Shoe Size Conversion: EU, UK and US Sizes Explained

Shoe size conversion works with a chart rather than a simple formula, because EU, UK and US sizes use different units: EU sizes step in two-thirds of a centimeter, UK and US sizes in a third of an inch, and US men's and women's sizes are offset from each other. As a reference, EU 38 ≈ UK 5 ≈ US women's 7.5 ≈ US men's 6, and EU 42 ≈ UK 8 ≈ US men's 9 ≈ US women's 10.5. The most reliable conversion starts with your foot length in centimeters.

All conversions are approximate: brands build shoes on their own lasts, so the same label can fit differently. Use the chart to narrow it down, and the brand's own chart to decide. The shoe size converter does the lookup in both directions and from foot length.

How the three systems work

EU sizes (Paris point)

Continental European sizes count in Paris points: one size equals two-thirds of a centimeter (about 6.7 mm). The number refers to the length of the last — the foot-shaped form the shoe is built on — which is a little longer than the foot to leave room for movement. The same system is used in most of Europe, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

UK sizes (barleycorn)

UK sizes use the barleycorn, a traditional unit of one-third of an inch (about 8.5 mm). Children's sizes run up to 13, then adult sizes start again at 1. Half sizes are common.

US sizes

US sizes also step in thirds of an inch, but they start from a different zero point than UK sizes and use separate scales for men and women. Typical rules of thumb:

• US men's ≈ UK + 1
• US women's ≈ US men's + 1.5

Mondopoint

A fourth system, Mondopoint, simply states foot length (and sometimes width) in millimeters. You will see it on ski boots and some technical footwear. It is the most logical system, and it is why measuring your foot length is so useful.

Shoe size conversion chart

EU	UK	US men's	US women's	Foot length (cm, approx.)
35	2.5	3.5	5	21.8
36	3.5	4.5	6	22.5
37	4	5	6.5	23.2
38	5	6	7.5	23.8
39	6	7	8.5	24.5
40	6.5	7.5	9	25.2
41	7.5	8.5	10	25.8
42	8	9	10.5	26.5
43	9	10	11.5	27.2
44	9.5	10.5	12	27.8
45	10.5	11.5	13	28.5
46	11	12	13.5	29.2

Because the steps do not line up exactly, you will find slightly different numbers on different charts — some shops list EU 38 as a US women's 7, others as 8. That is normal, and it is another reason to rely on foot length.

How to measure your feet

You need a sheet of paper, a pencil, a ruler or tape measure, and the socks you plan to wear with the shoes.

1. Measure in the evening. Feet tend to be slightly larger at the end of the day.
2. Stand on the paper against a wall, heel touching the wall, weight evenly on both feet.
3. Mark the tip of your longest toe — not always the big toe — holding the pencil upright.
4. Measure from the wall to the mark in centimeters.
5. Repeat for the other foot. Most people have one foot slightly longer; use the longer measurement.
6. Note the width at the widest point if you often find shoes tight across the ball of the foot.

Enter the result in the shoe size converter to see the matching EU, UK and US sizes.

Between sizes: what to do

If your foot length falls between two sizes:

• Closed shoes and boots: choose the larger size. You can add an insole or thicker socks; you cannot make a short shoe longer.
• Running and walking shoes: many people prefer roughly a thumb's width of space in front of the longest toe, because feet move forward and swell during activity.
• Sandals and open shoes: fit is less critical; choose by the strap fit and the length of the sole.
• Leather shoes that may stretch slightly in width: fit the length first; width can sometimes be eased by a cobbler, length cannot.

Width matters too

Length is only half of fit. Some brands offer widths, labeled differently by country:

Region	Typical width labels
US	Letters such as B (medium for women), D (medium for men), E, EE (wide)
UK	Letters or numbers such as E, F, G, H
EU	Often not labeled, or described as narrow, regular and wide

Width letters are not standardized across all brands either, so treat them as a direction rather than a measurement.

Worked example

Your longer foot measures 25 cm. In the chart, 25 cm falls between EU 39 (24.5 cm) and EU 40 (25.2 cm). For closed shoes, start with EU 40, which corresponds to roughly UK 6.5, US women's 9 or US men's 7.5. If a brand lists foot lengths on its own chart, choose the size whose length is equal to or just above 25 cm.

Checklist before buying shoes online

• Measured both feet in the evening, in the right socks
• Converted using foot length, not only your usual label size
• Checked the brand's own chart and fit notes ("runs small", "wide fit")
• Considered the style: boots and formal shoes leave less room for error
• Confirmed free or easy returns

For more ways to avoid returns, see how to buy clothes online that fit. If you are also converting clothing sizes for the same order, the international clothing size conversion guide covers the other half of the puzzle.

Socks, insoles and seasons

The same foot can need slightly different sizes depending on what you wear with the shoe:

• Thick winter socks or lined boots take up space; some people size up by half a size for winter boots.
• Orthotic insoles need extra depth and sometimes length; bring them when trying shoes on.
• Sandals and summer shoes are worn barefoot, so they can feel roomier than closed shoes in the same size.

When you measure your feet, wear the socks you plan to use with the shoes you are buying.

Common mistakes

Converting men's to women's without the offset. A US men's 8 and a US women's 8 are different sizes. Check which scale a listing uses.

Measuring sitting down. Feet spread under body weight. Measure standing.

Using your size from years ago. Feet can change over time. Measure again before buying expensive shoes.

Ignoring the last. Pointed, narrow or very structured shoes may need a larger size than round, roomy ones from the same brand.

Shoe sizes will never be fully standardized, but a foot length in centimeters is a reference that works everywhere. Measure once, convert with care, and check the brand's chart before you order.