Navigating shoe sizes can be tricky, especially when shopping across different countries. You might be a size 7 in the US, but what does that translate to in European sizes? Understanding European shoe sizes is essential for online shopping, travel, or simply buying shoes from European brands. This comprehensive guide will demystify European shoe sizing, providing you with charts, conversion tips, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you always find the perfect fit.
Understanding European Shoe Sizes
European shoe sizes, often denoted as EU sizes, are a standardized system used across Europe and many other parts of the world. Unlike US or UK sizing, which are based on inches and barleycorns respectively, European sizes are based on Paris Points. One Paris Point is equal to 2/3 of a centimeter (approximately 6.67mm). The European shoe size is roughly the length of the last, which is the foot-shaped form used in shoemaking, measured in Paris Points. This means the EU size is directly related to the foot length, making it a relatively consistent system.
However, it’s important to note that even within the EU system, slight variations can occur between brands. Factors like shoe style, last shape, and manufacturing processes can influence the actual fit. Therefore, while size charts are incredibly helpful, always consider reading brand-specific size guides and customer reviews when available.
European Shoe Size Conversion Charts for Women and Men
To simplify your shoe shopping experience, we’ve compiled comprehensive conversion charts for both women’s and men’s shoe sizes. These charts provide a clear comparison between US, UK, European, and Japanese sizes, allowing you to easily find your European equivalent.
Women’s European Shoe Size Chart
| US | UK | Europe | Australia | Japan | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 5 | 21 | 21.6 | 8.5 |
| 5.5 | 3 | 35.5 | 5.5 | 21.5 | 22 | 8.6 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 36 | 6 | 22 | 22.5 | 8.9 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 37 | 6.5 | 23 | 23 | 9 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 7 | 23 | 23.5 | 9.2 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 38 | 7.5 | 23.5 | 24 | 9.4 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 8 | 24 | 24.5 | 9.6 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 39 | 8.5 | 24.5 | 25 | 9.8 |
| 9 | 6.5 | 40 | 9 | 25 | 25.5 | 10 |
| 9.5 | 7 | 41 | 9.5 | 26 | 26 | 10.2 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 42 | 10 | 26.5 | 26.5 | 10.4 |
| 10.5 | 8 | 43 | 10.5 | 27 | 27 | 10.6 |
| 11 | 8.5 | 43.5 | 11 | 27.5 | 27.5 | 10.8 |
| 11.5 | 9 | 44 | 11.5 | 28 | 28 | 11 |
| 12 | 9.5 | 44.5 | 12 | 28.5 | 28.5 | 11.2 |
Men’s European Shoe Size Chart
| US | UK | Europe | Australia | Japan | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 38 | 6 | 24 | 24.1 | 9.5 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 39 | 6.5 | 24.5 | 24.5 | 9.6 |
| 7 | 6 | 40 | 7 | 25 | 25.4 | 10 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 7.5 | 25.5 | 25.7 | 10.1 |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 8 | 26 | 26 | 10.2 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 42 | 8.5 | 26.5 | 26.7 | 10.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 42.5 | 9 | 27 | 27.1 | 10.7 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 43 | 9.5 | 27.5 | 27.6 | 10.9 |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 10 | 28 | 27.9 | 11 |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 44.5 | 10.5 | 28.5 | 28.6 | 11.3 |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 11 | 29 | 29.4 | 11.6 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 45.5 | 11.5 | 29.5 | 29.8 | 11.7 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 12 | 30 | 30.2 | 11.9 |
| 12.5 | 11.5 | 47 | 12.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 12 |
| 13 | 12 | 48 | 13 | 31 | 31.4 | 12.4 |
| 14 | 13 | 49 | 14 | 32 | 32.2 | 12.7 |
| 15 | 14 | 50 | 15 | 33 | 33 | 13 |
Note: These charts are general guidelines. Always check brand-specific size charts when available for the most accurate conversion.
How to Convert Your Shoe Size to European
Converting your shoe size to European is straightforward using our charts. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Determine Your Current Shoe Size: Know your usual shoe size in your local sizing system (US or UK is most common for English speakers). If you’re unsure, measure your foot using the instructions below.
- Locate Your Size on the Chart: Find your US or UK size in the corresponding column (US or UK) of either the Women’s or Men’s chart above, depending on your gender.
- Find the European Equivalent: Once you’ve located your size, look across the row to the ‘Europe’ column. This will show your corresponding European shoe size.
Example: If you are a women’s US size 8.5, you would find ‘8.5’ in the ‘US’ column of the Women’s chart, and then see that the corresponding ‘Europe’ size is 39.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Fitting Shoes, Especially Online
Buying shoes online introduces the challenge of not being able to try them on before purchase. Here are crucial tips to ensure you get the best fit when shopping for shoes online, particularly when dealing with European sizes:
- Measure Your Feet Accurately: Don’t rely solely on your ‘usual’ size. Foot size can change over time. Measure your feet length and width at the end of the day when your feet are slightly more swollen. Follow our guide below for precise measurement.
