Finding the right shoe size can be tricky, especially when dealing with different sizing systems. If you’re shopping for shoes online or traveling abroad, understanding the conversion between Euro and US shoe sizes is essential. This comprehensive guide provides you with detailed shoe size conversion charts and helpful tips to ensure you find the perfect fit every time.
Whether you’re wondering “What is a Euro size 38 in US?” or need to convert your US shoe size to Euro for online purchases, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of shoe sizes and simplify the conversion process.
Understanding Shoe Size Systems: US and Euro
Before we jump into the conversion charts, it’s helpful to understand the basics of US and European shoe sizing systems. Both systems aim to represent the length of the foot, but they use different units and starting points.
- US Shoe Size System: Primarily used in the United States, this system uses numbers starting from infants’ sizes and going up to adult sizes for both men and women. Sizes increase in increments of 1/3 inch, roughly equivalent to a barleycorn.
- Euro Shoe Size System: Widely used in Europe, this system, also known as the Continental system, uses sizes that are based on the metric system. Euro shoe sizes are measured in Paris Points, where one Paris Point is 2/3 of a centimeter.
Understanding this difference highlights why direct conversion is necessary and simply guessing your size across systems can lead to discomfort or incorrect purchases.
Women’s Euro to US Shoe Size Chart
This chart provides a straightforward conversion for women’s shoe sizes from Euro to US, along with UK sizes, inches, and centimeters for a complete reference.
| 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 Chart
For men’s footwear, use this chart to convert Euro sizes to US sizes accurately. It also includes UK sizes, inches, and centimeters for comprehensive sizing information.
| 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 Chart
Sizing for children’s shoes can be even more confusing due to rapid growth. These charts are segmented into Big Kid and Little Kid sizes to provide more accurate conversions.
Big Kid Shoe Size Conversions (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 Conversions (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 |
How to Measure Your Feet for Accurate Shoe Sizing
While conversion charts are a great starting point, accurately measuring your feet is crucial for finding the best shoe fit, especially when converting from Euro shoe size to US shoe size. Here’s a simple guide:
- Step on a ruler or measuring tape: Place your heel against a wall and stand on a ruler or measuring tape.
- Measure the length: Measure from the heel to the longest toe. Make sure to measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger than the other.
- Find your size on the chart: Use the inches or centimeters measurement and refer to the conversion charts above to find your US and Euro size.
Keep in mind that foot measurements are just an approximation. For the most accurate sizing, especially for performance footwear like running shoes or hiking boots, it’s recommended to try shoes on in person.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Shoe Size
Beyond using conversion charts, consider these helpful tips to ensure your shoes fit perfectly:
- Size Up if Between Sizes: If you find yourself between sizes, especially for athletic shoes or boots, it’s generally better to size up. This extra room accommodates foot swelling during activity and prevents discomfort.
- Half Sizes Matter: A half size difference can significantly impact shoe fit. Shoes that are even half a size too small can lead to blisters, lost toenails, and bunions, particularly common for runners.
- Fit to the Larger Foot: It’s very common to have one foot slightly larger than the other. Always choose your shoe size based on the larger foot.
- Consider Shoe Fit Not Just Length: Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. You should have about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s end. Additionally, you should be able to fit an index finger snugly between your heel and the back of the shoe.
- Try Shoes On at the End of the Day: Your feet naturally swell throughout the day, especially after activity. Trying on shoes in the late afternoon or evening will give you a more accurate sense of how they will fit when your feet are at their largest.
- Brand Variations Exist: Shoe sizes can vary slightly between brands. A US size 9 in one brand might feel different in another. Always check brand-specific size charts if available and read reviews regarding sizing.
Image below: A Brannock device, a tool used by shoe specialists to measure foot length and width for accurate shoe sizing.
Measuring shoe size with a Brannock device
Conclusion
Understanding the conversion from Euro shoe sizes to US shoe sizes is crucial for online shoe shopping and ensuring a comfortable fit, no matter where you are buying from. By using our detailed charts and following our expert tips, you can confidently navigate different sizing systems and select shoes that fit perfectly. Remember to measure your feet accurately and consider brand-specific sizing variations for the best results. With this guide, you’re now well-equipped to find your ideal shoe size, bridging the gap between Euro and US measurements.
