Navigating the world of shoe sizes can often feel like deciphering a secret code. Different countries use different sizing systems, leading to confusion when you’re shopping online or trying to convert your usual US size to European sizing. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is a size 9 in Euro shoe size?”, you’re not alone. This guide is here to clear up the confusion and provide you with comprehensive shoe size conversion charts, focusing particularly on understanding the conversion from US Size 9 To European (Euro) sizes.
Knowing your accurate shoe size in different systems is crucial for comfortable and well-fitting footwear. Whether you’re purchasing athletic shoes, dress shoes, or hiking boots, understanding these conversions ensures you avoid the discomfort and potential injuries that come with ill-fitting shoes. Let’s dive into the world of shoe size conversions and pinpoint exactly what a US size 9 translates to in European sizing, along with helpful charts for women, men, and kids.
Understanding Shoe Size Systems: US, EU, and UK
Before we get to the specifics of “size 9 to euro,” it’s helpful to understand the primary shoe size systems you’ll encounter:
- US Sizes: Predominantly used in the United States, these sizes are numerical and distinct for men, women, and children.
- Euro (EU) Sizes: A system widely used in Europe, it’s based on a measurement called the Paris Point. One Paris Point is 2/3 of a centimeter.
- UK Sizes: Used in the United Kingdom, this system is also numerical and, like US sizing, differs slightly between genders and children.
Understanding that these systems aren’t directly interchangeable is the first step to accurate conversions. While charts provide a good guideline, slight variations can occur between brands.
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
For women’s shoes, let’s see how US size 9 converts to Euro and other systems:
| 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 |
According to the chart, a US women’s size 9 is approximately a Euro size 39-40. It’s always wise to check the specific brand’s size chart if available, as minor variations can occur.
Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Now let’s look at the men’s shoe size conversion chart and find the Euro equivalent of a US size 9:
| 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 |
For men’s shoes, a US size 9 is equivalent to a Euro size 42. Notice that the Euro size for men’s and women’s size 9 is different, highlighting the importance of using gender-specific charts.
Kid’s Shoe Size Conversions
Children’s shoe sizes also vary. Here are charts for big kids and little kids:
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 |
These charts are essential for parents shopping for shoes, ensuring a comfortable fit for growing feet.
How to Measure Your Shoe Size for the Best Fit
While conversion charts are helpful, accurately measuring your foot is the best way to determine your ideal shoe size. Here’s how:
- Measure in the afternoon or evening: Your feet swell throughout the day, so measuring later ensures you account for the largest size.
- Wear socks you’d wear with the shoes: This adds to the accuracy of your measurement.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape: Place your heel against a wall and measure from the wall to the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure both feet: It’s common to have slight differences in foot size. Use the measurement of the larger foot.
For even greater accuracy, especially when purchasing performance footwear like running shoes or hiking boots, consider using a Brannock device.
Brannock device for measuring foot length and width, essential tool for accurate shoe sizing
This device, often found in shoe stores, measures both the length and width of your foot, providing a more precise shoe size recommendation.
FAQs and Essential Tips for Shoe Sizing
- What if I’m between sizes? It’s generally recommended to size up, especially for athletic shoes and boots, to accommodate foot swelling and movement.
- Does half a size matter? Yes! Even a half size difference can significantly impact comfort. Shoes that are too small can lead to blisters, lost toenails, and bunions.
- One foot bigger than the other? Buy shoes that fit the larger foot.
- Shoes: tight or loose? Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. You should have about a thumb’s width of space at the toe and be able to fit an index finger snugly between your heel and the shoe’s back.
- When to try on shoes? Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen, particularly for running shoes.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit Across Sizes
Understanding shoe size conversions, especially knowing that a US size 9 is a Euro 39-40 for women and Euro 42 for men, is essential for online shoe shopping and ensuring comfort. Always refer to size charts and, ideally, measure your feet to find the best fit. Using these charts and tips, you can confidently select the right shoe size, no matter which sizing system is used. Happy shoe shopping!
