Understanding shoe sizes across different countries can be confusing. With various sizing systems for men’s and women’s shoes, finding the right fit isn’t always straightforward. This guide explains shoe size conversion in a simple, clear way, helping you choose the right size whether you’re shopping locally or internationally.
Why Shoe Size Conversion Matters
Shoe sizing isn’t universal. A size 9 in the US might be a size 8 in the UK or a size 42 in Europe. Even brands within the same country can vary in their fit. Without knowing the correct conversion, you risk buying shoes that are too tight or too loose.
By understanding shoe size conversion, you can:
- Compare sizes across US, UK, EU, JP, and CN charts.
- Reduce returns and exchanges.
- Discover better deals from global retailers.
- Use tools like a men’s shoe size calculator for instant accuracy.
How to Use a Shoe Size Calculator
- Step 1 – Select Gender: Choose whether you’re converting men’s or women’s sizes. This ensures the correct conversion formula is applied.
- Step 2 – Choose Your Size System: Pick the sizing standard you’re starting from (US, UK, EU, JP, or CN). Each country has its own scale.
- Step 3 – Enter Your Shoe Size: Input your size — for example, US size 8 or EU size 39.
- Step 4 – View Accurate Conversions: Instantly see your equivalent size across countries and in the opposite gender. A good shoe size calculator will also include centimeter measurements for precision.
International Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| US Men | US Women | UK | EU | JP (cm) | CN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 39 | 24.5 | 39 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25.5 | 40 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 41 | 26.5 | 41 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 42 | 27.5 | 42 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 43 | 28.5 | 43 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 44 | 29.5 | 44 |
How to Measure Your Feet for the Right Fit
Foot Length
- Stand on paper with weight evenly distributed.
- Mark the tip of your big toe and back of your heel.
- Measure the distance in centimeters.
- Measure in the evening for best accuracy.
Foot Width
- Measure across the widest part of your foot.
- This helps when choosing brands with narrow or wide fits.
Brand-Specific Shoe Size Adjustments
Not all brands follow the same sizing. For example:
- Nike’s size 9 may fit slightly smaller than Adidas’ size 9.
- Luxury brands may run narrower.
If possible, check the brand’s official chart or use a brand-specific shoe size calculator to avoid surprises.
Country-Specific Shoe Size Conversions
- US → UK: Subtract 1 size for men, 2 for women.
- US → EU: Add ~33 to your US size for an approximate EU size.
- US → JP: Convert to centimeters (US men’s 9 ≈ 27.5 cm).
- UK → US: Add 1 size for men, 2 for women.
Having these rules in mind makes online shopping from different countries much easier.
