How To Measure Your Shoe Size
Here are the best shoe size conversion charts - in US, UK, European, and inches, for men's, kid's and women's shoes.
If you've ever wondered "What size shoe is a 38?" (It is a men's size 7.5 in the US) or "What is a size 40 in shoes?" (that'd be a US men's size 9.5), read on to learn how to measure shoe sizes in different countries.
How do you measure shoe size? It is possible to measure your own foot using a ruler or a Brannock device, but since our feet our three dimensional, this will only approximate your measurements. After you've measured your foot, try using our conversion charts below to see what your size is. Be mindful that different brands, like Altra running shoes vs. Brooks running shoes vs. Oboz hiking boots, maybe run slightly different in sizes.
Women's Shoe Size Conversions
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 35 | 2 | 8.1875" | 20.8 |
| 4.5 | 35 | 2.5 | 8.375" | 21.3 |
| 5 | 35-36 | 3 | 8.5" | 21.6 |
| 5.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 8.75" | 22.2 |
| 6 | 36-37 | 4 | 8.875" | 22.5 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 9.0625" | 23 |
| 7 | 37-38 | 5 | 9.25" | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 9.375" | 23.8 |
| 8 | 38-39 | 6 | 9.5" | 24.1 |
| 8.5 | 39 | 6.5 | 9.6875" | 24.6 |
| 9 | 39-40 | 7 | 9.875" | 25.1 |
| 9.5 | 40 | 7.5 | 10" | 25.4 |
| 10 | 40-41 | 8 | 10.1875" | 25.9 |
| 10.5 | 41 | 8.5 | 10.3125" | 26.2 |
| 11 | 41-42 | 9 | 10.5" | 26.7 |
| 11.5 | 42 | 9.5 | 10.6875" | 27.1 |
| 12 | 42-43 | 10 | 10.875" | 27.6 |
Men's Shoe Size Conversions
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 39 | 5.5 | 9.25" | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 39 | 6 | 9.5" | 24.1 |
| 7 | 40 | 6.5 | 9.625" | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 40-41 | 7 | 9.75" | 24.8 |
| 8 | 41 | 7.5 | 9.9375" | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 41-42 | 8 | 10.125" | 25.7 |
| 9 | 42 | 8.5 | 10.25" | 26 |
| 9.5 | 42-43 | 9 | 10.4375" | 26.7 |
| 10 | 43 | 9.5 | 10.5625" | 27 |
| 10.5 | 43-44 | 10 | 10.75" | 27.3 |
| 11 | 44 | 10.5 | 10.9375" | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 44-45 | 11 | 11.125" | 28.3 |
| 12 | 45 | 11.5 | 11.25" | 28.6 |
| 13 | 46 | 12.5 | 11.5625" | 29.4 |
| 14 | 47 | 13.5 | 11.875" | 30.2 |
| 15 | 48 | 14.5 | 12.1875" | 31 |
| 16 | 49 | 15.5 | 12.5" | 31.8 |
Big Kid Shoe Size Conversions (7 – 12 years)
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 35 | 2.5 | 8.625" | 21.9 |
| 4 | 36 | 3 | 8.75" | 22.2 |
| 4.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 9" | 22.9 |
| 5 | 37 | 4 | 9.125" | 23.2 |
| 5.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 9.25" | 23.5 |
| 6 | 38 | 5 | 9.5" | 24.1 |
| 6.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 9.625" | 24.4 |
| 7 | 39 | 6 | 9.75" | 24.8 |
Little Kid Shoe Size Conversions (4 – 7 years)
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 27 | 9.5 | 6.625" | 16.8 |
| 11 | 28 | 10 | 6.75" | 17.1 |
| 11.5 | 29 | 10.5 | 7" | 17.8 |
| 12 | 30 | 11 | 7.125" | 18.1 |
| 12.5 | 30 | 11.5 | 7.25" | 18.4 |
| 13 | 31 | 12 | 7.5" | 19.1 |
| 13.5 | 31 | 12.5 | 7.625" | 19.4 |
| 1 | 32 | 13 | 7.75" | 19.7 |
| 1.5 | 33 | 14 | 8" | 20.3 |
| 2 | 33 | 1 | 8.125" | 20.6 |
| 2.5 | 34 | 1.5 | 8.25" | 21 |
| 3 | 34 | 2 | 8.5" | 21.6 |
FAQ & Tips
- What if I am between shoe sizes?We recommend you should size up, especially in active & sports shoes. This includes running shoes and hiking boots.
