Navigating the world of shoe sizes can often feel like deciphering a secret code. Especially when shopping online or across international borders, understanding the differences between sizing systems is crucial. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What Size Is Eur 38 In Us?” you’re not alone. This guide will provide you with a clear and comprehensive answer, along with everything you need to know about shoe size conversions to ensure you always find the perfect fit.
It’s a common question for online shoppers and travelers alike. A European size 38 is a popular shoe size, but translating that to the US system isn’t always straightforward. Let’s get straight to the point:
For women, a EUR size 38 typically converts to a US size 7.5.
However, it’s not always quite that simple. While this is the standard conversion, variations can occur between brands and even shoe types. This article will delve deeper into the nuances of shoe size conversion, providing detailed charts and essential tips to help you confidently determine your correct shoe size, whether you’re dealing with European (EUR), United States (US), or United Kingdom (UK) sizes.
Understanding Shoe Size Systems: EUR, US, and UK
Before we dive into the specifics of EUR 38, it’s helpful to understand the different shoe size systems used globally. The three most common are:
- European (EUR): This system is widely used across Europe and many other parts of the world. Sizes are based on centimeters, but the scale is not directly linear, which can make conversions slightly tricky.
- United States (US): The US system is prevalent in the United States and Canada. It has separate scales for men, women, and children, and uses a different measurement system than EUR.
- United Kingdom (UK): The UK system is used in the United Kingdom and parts of the Commonwealth. It is similar to the US system but typically starts at a smaller size and has different increments.
Understanding these systems is the first step in accurately converting between them. Let’s explore the conversion charts to find your US equivalent for EUR 38 and other sizes.
Comprehensive Shoe Size Conversion Charts
To simplify shoe shopping, we’ve compiled detailed conversion charts for women, men, and kids. These charts provide conversions between US, EUR, and UK sizes, as well as corresponding measurements in inches and centimeters.
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
This chart is your go-to resource for converting women’s shoe sizes between US, EUR, and UK systems. Find EUR 38 in the Euro Sizes column to see its US and UK equivalents.
| 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 |
As you can see from the chart, a women’s EUR size 38 is indeed a US size 7.5.
Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Men’s shoe sizes follow a different scale than women’s. Use this chart to convert men’s EUR sizes to US and UK equivalents.
| 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 |
Interestingly, a men’s EUR size 38 is significantly smaller, converting to a US size 6 in men’s sizes. This highlights the importance of using the correct chart based on gender or the intended wearer.
Kid’s Shoe Size Conversion Charts
Kids’ shoe sizes are even more varied due to rapid growth. We’ve broken down kid’s sizes into two charts: Big Kids (approx. 7-12 years) and Little Kids (approx. 4-7 years).
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 |
For big kids, a EUR size 38 is a US size 6. This is closer to the men’s conversion, reflecting the foot size range in this age group.
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 |
Little kid’s sizes don’t reach EUR 38 within this chart, as size 34 is already a US size 3, indicating smaller feet in this age range.
How to Measure Your Shoe Size Accurately
While conversion charts are helpful, the most accurate way to determine your shoe size is to measure your feet. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Measure in the afternoon or evening: Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so measuring later ensures you account for this.
- Wear the socks you’ll wear with the shoes: Thickness of socks can affect shoe fit.
- 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 of your foot: This is usually the tip of your big toe, but it could be another toe.
- Measure the length: Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure from the edge of the paper (wall side) to the mark you made, in inches or centimeters.
- Compare to size charts: Use the inch or cm measurements and refer back to our size charts to find your US, EUR, or UK size.
- Measure both feet: It’s common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Use the measurement of the larger foot to determine your shoe size.
For even greater accuracy, especially when fitting specialized footwear like running shoes, consider using a Brannock device, a tool commonly found in shoe stores.
Brannock device used to measure shoe size, a tool for accurate foot measurement for shoe fitting.
This device measures both the length and width of your foot, providing a more precise size recommendation.
Essential Tips for Finding the Perfect Shoe Fit
Beyond conversions and measurements, here are some crucial tips for ensuring your shoes fit comfortably and correctly:
- Size Up if Between Sizes: If your measurement falls between sizes, it’s generally recommended to choose the larger size, especially for athletic or active footwear.
- Consider Shoe Type: Sizing can vary slightly depending on the type of shoe. For example, hiking boots might require a slightly larger size to accommodate thicker socks and foot swelling during hikes.
- Brand Variations: Be aware that shoe sizes can differ slightly between brands. A US size 7.5 in one brand might feel slightly different in another. Reading brand-specific size charts or reviews can be helpful.
- Width Matters: Don’t just focus on length. If you have wide feet, look for shoes offered in wider widths to avoid discomfort and potential foot problems.
- Try Shoes On In-Store When Possible: Whenever feasible, especially for important purchases like running shoes or hiking boots, try shoes on in a physical store. Walk around in them to assess the fit and comfort.
- Shop at the End of the Day: As mentioned earlier, feet swell during the day. Shopping for shoes in the afternoon or evening helps ensure a comfortable fit even when your feet are at their largest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoe Sizes
Q: What if I am between shoe sizes?
A: It is generally recommended to size up, especially for active and sports shoes like running shoes and hiking boots.
Q: Does a 0.5 size difference matter?
A: Yes, it absolutely can! Even a half size too small can lead to discomfort, blisters, lost toenails, and bunions, especially in activities like running.
Q: Is it normal to have one foot bigger than the other?
A: Yes, it’s very common. Always fit shoes to the larger foot.
Q: Should shoes be tight or loose?
A: Neither! Shoes should be snug but not tight. 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.
Q: When is the best time to try on shoes?
A: For runners and anyone who is on their feet a lot, try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.
Q: Is this shoe size chart a guarantee my shoes will fit?
A: While these charts are highly accurate, they are not a guarantee due to brand and style variations. When possible, trying shoes on is always the best approach.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit, Globally
Understanding shoe size conversions, particularly what size EUR 38 is in US, is essential for confident shoe shopping, especially online. Remember that for women, EUR 38 typically translates to US 7.5, while for men and big kids, it’s closer to US 6. Always consult size charts, measure your feet accurately, and consider brand-specific sizing and shoe type for the best fit. By using this guide and our detailed charts, you’ll be well-equipped to find comfortable and perfectly fitting shoes, no matter where you’re shopping in the world.
