Shoe Size Converter
Understanding Shoe Size Systems
Shoe sizes vary significantly between countries and regions. Understanding these differences is essential when buying shoes online or while traveling. Here's what you need to know about each major sizing system:
Why Do Shoe Sizes Differ by Region?
Different countries developed their shoe sizing systems independently, based on various measurement standards. The US system uses a barleycorn-based scale, European sizes are based on the Paris point (2/3 cm), and UK sizes use their own barleycorn variation. This historical divergence means there's no simple mathematical formula to convert between systems.
US and Canada Shoe Sizes
The US sizing system is based on the length of the last (shoe form) measured in barleycorns (1/3 inch). Men's and women's sizes use different scales: a women's size is typically 1.5 sizes larger than the equivalent men's size for the same foot length.
European (EU) Shoe Sizes
European sizes use the Paris point system, where each size increment equals 2/3 centimeter (about 0.26 inches). EU sizes are unisex, meaning the same number represents the same foot length regardless of gender.
UK Shoe Sizes
The UK system is similar to the US system but uses a different starting point. UK sizes are generally 0.5 to 1 size smaller than US men's sizes and about 2 sizes smaller than US women's sizes.
Japan (JP) Shoe Sizes
Japanese sizes directly represent foot length in centimeters. A size 25 means the shoe fits a foot approximately 25 cm long. This straightforward system makes it easy to convert if you know your foot length.
Women's Shoe Size Chart
Complete women's shoes shoe size conversion table showing all international sizing systems:
| US | EU | UK | JP | CM | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 34 | 2 | 20.5 | 20.8 | 8.2 |
| 4.5 | 34.5 | 2.5 | 21 | 21.3 | 8.4 |
| 5 | 35 | 3 | 21.5 | 21.6 | 8.5 |
| 5.5 | 35.5 | 3.5 | 22 | 22.2 | 8.7 |
| 6 | 36 | 4 | 22.5 | 22.5 | 8.9 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 23 | 23.0 | 9.1 |
| 7 | 37.5 | 5 | 23.5 | 23.5 | 9.3 |
| 7.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 24 | 23.8 | 9.4 |
| 8 | 38.5 | 6 | 24.5 | 24.1 | 9.5 |
| 8.5 | 39 | 6.5 | 25 | 24.6 | 9.7 |
| 9 | 40 | 7 | 25.5 | 25.1 | 9.9 |
| 9.5 | 40.5 | 7.5 | 26 | 25.4 | 10.0 |
| 10 | 41 | 8 | 26.5 | 25.9 | 10.2 |
| 10.5 | 42 | 8.5 | 27 | 26.2 | 10.3 |
| 11 | 42.5 | 9 | 27.5 | 26.7 | 10.5 |
| 11.5 | 43 | 9.5 | 28 | 27.1 | 10.7 |
| 12 | 44 | 10 | 28.5 | 27.6 | 10.9 |
Tips for Finding the Right Shoe Size
- Measure your feet: Foot size can change over time. Measure both feet at the end of the day when they're largest.
- Consider width: This converter shows length-based sizes. If you have wide or narrow feet, you may need to adjust accordingly.
- Brand variations: Sizes can vary between brands. Always check brand-specific size charts when available.
- Leave room: There should be about 1 cm (0.4 inches) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Try both shoes: Many people have slightly different sized feet. Fit the larger foot.
Men's vs Women's vs Kids' Shoe Sizes
Understanding the differences between sizing categories is important for accurate conversions:
Men's to Women's Conversion
In US sizing, women's shoes are approximately 1.5 sizes larger than men's. For example, a men's US 8 is roughly equivalent to a women's US 9.5. However, width differs: men's shoes are typically wider than women's.
Kids' Sizing
Children's shoes use a separate scale from adults. Kids' sizes in the US typically run from size 1 to 7 for older children (ages 7-12). After size 7, children transition to adult sizes. The kids' table shown here covers youth/big kids sizes.
Note: The conversion tables above provide approximate equivalents based on common international standards. Actual sizes may vary by manufacturer. When in doubt, measure your foot length in centimeters and compare to the CM column for the most accurate sizing.