Shoe Size Conversion Chart: US, UK, EU, and CM Measurements

Overview

International shoe sizing is not fully standardized. A US women's 8, US men's 8, UK 8, and EU 8 do not represent the same size, and even two shoes marked with the same size can fit differently. The shape of the toe box, the shoe's intended activity, the materials, and the available width options all affect fit.

The most reliable approach is to combine three pieces of information:

• Your longer foot's measured length: Use the measurement from heel to the longest toe, preferably in centimeters or millimeters.
• The brand's size chart: Treat the manufacturer's chart as more useful than a general conversion table.
• The shoe's fit notes: Look for guidance such as narrow, wide, high-volume, low-volume, or true to size.

Approximate adult shoe size conversion chart

The table below is a general reference, not a universal sizing standard. EU sizing commonly varies by brand and style, so use the EU column as an approximation.

These conversions are especially imperfect around half sizes and at the edges of a brand's size range. Some brands use different US-to-UK relationships, while others label shoes with a single unisex scale. If a listing does not identify whether its US size is men's or women's, check the product page or ask the seller before purchasing.

How shoe size in centimeters works

Centimeter measurements can be easier to compare across brands, but they still need careful interpretation. A listing may show the length of the foot the shoe is designed for, the internal length of the shoe, or a Mondopoint-style measurement. Those are not always interchangeable.

How to measure foot size at home

1. Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor with one edge against a wall.
2. Stand on the paper with your heel lightly touching the wall. Wear the socks you expect to use with the shoes.
3. Mark the end of the longest toe. Do not assume the big toe is the longest; foot shape differs.
4. Measure from the paper's wall edge to the mark in centimeters or millimeters.
5. Repeat for the other foot. Record both length and width if possible.
6. Use the longer measurement when selecting a size. If your measurement falls between sizes, compare the brand's fit guidance rather than automatically sizing up or down.

Measure later in the day if your feet tend to feel larger after walking or standing. For running, hiking, and work shoes, measure with the socks and any orthotic or insole you plan to use.

Width, volume, and intended use

Length alone cannot predict a comfortable fit. A shoe may feel too tight because it is narrow through the forefoot, shallow over the toes, or too low across the instep. Width labels differ by brand, but common terms include narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide. In some men's sizing systems, a standard width is often labeled D; in some women's systems, a standard width is often labeled B. These conventions are not universal, so read the product's width legend.

Running and walking shoes may have different amounts of forefoot space, while dress shoes often use more structured uppers. Work and hiking shoes should be checked with the socks used on the job or trail. For support-related concerns, see our guides to shoes for flat feet and shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Maintenance cycle

A shoe size guide should be reviewed on a regular schedule because conversion tables and fit advice remain useful only when they match the products shoppers can actually find. A practical maintenance cycle is to review the guide at least twice a year, then perform a focused check whenever major footwear brands change their sizing pages, product labels, or fit systems.

During each scheduled review:

• Check that every conversion table clearly says it is approximate.
• Compare the general guidance with current size charts from the brands most often discussed on the site.
• Verify that internal links still lead to relevant fit or use-case guides.
• Review the kids section separately because children's feet grow and children's sizing systems often use different labels.
• Test the article's search intent by checking whether readers now ask about a specific brand, width, activity, or measurement system.

Keep the general chart stable where possible. Instead of changing a table to accommodate one brand, add a clear note explaining that brand-specific charts take priority.

Signals that require updates

Some changes should trigger an update before the next scheduled review. The strongest signal is repeated reader confusion about a conversion, such as whether a listed US size is men's or women's or why an EU size does not match a familiar pair.

Other useful signals include:

• A retailer or brand changes its size chart, width labels, or measurement instructions.
• A popular shoe line is redesigned and receives different fit feedback from its previous version.
• Search interest shifts from broad conversions to questions such as “Are New Balance shoes true to size?” or “How should trail shoes fit?”
• Readers report that a table appears to conflict with a product listing.
• A linked article about kids' sizing, work shoes, or running shoes is substantially revised.

When a signal appears, update the relevant explanation rather than adding an unsupported universal rule. A good revision might say that a particular model runs shorter or wider according to the brand's current chart and product-specific guidance, while preserving the broader warning that fit varies.

Common issues

Confusing shoe size with foot length

A size number is a label, not a precise measurement. Two shoes with the same label may have different internal shapes. Use your measured foot length to narrow the choice, then check the shoe's last, width, and fit notes.

Assuming every EU size converts the same way

EU sizing is often presented as a single number, but brands can interpret that number differently. A range such as EU 38–39 is more honest than presenting one exact conversion when the underlying systems do not align perfectly.

Ignoring width

Extra length does not always solve a width problem. If your toes feel compressed while the heel fits, look for a wider version or a shoe with a roomier toe box. If your heel slips but the forefoot feels comfortable, changing size may create a new problem; consider the shoe's lacing system, heel shape, and available width.

Using adult guidance for children

Children's shoes require their own approach. Measure both feet, leave suitable growing room without allowing excessive movement, and recheck fit as the child grows. For a more detailed kids shoe size guide, see our guide to children's length, age ranges, and brand fit.

Measuring without the intended socks

Thin everyday socks and thick hiking socks can produce different fit needs. Measure in the conditions that match the shoe's use, particularly for boots, running shoes, and work shoes.

When to revisit

Revisit this guide before buying from a new brand, switching between men's and women's sizing, ordering a different shoe category, or choosing a model with a specialized fit. It is also worth remeasuring after a substantial change in activity, when your usual shoes begin causing pressure, or when one foot consistently needs more room.

Before placing an online order, use this quick checklist:

1. Measure both feet on a hard floor while wearing intended socks.
2. Write down the longer foot's length and, if possible, its widest point.
3. Identify whether the listing uses US men's, US women's, UK, EU, or centimeter sizing.
4. Compare your measurements with the brand's current chart.
5. Check width, toe-box, heel, and activity-specific fit notes.
6. Read the seller's current exchange and return information before completing the purchase.

Use the conversion chart to get oriented, not to override the manufacturer's instructions. That habit, combined with accurate measurement and attention to width, is the most dependable way to buy shoes online with fewer sizing surprises. For category-specific fit questions, compare this guide with resources on running versus walking shoes, slip-resistant work shoes, or comfortable dress shoes.