US, UK, and EU shoe sizes can be compared through general conversion charts, but the results are approximate. The safest process is to measure foot length, identify the closest converted size, and then check the chart for the exact footwear brand and style.
Direct answer
How to convert shoe sizes between systems
Find your current size in one column of a conversion chart and read across the same row for the approximate US, UK, or EU equivalent. Because the systems use different increments and brands round sizes differently, verify the result against the retailer's own chart.
Conversion visual
Read Across One Conversion Row
A conversion row gives approximate equivalents rather than identical internal shoe dimensions.
Why Shoe Size Conversion Is Not Exact
Shoe-sizing systems were developed using different scales and increments. A value in one system may fall between two sizes in another system. Conversion tables resolve that difference by rounding to a commonly sold size.
Manufacturers also use different lasts, grading rules, widths, and fit targets. Two brands may convert the same EU size into different nearby US sizes without either chart being universally wrong.
General Men's Shoe Size Conversion
| US men's | UK | EU | Approximate foot length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 39 | 24 cm |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 39.5 | 24.5 cm |
| 7 | 6 | 40 | 25 cm |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 25.5 cm |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 26 cm |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 42 | 26.5 cm |
| 9 | 8 | 42.5 | 27 cm |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 43 | 27.5 cm |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 28 cm |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 29 cm |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 30 cm |
| 13 | 12 | 47.5 | 31 cm |
These values are general references. A product chart may place a particular foot length in a different nearby size.
General Women's Shoe Size Conversion
| US women's | UK | EU | Approximate foot length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 35.5 | 22 cm |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 22.5 cm |
| 6 | 4 | 36.5 | 23 cm |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 23.5 cm |
| 7 | 5 | 38 | 24 cm |
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24.5 cm |
| 8 | 6 | 39 | 25 cm |
| 8.5 | 6.5 | 40 | 25.5 cm |
| 9 | 7 | 40.5 | 26 cm |
| 10 | 8 | 42 | 27 cm |
| 11 | 9 | 43 | 28 cm |
| 12 | 10 | 44.5 | 29 cm |
How US Shoe Sizing Works
US footwear commonly separates men's, women's, and children's categories. A women's US size and a men's US size with the same number are not normally equivalent. Width labels can also have different meanings by category.
Half sizes are common, but not every model is offered in every increment. When a chart skips a half size, the retailer may recommend choosing the nearest available option based on fit preference and footwear type.
How UK Shoe Sizing Works
UK sizes use a scale related to but distinct from US sizing. A general men's conversion often places the UK size about one number below the US men's size. Women's conversions frequently show a larger numerical difference.
These relationships are useful shortcuts, not universal formulas. Read across the exact chart rather than applying one adjustment to every brand.
How EU Shoe Sizing Works
EU footwear uses a different scale and often appears as values such as 38, 39, 40, or 41. Some brands also offer half sizes or selected increments such as 39.5 or 42.5.
One EU size can overlap more than one nearby US or UK size depending on the conversion chart. This happens because the systems use different step sizes and rounding practices.
Men's and Women's US Size Conversion
A rough comparison sometimes places a women's US size about one and a half to two sizes above a men's US size. For example, a women's US 9 may be compared with a men's US 7 or 7.5 in some general charts.
This numerical adjustment does not address width, heel shape, toe shape, or product construction. A converted men's size may fit differently even when the length is similar.
Why Foot Length Is Better Than Conversion Alone
Foot length is a measurement that can be compared directly with charts that list recommended foot ranges. A converted size is an estimate derived from another label, which may already reflect the fit of a different brand.
Measure both feet and use the larger result. When the retailer provides a foot-length chart, prioritize that information over a generic conversion.
How to Read an International Shoe Size Chart
- Identify the correct category: men's, women's, or children's.
- Locate your measured foot length when available.
- Read across the same row for approximate size equivalents.
- Check whether the brand offers full or half sizes.
- Review width options and product fit notes.
- Confirm the return or exchange policy.
Common Conversion Mistakes
- Using a men's chart for women's footwear
- Assuming one EU size always equals one exact US size
- Ignoring the difference between full and half sizes
- Using an old shoe label instead of current foot length
- Comparing foot length with a chart listing insole length
- Ignoring width and internal volume
- Assuming every brand rounds conversions the same way
- Ordering without checking the product-specific chart
What to Do When a Conversion Falls Between Sizes
When a converted value falls between two available sizes, review the measured foot length, width, footwear style, materials, socks, and intended use. The larger size may be safer when the toes are close to the front, but a width option may be better when length is already sufficient.
Flexible sandals, structured boots, athletic shoes, and pointed dress shoes should not automatically receive the same sizing decision.
Online Shopping Conversion Checklist
- Measure both feet while standing.
- Use the longer foot measurement.
- Select the correct product category.
- Open the exact brand chart.
- Check whether measurements refer to feet or shoes.
- Review width and fit notes.
- Wear the intended socks when evaluating fit.
- Check the exchange and return policy.
Main footwear sizing tool
Compare General US, UK, and EU Shoe Sizes
Enter a foot measurement, review approximate international sizes, and verify the result against the product-specific chart.
Footwear sizing hub
Use the Footwear Size Tools
Measure foot length, estimate a general starting size, and compare common US, UK, and EU shoe-size labels.
Questions and answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are US, UK, and EU shoe size conversions exact?
No. International shoe-size conversions are approximate because brands use different lasts, grading methods, rounding rules, and fit targets.
What is the difference between US and UK shoe sizes?
UK sizes are commonly about one size lower than US men's sizes and about two sizes lower than US women's sizes, but the exact relationship can vary by chart and brand.
Why do EU shoe sizes not match US half sizes exactly?
EU sizing uses a different scale and increment system. Conversions often require rounding to the nearest size offered by the manufacturer.
Should I use foot length or converted shoe size?
Use measured foot length when a brand provides a foot-length chart. A converted shoe size is best treated as a general starting point.
Can men's and women's US shoe sizes be converted directly?
A rough conversion is possible, but category differences, width standards, and shoe construction mean that a direct numerical adjustment may not produce the same fit.