Navigating the world of shoe sizes can often feel like deciphering a secret code. Different regions use different sizing systems, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself puzzled when trying to convert between them. If you’re shopping for shoes online, especially from European brands, or traveling abroad, understanding the nuances of shoe size conversion, particularly between US and Euro sizes, is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and accurate fit.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about US to Euro shoe size conversions for women, men, and children. We’ll provide detailed conversion charts, practical tips for measuring your feet, and answer frequently asked questions to help you confidently find your perfect shoe size, no matter where you are shopping.
Women’s US to Euro Shoe Size Conversion Chart
For women’s footwear, converting between US and Euro sizes is relatively straightforward. Use the chart below to find your corresponding Euro size based on your US shoe size.
| 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 US to Euro Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Men’s shoe sizes also have a corresponding Euro size. Refer to the table below to convert your US men’s shoe size to Euro size.
| 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 |
Big Kid’s US to Euro Shoe Size Conversion Chart (Ages 7-12)
Children’s shoe sizes also differ internationally. For older kids, here’s the US to Euro conversion.
| 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’s US to Euro Shoe Size Conversion Chart (Ages 4-7)
For younger children, use this chart to convert US to Euro shoe sizes.
| 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 |
How to Accurately Measure Your Shoe Size
While these charts are a great starting point, accurate shoe sizing begins with measuring your feet correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure in the afternoon or evening: Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so measuring later will give you a more accurate size for all-day comfort.
- Wear socks you’d normally wear with the shoes: If you’re measuring for running shoes, wear your running socks. For dress shoes, wear thinner socks.
- Place a piece of paper against a wall: Stand with your heel against the wall and the paper underneath your foot.
- Mark the longest point: Have someone trace your foot or mark the longest point of your toes on the paper.
- Measure the length: Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance from the edge of the paper (where your heel was) to the mark you made. Measure both feet as they may differ slightly.
- Consult the charts: Compare your measurement in inches or centimeters to the charts above to find your US and Euro shoe sizes.
It’s also beneficial to consider using a Brannock device for the most precise measurement, especially if you are serious about shoe fitting, for example for athletic purposes.
Measuring shoe size using a Brannock device
Image: A Brannock device accurately measures foot length and width, crucial for optimal shoe fit.
FAQs and Essential Tips for Shoe Sizing
- What if I’m between sizes? It’s generally recommended to size up, especially for athletic shoes like running shoes or hiking boots. Extra room prevents discomfort during activity and foot swelling.
- Does a half size really matter? Absolutely. Even half a size difference can significantly impact comfort. Shoes that are too small can lead to blisters, lost toenails, and bunions, particularly common among runners.
- Is it normal to have different sized feet? Yes, it’s very common. Always fit shoes to your larger foot.
- How should shoes fit – tight or loose? Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. A good guideline is the “thumb’s width” rule: you should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. For the heel, you should be able to snugly fit an index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe.
- When is the best time to try on shoes? Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen. This is particularly important for running shoes to ensure comfort even after your feet expand during a run.
- Can I rely entirely on shoe size charts? Shoe size charts are a helpful guide, but they aren’t foolproof. Variations exist between brands and shoe types. Whenever possible, try shoes on in person. If you’re in Memphis, Tennessee, visit our specialty stores for expert fitting advice!
By using these conversion charts and following our measurement tips, you’ll be well-equipped to find the right shoe size, whether you are determining your US shoe size in Euro equivalent or vice versa. Accurate shoe size is the foundation of comfort and foot health, ensuring every step you take is a comfortable one.
