International Shoe Size Conversion Guide

Understanding Shoe Size Systems

Shoe sizes vary around the world because different countries developed their own sizing systems independently. The four major systems are US, UK, EU (European/Paris Point), and Mondopoint (used in Japan and some Asian countries, based on foot length in centimeters or millimeters). There is no universal standard, so converting between systems requires reference charts rather than a single formula.

How Shoe Sizing Works

Each system uses a different base measurement and increment size:

• US/UK sizes: Based on the length of the last (foot form). US and UK sizes use 1/3 inch (8.47 mm) increments per full size. US women's sizes are offset from men's by about 1.5 sizes.
• EU (Paris Point): Based on the stitch length of 2/3 cm (6.67 mm). EU sizes are the same for men and women and typically range from 35 to 48.
• Mondopoint/JP: Simply the foot length in centimeters (e.g., 27.0 cm). This is the most straightforward system.

Men's Shoe Size Conversion Table

Women's Shoe Size Conversion Table

How to Measure Your Foot

For the most accurate sizing, measure your feet at home following these steps:

• Step 1: Place a piece of paper on a hard floor and stand on it with your full weight.
• Step 2: Trace around your foot with a pen held vertically.
• Step 3: Measure the distance from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe in centimeters.
• Step 4: Measure both feet. Use the larger measurement to determine your size.
• Step 5: Compare your measurement to the Mondopoint (CM) column in the charts above.

Measure in the afternoon or evening, as feet swell slightly throughout the day. Wear the type of socks you plan to use with the shoes.

Worked Examples

Example 1: US Men's 10 to EU

Looking at the men's chart, a US 10 corresponds to EU 43. This is approximately US + 33 = 43.

Example 2: EU 39 to US Women's

From the women's chart, EU 39 maps to US Women's 8 (approximately EU − 31 = 8).

Example 3: Foot length 27.0 cm to US sizes

A 27.0 cm foot corresponds to US Men's 9 or US Women's 10.

Real-World Applications

Online Shopping

When buying shoes from international retailers, always check the size chart specific to that brand. A US Men's 10 from Nike, Adidas, and New Balance may all fit slightly differently despite being labeled the same size. Use foot length in centimeters as the most reliable reference.

Travel

If you are shopping for shoes in Europe or Asia, knowing your EU or Mondopoint size saves time. Write down your foot length in centimeters before traveling so you can quickly find the right size in any system.

Children's Sizes

Children's shoe sizing is even more variable between countries. Children's feet grow rapidly, so measuring foot length in centimeters and consulting the brand's specific chart is the most reliable approach for kids' shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert US shoe size to EU?

For men, add approximately 33 to your US size (e.g., US 10 = EU 43). For women, add approximately 31 to your US size (e.g., US 8 = EU 39). These are approximations; always verify with a detailed chart since half-size increments differ between systems.

What is a US women's size 8 in UK?

A US women's size 8 is approximately a UK size 6. Women's US sizes are typically about 2 sizes larger than the equivalent UK size.

How do I measure my foot to find the right shoe size?

Stand on a piece of paper, trace your foot, and measure the length from heel to longest toe in centimeters. Measure both feet, as they are often slightly different sizes, and use the larger measurement.

Do shoe sizes vary between brands?

Yes, shoe sizes can vary significantly between brands and even between different models from the same brand. Size charts provide a good starting point, but trying on shoes or checking brand-specific sizing guides is always recommended. Use our length converter to convert between centimeters and inches when checking size charts.