How to Convert Shoe Sizes Between Countries
Buying shoes online from international retailers can be confusing. Every country uses its own sizing system, and a US 10 is not the same as a UK 10 or EU 44. This guide shows you how to convert shoe sizes between countries accurately, with charts for adults and kids, brand variations, and pro tips to avoid costly returns.
The Four Main Shoe Size Systems
| System | Country / Region | Basis |
|---|
| US | USA, Canada | Barleycorn (1/3 inch) |
| UK | United Kingdom, Australia | Barleycorn (1/3 inch) |
| EU | Europe, most of world | Mondopoint (centimeters) |
| CM / JP | Asia, Japan, most of world | Centimeters (foot length) |
| AU | Australia | Similar to UK |
Quick Conversion Charts
Adult Shoe Size Chart
| US Men | US Women | UK | EU | CM |
|---|
| 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 24 |
| 7 | 8.5 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 7 | 41 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 8 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 9 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 10 | 44 | 28 |
| 12 | 13.5 | 11 | 45 | 29 |
| 13 | 14.5 | 12 | 46 | 30 |
| 14 | 15.5 | 13 | 47 | 31 |
| 15 | 16.5 | 14 | 48 | 32 |
Kids Shoe Size Chart
| US Kids | UK Kids | EU Kids | CM | Age |
|---|
| 9.5 | 9 | 27 | 16.5 | 12-18 months |
| 10 | 9.5 | 27.5 | 17 | 18-24 months |
| 11 | 10 | 28 | 17.5 | 2 years |
| 12 | 11 | 29 | 18.5 | 3 years |
| 13 | 12 | 30 | 19.5 | 4 years |
| 1 | 13 | 31 | 20 | 5 years |
| 2 | 1 | 32 | 20.5 | 6 years |
| 3 | 2 | 33 | 21 | 7 years |
| 4 | 3 | 34 | 22 | 8 years |
| 5 | 4 | 35 | 22.5 | 9 years |
| 6 | 5 | 36.5 | 23 | 10 years |
Related Keywords
Shoppers and parents also search for:
- how to convert shoe sizes between countries — international shoe size guide
- shoe size conversion chart — US UK EU CM table
- international shoe size converter — global sizing standards
- shoe size by country — regional size differences
- EU to US shoe size — European to American conversion
- UK to US shoe size — British to American conversion
- CM to EU shoe size — centimeters to European sizes
- kids shoe size conversion — children international sizes
Step-by-Step Conversion Method
Step 1: Measure Your Foot
1. Stand on a piece of paper
2. Mark the heel and longest toe
3. Measure the distance in centimeters
4. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement
Step 2: Find Your CM Size
Use the foot length in cm directly. This is the most accurate measurement.
Step 3: Convert to Target System
| From | To US Men | To US Women | To UK | To EU |
|---|
| CM | (CM-12.5)/1.5 | (CM-12.5)/1.5 - 1.5 | (CM-12.5)/1.5 - 1 | CM*2+32 |
| EU | (EU-32)/2 | (EU-32)/2 - 1.5 | (EU-32)/2 - 1 | Baseline |
| UK | UK+1 | UK+2.5 | Baseline | UK*2+34 |
| US Men | Baseline | +1.5 | -1 | US*2+32 |
*Note: Conversions are approximate. Always check brand-specific charts.*
Common Conversion Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact | Fix |
|---|
| Men to women US | Off by 1.5-2.5 sizes | Use separate columns |
| EU to US divided by 2 | Off by several sizes | Use proper formula |
| Kids as adult | Wrong size entirely | Use kids column |
| Ignoring width | Tight or loose fit | Check width codes |
| Rounding early | Size too big | Round at end only |
| Assuming all brands equal | Uneven fit | Check brand guide |
Brand Variations
| Brand | Runs | Suggestion |
|---|
| Nike | True to size | Use standard chart |
| Adidas | Slightly large | Go half size down |
| New Balance | Wide | Size up if between |
| Clarks | Narrow | Size up for wide feet |
| Dr. Martens | Break-in needed | Size up half size |
| Birkenstock | Roomy | Size down half |
| Puma | True to size | Standard chart |
| Reebok | Slightly narrow | Size up for wide feet |
Width Conversions
| US Width | UK Width | EU Description |
|---|
| B | B | Narrow |
| D | D | Medium (Standard) |
| E | E | Wide |
| EE | EE | Extra Wide |
| W | E | Wide (women's) |
| XW | EE | Extra Wide (women's) |
Tips for Shopping International Shoes
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Check brand chart first | Sizing varies by brand |
| Read customer reviews | Fit notes from real buyers |
| Order half size up if between | Better to slightly loose than tight |
| Know your width | Standard vs wide vs narrow |
| Use CM as anchor | Most accurate universal measure |
| Keep old shoes as reference | Match length and width |
| Check return policies | International returns can be costly |
Conclusion
Knowing how to convert shoe sizes between countries saves you money, time, and frustration. Use our shoe size conversion chart as your go-to reference, measure your feet in CM for maximum accuracy, and always check brand-specific guides. With the right conversion, you can shop anywhere in the world with confidence.