizing?#

A US men’s 9 is a UK 8.5. A US women’s 9 is a UK 7, though some brands cut it a half size smaller.

How to shop for shoes online#

Shopping for shoes online? Here are some essential tips to ensure a perfect fit:

1. Check the Return Policy: Avoid the hassle of difficult returns or final sale restrictions by familiarizing yourself with the brand's return policy. Knowing this beforehand will make handling any sizing issues much easier.
2. Consider Shoe Width: Foot measurements often don't account for width. Look for shoes that offer varying widths, such as "AA" (narrow), "B" (average), "C/D" (wide), or "E" (extra wide). You might also see "M" for medium, "N" for narrow, or "W" for wide. Our shoe width chart explains the letters and the measurements behind them.
3. Think About Socks: Socks can affect the fit of your shoes. Try your shoes on with the type of socks you plan to wear to ensure the right fit.
4. Measure Both Feet: Feet are rarely identical in size. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement to avoid ordering shoes that are too small.
5. Measure Late in the Day: Feet tend to swell throughout the day. Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening to get the most accurate size.
6. Consider All Factors: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and embellishments can all affect how a shoe fits. Take these into account when selecting your size.
7. Read Reviews: Sizing can vary between brands and styles. Check reviews to see if a shoe runs true to size and to gain insights from other customers.