Navigating the world of shoe sizes can often feel like deciphering a secret code, especially when you’re dealing with different sizing systems. If you’ve ever been puzzled by terms like “Euro size 38” or wondered how your US shoe size translates across the Atlantic, you’re not alone. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Euro And Us Shoe Size conversions, ensuring you find the perfect fit, no matter where you shop.
Understanding Euro and US Shoe Size Systems
The United States and Europe primarily use different shoe sizing systems. The US system, while seemingly straightforward, can still be confusing with its variations for men, women, and children. European sizing, often denoted as “EU” or “Euro sizes,” is based on a system called the Paris Point, where one Paris Point is equivalent to 2/3 of a centimeter.
Understanding the relationship between these systems is crucial for online shopping, buying shoes from international brands, or simply ensuring you purchase the correct size when different systems are in play. This guide provides detailed conversion charts and essential tips to help you confidently convert between euro and us shoe size measurements.
Women’s Euro to US Shoe Size Conversion Chart
For women, finding the right shoe size involves understanding the nuances between US and Euro sizing. This chart provides a clear conversion for common women’s shoe sizes:
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 35 | 2 | 8.1875″ | 20.8 |
| 4.5 | 35 | 2.5 | 8.375″ | 21.3 |
| 5 | 35-36 | 3 | 8.5″ | 21.6 |
| 5.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 8.75″ | 22.2 |
| 6 | 36-37 | 4 | 8.875″ | 22.5 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 9.0625″ | 23 |
| 7 | 37-38 | 5 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 9.375″ | 23.8 |
| 8 | 38-39 | 6 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 8.5 | 39 | 6.5 | 9.6875″ | 24.6 |
| 9 | 39-40 | 7 | 9.875″ | 25.1 |
| 9.5 | 40 | 7.5 | 10″ | 25.4 |
| 10 | 40-41 | 8 | 10.1875″ | 25.9 |
| 10.5 | 41 | 8.5 | 10.3125″ | 26.2 |
| 11 | 41-42 | 9 | 10.5″ | 26.7 |
| 11.5 | 42 | 9.5 | 10.6875″ | 27.1 |
| 12 | 42-43 | 10 | 10.875″ | 27.6 |
Men’s Euro to US Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Men’s shoe sizes also differ between the US and European systems. Use this chart to convert men’s euro and us shoe size accurately:
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 39 | 5.5 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 39 | 6 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 7 | 40 | 6.5 | 9.625″ | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 40-41 | 7 | 9.75″ | 24.8 |
| 8 | 41 | 7.5 | 9.9375″ | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 41-42 | 8 | 10.125″ | 25.7 |
| 9 | 42 | 8.5 | 10.25″ | 26 |
| 9.5 | 42-43 | 9 | 10.4375″ | 26.7 |
| 10 | 43 | 9.5 | 10.5625″ | 27 |
| 10.5 | 43-44 | 10 | 10.75″ | 27.3 |
| 11 | 44 | 10.5 | 10.9375″ | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 44-45 | 11 | 11.125″ | 28.3 |
| 12 | 45 | 11.5 | 11.25″ | 28.6 |
| 13 | 46 | 12.5 | 11.5625″ | 29.4 |
| 14 | 47 | 13.5 | 11.875″ | 30.2 |
| 15 | 48 | 14.5 | 12.1875″ | 31 |
| 16 | 49 | 15.5 | 12.5″ | 31.8 |
Kid’s Euro to US Shoe Size Conversion Charts
Sizing for children’s shoes can be even more complex due to rapid growth. Here are charts for both big and little kids to help you find the correct euro and us shoe size.
Big Kid Shoe Size Conversion (7 – 12 years)
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 35 | 2.5 | 8.625″ | 21.9 |
| 4 | 36 | 3 | 8.75″ | 22.2 |
| 4.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 9″ | 22.9 |
| 5 | 37 | 4 | 9.125″ | 23.2 |
| 5.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 6 | 38 | 5 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 6.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 9.625″ | 24.4 |
| 7 | 39 | 6 | 9.75″ | 24.8 |
Little Kid Shoe Size Conversion (4 – 7 years)
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 27 | 9.5 | 6.625″ | 16.8 |
| 11 | 28 | 10 | 6.75″ | 17.1 |
| 11.5 | 29 | 10.5 | 7″ | 17.8 |
| 12 | 30 | 11 | 7.125″ | 18.1 |
| 12.5 | 30 | 11.5 | 7.25″ | 18.4 |
| 13 | 31 | 12 | 7.5″ | 19.1 |
| 13.5 | 31 | 12.5 | 7.625″ | 19.4 |
| 1 | 32 | 13 | 7.75″ | 19.7 |
| 1.5 | 33 | 14 | 8″ | 20.3 |
| 2 | 33 | 1 | 8.125″ | 20.6 |
| 2.5 | 34 | 1.5 | 8.25″ | 21 |
| 3 | 34 | 2 | 8.5″ | 21.6 |
Measuring Your Foot for Accurate Shoe Sizing
While these charts are a great starting point, accurate shoe sizing begins with measuring your feet correctly. Here’s how to measure your foot length at home:
- Time of Day: Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are typically largest, especially if you are buying running shoes.
- Materials: You’ll need a piece of paper, a pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Steps:
- Place the paper on a hard floor against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel against the wall.
- Mark the longest point of your toe on the paper.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the paper (wall) to the mark in inches or centimeters.
- Compare your measurement to the ‘Inches’ or ‘CM’ columns in the charts above to find your approximate US and Euro size.
Remember, foot measurements are just an approximation. Factors like shoe style, brand, and sock thickness can influence the fit.
FAQ and Essential Tips for Shoe Sizing
-
What if I am between sizes? It’s generally recommended to size up, especially for athletic shoes like running and hiking shoes. Extra space is beneficial to accommodate foot swelling and prevent discomfort during activities.
-
Does half a size really matter? Yes! A half size can make a significant difference in shoe fit. Shoes that are too small can lead to blisters, lost toenails, and bunions. Even a slight difference of 0.5 size can impact comfort and foot health, particularly for activities like running.
-
Is it normal to have different sized feet? Yes, it’s very common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always fit shoes to the larger foot.
-
How should shoes fit – snug or loose? Shoes should not be too tight or too loose. You should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. You should also be able to fit an index finger snugly between your heel and the back of the shoe. If there isn’t enough space in either area, try a different size.
-
When is the best time to try on shoes? For runners and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, try on shoes at the end of the day. Feet tend to swell throughout the day, and trying shoes on when your feet are at their largest will help ensure a comfortable fit even after prolonged wear or activity.
-
Can I rely solely on these charts for perfect fit? While these charts are helpful, they are not a guarantee of a perfect fit. Whenever possible, especially when purchasing performance footwear, it’s best to try shoes on in person. If you’re in a location with specialty shoe stores, experts can provide personalized fitting advice.
How to measure shoe size – Brannock Device
Image: A Brannock device, a tool used by shoe fitting specialists to measure foot length and width for accurate shoe sizing.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Shoe Size Across Systems
Understanding euro and us shoe size conversions is key to stress-free shoe shopping, especially online. By using these charts and following our measurement tips, you can confidently navigate different sizing systems and find shoes that fit comfortably and correctly. Remember to consider brand variations and always prioritize comfort for happy and healthy feet.
