How the conversion works
Every shoe-sizing system is ultimately a way of describing foot length, so this converter first translates whatever you enter into a foot length in centimetres and then expresses that length in each system. Pivoting through a single physical measurement keeps the US, UK, EU and centimetre figures consistent with one another.
US and UK sizes use the barleycorn scale, where one size is one-third of an inch. EU sizes use Paris points, a slightly different unit, which is why the EU number jumps in larger steps.
Men's and women's sizing
US women's sizes typically run about 1.5 sizes above men's for the same foot length, and the UK offset differs again. The gender selector applies the right adjustment so the converted sizes match the foot length you intend.
Because of these offsets, the safest cross-brand and cross-region comparison is always the foot length in centimetres rather than the labelled size.
Getting a good fit
A converted size is a starting point; fit depends on more than length:
- Measure your foot in the evening, when it is at its largest.
- Stand with weight on the foot and measure heel to longest toe.
- Allow a little room beyond the longest toe for movement.
- Width and the shape of the last vary by brand and affect comfort.
Note
These conversions are standard approximations. Manufacturers use different lasts and rounding, so the same labelled size can fit differently across brands. When possible, try shoes on or compare against the foot length in centimetres.
Formula
Pivot via foot length: US(men) = 3·(footCm/2.54) − 22; EU = (footCm + 1.5)·1.5Frequently asked questions
- Why do conversions vary by brand?
- Manufacturers use different lasts and rounding, so the same labelled size can differ. Foot length in cm is the most reliable basis for comparison.