Finding the right shoe size can be tricky, especially when shopping internationally. Different countries use different sizing systems—US, UK, EU, and Japanese (JP)—which can lead to confusion. In this guide, we’ll break down shoe size conversions and provide tips for ensuring the perfect fit.
1. Understanding Shoe Size Systems
US Sizes (United States)
- Uses numeric sizes (e.g., US Men’s 9, US Women’s 7).
- Men’s and women’s sizes differ (typically, women’s sizes are ~1.5-2 sizes higher than men’s).
UK Sizes (United Kingdom)
- Similar to US but starts smaller (e.g., UK Men’s 8 = US Men’s 9).
- Unisex numbering (no separate men’s/women’s scales).
EU Sizes (Europe)
- Based on centimeters (CM) of foot length.
- Unisex system (e.g., EU 42 fits both men and women).
JP/CM Sizes (Japan & Asia)
- Directly measures foot length in centimeters.
- Often labeled as “JP” (e.g., JP 27 = 27 cm).
2. Shoe Size Conversion Charts
Men’s Shoe Size Conversion
| US | UK | EU | JP (cm) | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 39 | 24.5 | 24.1 cm |
| 7 | 6 | 40 | 25 | 24.8 cm |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 26 | 25.7 cm |
| 9 | 8 | 42 | 27 | 26.5 cm |
| 10 | 9 | 43 | 28 | 27.3 cm |
| 11 | 10 | 44 | 29 | 28.1 cm |
| 12 | 11 | 45 | 30 | 28.9 cm |
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion
| US | UK | EU | JP (cm) | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 35 | 22 | 21.6 cm |
| 6 | 4 | 36 | 23 | 22.5 cm |
| 7 | 5 | 37 | 24 | 23.5 cm |
| 8 | 6 | 38 | 25 | 24.4 cm |
| 9 | 7 | 39 | 26 | 25.2 cm |
| 10 | 8 | 40 | 27 | 26.0 cm |
3. How to Measure Your Foot for the Right Size
- Stand on a piece of paper and trace your foot.
- Measure the length from heel to longest toe (in cm).
- Compare to the size chart (EU/JP sizes are closest to exact foot length).
- Consider width – Some brands offer narrow (N), wide (W), or extra-wide (XW) options.
Pro Tip:
- Sneakers vs. Dress Shoes – Athletic shoes often fit snugly, while leather dress shoes may require breaking in.
- Asian Sizing – Shoes from Japan/Korea may run smaller; consider sizing up.
4. Common Shoe Size Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Assuming US = UK sizes (UK sizes are usually 1 number smaller).
❌ Ignoring width differences (European shoes tend to be narrower).
❌ Not checking brand-specific sizing (Nike, Adidas, and luxury brands may vary).
Final Advice
- When in doubt, check the brand’s size guide.
- If between sizes, size up for comfort (especially in work boots or winter shoes).
- For online shopping, read reviews to see if shoes run large or small.
Have you ever bought the wrong shoe size internationally? Share your experiences below! 👟🌍