Complete Shoe Size Charts & Conversion Guide 2025

Convert shoe sizes accurately between UK, US, EU and international sizing standards. Find your perfect fit with our comprehensive shoe sizing guides for men, women, children and all major brands.

Quick Shoe Size Converter

Instantly convert your shoe size between any international sizing system. Our converter includes all major brands and regional variations.

Important Notes:

  • Brand Variations: Sizes can vary between brands by up to 0.5-1 size
  • Width Considerations: Our converter shows standard width (D for men, B for women)
  • Athletic vs Dress: Sports shoes often run differently than dress shoes
  • Always Try On: Use this as a starting point, but always try shoes on when possible

Complete Shoe Size Charts by Category

Browse our detailed size conversion charts for different types of footwear and demographics.

How to Measure Your Feet Properly

Getting an accurate foot measurement is crucial for finding the right shoe size. Follow our step-by-step guide for the most precise measurements.

70% of people wear the wrong shoe size
1cm recommended space between longest toe and shoe
2-3pm best time to measure (feet are largest)
1

Prepare for Measuring

Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening when they're at their largest. Wear the type of socks you'll typically wear with the shoes you're buying.

What you'll need:
  • A4 paper or larger
  • Pen or pencil
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • A wall or flat vertical surface
2

Trace Your Foot

Place a piece of paper on a flat, hard surface against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel against the wall and trace around your foot with a pen or pencil.

Important: Keep the pen vertical and trace as close to your foot as possible. Have someone help you for more accuracy.
3

Measure Length & Width

Measure from the heel to the longest toe for length. For width, measure the widest part of your foot (usually across the ball of the foot).

Measurements to take:
  • Length: Heel to longest toe
  • Width: Widest part of foot
  • Arch length: Heel to ball of foot
4

Check Both Feet & Add Space

Measure both feet as they can differ. Use the larger measurement and add 1-1.5cm (0.5-0.6 inches) for growing room and comfort.

Size variations: It's normal for feet to differ by up to 0.5 size. Always use the larger foot measurement.

Professional Fitting Tips

Before You Buy

  • Always measure both feet - they can be different sizes
  • Shop for shoes in the late afternoon when feet are largest
  • Bring the socks you'll wear with the shoes
  • Consider the shoe's intended use (running vs. dress)
  • Check return policies for online purchases

Perfect Fit Signs

  • 1cm (thumb width) space between longest toe and shoe front
  • No pressure points or pinching
  • Heel doesn't slip when walking
  • Width feels comfortable without bulging
  • You can wiggle all toes freely

Red Flags - Poor Fit

  • Toes touching the front of the shoe
  • Foot spilling over the sides
  • Heel slipping out while walking
  • Pressure points or pain anywhere
  • Need to curl toes to fit

Understanding International Shoe Sizing Systems

Different countries use various shoe sizing standards. Understanding these systems helps you convert sizes accurately when shopping internationally or online.

UK Sizing System

Based on the length of the last (shoe mould) in inches, starting from size 0. Each size increment represents approximately 1/3 inch (8.5mm).

  • Origins: Developed in 1856 by shoemaker Edwin Bannister
  • Scale: Size 0 = 8 inches, each size = +1/3 inch
  • Used in: UK, Ireland, India, South Africa
  • Men's range: Typically 6-15
  • Women's range: Typically 3-9

US Sizing System

Similar to UK sizing but starts from a different baseline. Men's and women's scales differ, with women's sizes running about 1.5 sizes larger than men's for the same foot length.

  • Origins: Based on UK system with different starting point
  • Gender difference: Women's +1.5 sizes larger than men's
  • Used in: USA, Canada, Mexico
  • Men's range: Typically 7-16
  • Women's range: Typically 5-12

European (EU) Sizing

Based on foot length in centimetres using the Paris Point system. Each size represents 2/3 centimetre (6.67mm) increments, making it more precise than UK/US systems.

  • Origins: Paris Point system from 1880s
  • Scale: Size = foot length (cm) + 1.5cm × 1.5
  • Used in: Most of Europe, Brazil, and many global brands
  • Range: Typically 35-50
  • Unisex: Same scale for men and women

Japanese (CM) Sizing

Direct measurement of foot length in centimetres, making it the most accurate and straightforward sizing system. Popular with athletic brands and increasingly used globally.

  • Method: Direct foot length measurement in cm
  • Accuracy: Most precise sizing system available
  • Used in: Japan, Korea, many athletic brands
  • Range: Typically 22-32cm
  • Increments: Usually 0.5cm steps

Other International Systems

Various other countries and regions have their own sizing standards, often based on or adapted from the major systems above.

  • Australian: Similar to UK but with slight variations
  • Chinese: Based on foot length in mm (250mm = size 25)
  • Korean: Similar to Japanese CM system
  • Mondopoint: ISO standard using mm measurements

Quick Size Comparison Example

For a foot measuring 26cm in length:

UK: 8 (Men) / 5.5 (Women)
US: 9 (Men) / 7 (Women)
EU: 42 (Unisex)
Japan: 26cm (Unisex)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do shoe sizes vary between brands?

Manufacturers use different lasts (shoe moulds), materials, and construction methods. A size 8 in one brand might fit like a 7.5 or 8.5 in another. Always check brand-specific sizing guides.

Should I size up or down if I'm between sizes?

Generally, it's better to size up slightly. Your feet swell throughout the day, and shoes often stretch with wear. However, consider the shoe type - athletic shoes can often run larger.

How often should I measure my feet?

Adult feet can change over time due to age, weight changes, or pregnancy. Measure at least once a year, or when you notice your current shoes feeling different.

Do width fittings matter?

Yes! Width is as important as length. Standard widths are B (narrow) or D (regular) for women, and D (regular) or EE (wide) for men. Many brands offer multiple width options.

Can I convert children's sizes to adult sizes?

Children's sizing is completely different from adult sizing. A child's size 13 is followed by adult size 1. Use our dedicated children's size charts for accurate conversions.

Are online size charts accurate?

Brand-specific size charts are generally reliable, but individual fit can vary. Check reviews, return policies, and consider ordering multiple sizes if unsure.

Important: This page provides essential and expertly curated size conversion information that should be used in conjunction with the complete interactive tools available at sizechart.uk. For the most accurate size conversions and access to our comprehensive database of brand-specific charts, measurement guides, and real-time conversion tools, please visit the full website. The information presented here represents only a portion of our complete sizing resources and should be evaluated within the context of your specific sizing needs and the brands you're shopping for. It is impossible to determine the anatomical size of a shoe or clothing item without the use of a measuring tape or ruler in conjunction with the size chart.