- Consult Brand-Specific Size Charts: Whenever possible, find and review the size chart provided by the specific brand you are interested in. These charts are often more accurate than general conversion charts as they account for the brand’s specific shoe lasts and sizing nuances.
- Read Customer Reviews for Sizing Feedback: Customer reviews can be a goldmine of information regarding shoe fit. Look for reviews that mention size accuracy – do reviewers say the shoes run true to size, small, or large? Some websites even allow filtering reviews by size, which is exceptionally helpful.
- Understand the Return Policy: Always purchase from retailers with a clear and customer-friendly return policy. This is your safety net if the shoes don’t fit as expected. Check the return window and conditions before you buy.
- Consider Sock Thickness: Think about the type of socks you’ll typically wear with the shoes. If you plan to wear thick socks (e.g., with boots or winter shoes), measure your feet while wearing similar socks or consider going half a size up.
- Shop at the Right Time of Day: As mentioned, feet swell throughout the day. Measuring and shoe shopping in the afternoon or evening can help you avoid buying shoes that are too small.
How to Measure Your Feet for Shoe Size
Accurate foot measurement is the foundation of finding the right shoe size, especially when converting to European sizes. Follow these steps for a precise measurement:
- Prepare Your Materials: You’ll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil, a ruler or measuring tape, and a flat surface.
- Trace Your Foot: Place the paper on the floor against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel firmly against the wall. Ensure your weight is evenly distributed.
- Mark the Length: Have someone trace your foot or carefully trace it yourself, holding the pencil vertically and ensuring it stays in contact with your foot throughout. Mark the longest point of your toes and the back of your heel.
- Measure the Length: Use the ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the heel mark and the longest toe mark in centimeters or inches. This is your foot length.
- Measure Both Feet: It’s common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Measure both feet and use the measurement of the larger foot to determine your shoe size.
- Consult Size Charts: Compare your foot length measurement to the ‘Foot Length (cm)’ or ‘Foot Length (inches)’ columns in our size charts above or brand-specific size charts to find the corresponding European shoe size.
Accurately measuring your foot is the first step to finding your correct European shoe size when shopping online.
FAQs About European Shoe Sizes
Still have questions about European shoe sizing? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Women’s European Shoe Size FAQs
What is a women’s size 38 in US sizes?
A women’s European size 38 is approximately a US size 7.5.
Are European women’s shoe sizes the same as UK sizes?
No, European and UK women’s shoe sizes are different. A women’s UK size 5 is equivalent to a European size 38.
What does ‘EU 37’ mean in women’s shoes?
‘EU 37’ refers to a European women’s shoe size 37, which is roughly equivalent to a US size 6.5.
Do European shoe sizes run small or large compared to US sizes?
Generally, European shoe sizes are considered to be fairly consistent with foot length. However, it’s not that they run inherently small or large compared to US sizes, but rather they use a different measurement system. Always refer to a conversion chart for accuracy.
Is there a difference between European shoe sizes for different types of shoes (e.g., sandals vs. boots)?
While the base European sizing system remains consistent, the fit can vary slightly depending on the shoe type and brand. Boots, for example, might be designed to accommodate socks, and sandals might have a different last shape. Brand-specific size charts and reviews are crucial in these cases.
Men’s European Shoe Size FAQs
What is a men’s size 43 in US sizes?
A men’s European size 43 is approximately a US size 9.5.
How does European men’s shoe size compare to UK sizes?
European men’s shoe sizes are different from UK sizes. A men’s UK size 8 is roughly a European size 42.
What US size is equivalent to a men’s EU size 41?
A men’s European size 41 is approximately a US size 8.
Are European men’s shoe sizes wider or narrower than US sizes?
European shoe sizes primarily focus on length, and width fittings are less standardized than in the US system. If you require wider shoes, you may need to look for brands that specifically offer width options or read reviews to see if a particular shoe style is known to run wider or narrower.
If I usually wear a US size 10 in sneakers, what European size should I choose?
Based on the conversion chart, a men’s US size 10 is approximately a European size 44. However, always check the specific brand’s size chart, especially for sneakers, as sizing can sometimes vary between athletic shoe brands.
Conclusion: Step into the Right Fit with European Shoe Sizes
Understanding European shoe sizes doesn’t have to be confusing. With the help of our comprehensive charts and tips, you can confidently shop for shoes from European brands or while traveling in Europe, knowing you’ll find the right fit. Remember to measure your feet accurately, consult brand-specific size charts when available, and utilize customer reviews to make informed purchasing decisions. By taking these steps, you can eliminate sizing guesswork and step into shoes that fit perfectly, no matter where they come from.
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