Sneakers Size Chart

The general sneakers size chart

Use this chart as a starting point, not as a promise from any brand. Each row shows the broad range of foot lengths that usually fits that sneaker size, and the ranges are deliberately wide because feet vary in width and arch height as well as length. Measure first, then look at the chart, rather than starting from the size you usually wear, because a foot length that has changed by a fraction of an inch can move you into a different row.

Foot length is measured from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe while standing, with the socks you plan to wear. Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and the longest toe, and measure the distance between the marks. Measure both feet and use the longer one, because most people have one foot slightly longer than the other. For a step by step method, see how to measure foot length.

Chart table by foot length

Read the table as broad general guidance. A foot length at the top of a row may fit better in the next size up, especially for running or for a wide foot. The US women's column runs about one and a half sizes above the US men's column for the same foot length.

How to read the chart when measurements disagree

Most people find that foot length points to one size while width points to another. Start with length, because a sneaker that is too short will hurt your toes, then check width, because a sneaker that is too narrow will pinch the forefoot even when the length is right. If your foot is wide, stay in the length row and look for a wide fit rather than moving up a full size, which would leave your heel loose.

When your foot length falls exactly on the boundary between two rows, the choice depends on use. For running, take the larger size, because feet swell and slide forward during a run. For everyday wear, try the smaller size first if your foot is narrow, and the larger size first if your foot is wide. If you can try both sizes, walk and jog in each and pick the one that holds your heel while giving your toes room.

Women's, men's, UK and EU columns explained

US women's and US men's sizes use different scales for the same foot length, so a women's size 8 and a men's size 8 are not the same length. In the general ranges above, a women's size is about one and a half sizes larger than the men's size for the same foot. Some sneakers are sold as unisex in men's sizing, so check which scale the product page uses before you order.

UK sizes run about one size smaller than US men's sizes for the same foot length in these general ranges, and EU sizes use a different numbering system altogether, with larger numbers for longer feet. EU half sizes are less common in some brands, so a foot length between two EU sizes may need a decision based on width and use. The relationship between foot length and shoe insole length also matters, because the insole is longer than the foot to leave toe room.

What the chart cannot tell you

A general chart cannot tell you how a particular brand grades its sizes or how roomy its toe box is. Two sneakers labelled the same size can differ by a noticeable amount at the forefoot. Always compare your foot length with the brand chart for the pair you are buying.

The chart also cannot tell you how a sneaker will feel after your feet swell in warmth or after a long run. If your foot length sits near the top of a row and you plan to run in the pair, the next size up is usually the safer starting point. Keep the chart as a map, and let the brand chart, the width fit and the intended use fill in the local detail. For background on why sizes differ at all, see how shoe sizing works.