Shoe Size Converter
Convert international shoe sizes for men, women, and children instantly.
Convert Foot Length to Shoe Size
Batch Convert Sizes
Enter one size per line. You can mix systems, e.g., "US M 9.5", "UK 8", "EU 42", "27 cm".
International Shoe Size Charts
How to Measure Your Feet Accurately
Getting the right measurement is the key to finding a comfortable shoe. Follow these simple steps:
- Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or tape measure.
- Trace Your Foot: Place the paper on a hard, flat surface. Stand on the paper with your weight evenly distributed. It's best to wear the type of socks you'll typically wear with your shoes. Have someone else trace the outline of your foot, or do it carefully yourself. Keep the pen perpendicular to the paper.
- Measure the Length: Use the ruler to measure the distance from the very back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. This is your heel-to-toe length.
- Measure Both Feet: Most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Measure both feet and use the measurement from the larger foot.
- Add Toe Allowance: For a comfortable fit, you need some space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. A general rule is to add 0.5 to 1.0 cm (about 0.2 to 0.4 inches) to your foot measurement. This is the "insole length" you should look for. Our calculator adds a standard 1.0 cm allowance by default, which you can adjust.
Tip: Measure your feet at the end of the day, as they tend to swell slightly and will be at their largest.
How to Measure Your Foot for Accurate Shoe Sizing
Finding the perfect shoe fit starts with knowing your true foot size. An incorrect measurement can lead to discomfort and foot problems. Follow this step-by-step guide for an accurate measurement at home.
- Prepare: Find a hard, flat surface and place a piece of A4 or letter-sized paper on the floor. You will also need a pen or pencil and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Stand and Trace: Stand firmly on the paper with one foot. It's important to put your full weight on the foot you are measuring. Carefully trace the outline of your foot. It’s easier if a friend helps you. Ensure the pen is held straight up and not at an angle.
- Mark the Extremes: After tracing, draw straight lines touching the outermost points at the toe and the heel.
- Measure the Length: Use your ruler to measure the distance between the two parallel lines (heel to toe). This length, in centimeters or inches, is your foot measurement.
- Repeat for the Other Foot: It's common for feet to be slightly different sizes. Repeat the process for your other foot and use the larger of the two measurements.
- Account for Wiggle Room: Your shoe should be slightly longer than your foot. Add about 1 cm (or 0.4 inches) to your measurement to account for toe room and foot expansion during the day. This final number is what you should use to find your size on a chart.
Understanding Shoe Size Systems (US, UK, EU, JP, CM)
Shoe sizing is not standardized globally, which can make international shopping tricky. Here’s a brief overview of the major systems:
- US & Canada: The US system is based on the length of a "last" (a mold of a foot). It has different scales for men, women, and children. A single size increment is one-third of an inch.
- UK: The UK system is also based on an old English measurement called the barleycorn (1/3 of an inch). UK sizes are generally 1 to 2 sizes smaller than US sizes (e.g., a UK 8 is a US 9 for men).
- EU (Europe): The European system uses the "Paris point," which is two-thirds of a centimeter. The increments are smaller than in the US/UK systems, which sometimes allows for a more precise fit. This system is generally unisex.
- JP (Japan) / CM (Centimeters): This is the most straightforward system. The shoe size is simply the length of the foot in centimeters. For example, a 27 cm foot corresponds to a size 27.
Men’s vs Women’s Sizing and Conversion Rules
The most common gender conversion is in the US system. The standard rule is a 1.5 size difference between men's and women's shoes.
- To convert Men's US to Women's US: Add 1.5. (e.g., Men's 7 = Women's 8.5)
- To convert Women's US to Men's US: Subtract 1.5. (e.g., Women's 9 = Men's 7.5)
For UK and EU sizes, the scales are often considered unisex, although brands may market them differently with variations in width and design. Always check the brand's specific gender conversion chart if available.
Why Shoe Sizes Vary by Brand and Style
Ever wonder why you're a size 9 in one brand and a 9.5 in another? This frustrating inconsistency is due to several factors:
- Lasts: Each company uses its own proprietary foot molds (lasts) to build their shoes. The shape and volume of these lasts can differ significantly.
- Manufacturing Tolerances: Small variations in manufacturing are inevitable and can affect the final size of the shoe.
- Intended Use: A running shoe is designed to fit differently than a formal dress shoe or a hiking boot. This can influence the sizing.
- Country of Origin: Sizing can be influenced by the primary market for which a shoe was designed.
Because of these variables, a universal size chart is best used as a guide, not an absolute rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I buy a half size up or down if I'm in between?
- It's almost always better to go a half size up. A slightly loose shoe can be fixed with thicker socks or an insole, but a shoe that's too tight will be uncomfortable and can cause foot problems.
- What's the difference between shoe size and width?
- Size refers to the length of the shoe (heel-to-toe). Width (e.g., Narrow, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide) refers to the width across the ball of the foot. Most standard shoes are a medium width (B for women, D for men).
- How do I know if my shoes fit correctly?
- There should be about a thumb's width (1 cm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your heel should not slip excessively when you walk, and there should be no pinching or rubbing on the sides of your feet.
Disclaimer: This tool provides conversions based on common, standardized charts. Shoe sizes can vary significantly by brand and style. For the best fit, always consult the specific manufacturer's size chart and consider reading customer reviews. This converter should be used as a starting guide.