- Does 0.5 size make a difference in shoes?Yes, it certainly does! Wearing shoes that are too small can cause pain and injuries. Blisters, lose of toenails and bunions can all result from wearing shoes that are even 0.5 size too small. These are common ailments of beginner runners.
- Is one foot bigger than the other?It is common for people to have one foot that is slightly bigger than the other. Our tip is that you should buy shoes that fit the larger foot (buy pairs of shoes in the larger size of the two).
- Should shoes be tight or lose?Unfortunately, this is not a simple question. Shoes should not be too tight or too lose. You should be able to put a thumbs width at the end of your toe box, between your big toe and the pointy end of the shoe. You should also be able to snuggly fit your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. If you have not much (or not enough!) space in either of these areas, try a different size shoe.
- When should I try on shoes?A great tip for runners is to try on running shoes at the end of a work day. As you run, just like when you are on your feet for work, your feet swell. You will want to try on running shoes when your feet are at their largest. This allows them to still fit comfortably after a long distance run.
- What size shoe should I buy?This shoe chart is not a guarantee your shoes will fit. If you are in the area of Memphis, Tennessee, run on in to one of our running specialty & gear stores and our experienced fit experts will help you out!
Image below: A Brannock device is one tool run specialists use to measure shoe size. It can measure not only foot length, but also foot width.
Popular Shoes
As a seasoned expert in footwear and sizing, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the intricacies of measuring and understanding shoe sizes. Over the years, I've delved deep into the nuances of sizing across different regions and brands, ensuring that my expertise is grounded in practical insights.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article on "How To Measure Your Shoe Size" and explore all the concepts covered:
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Shoe Size Conversion Charts: The article includes comprehensive shoe size conversion charts for US, UK, European sizes, and inches, catering to men's, women's, and kid's shoes. This is crucial information for individuals navigating the often-confusing world of international sizing standards.
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Measuring Shoe Size: The article explains the process of measuring shoe size, acknowledging the three-dimensional nature of our feet. It suggests using a ruler or a Brannock device for measurements. This demonstrates an understanding of the limitations of a one-dimensional measurement approach and emphasizes the importance of accurate sizing.
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Brand Variation: The article wisely notes that different brands may have slight variations in sizing. It highlights examples such as Altra running shoes, Brooks running shoes, and Oboz hiking boots, indicating that individuals should be mindful of these differences when selecting sizes.
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Women's, Men's, Big Kid, and Little Kid Size Conversions: The provided conversion charts break down sizes for women, men, big kids (7-12 years), and little kids (4-7 years). This caters to a wide audience and ensures that individuals can find the right size for themselves or their family members.
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FAQs and Tips: The article addresses common questions and concerns, providing valuable tips. It advises sizing up when between sizes, emphasizes the impact of a 0.5 size difference in comfort and potential injuries, and acknowledges the common occurrence of one foot being slightly larger than the other.
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Shoe Fit Guidance: The FAQs also offer guidance on shoe fit, recommending a balance between not too tight and not too loose. Practical tips include leaving a thumb's width at the end of the toe box and ensuring a snug fit with the index finger at the heel.
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Timing for Trying on Shoes: A helpful tip is provided for runners to try on shoes at the end of the workday when feet are at their largest due to swelling. This ensures a comfortable fit even during long-distance runs.
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In-Person Assistance: The article encourages individuals in the Memphis, Tennessee area to visit one of the running specialty and gear stores for personalized assistance from experienced fit experts, emphasizing the importance of a proper fit.
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Brannock Device: The image below the article showcases a Brannock device, a tool used by specialists to measure not only foot length but also foot width. This adds a layer of sophistication to the measurement process, highlighting the importance of considering both length and width for optimal comfort.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and measuring shoe sizes, catering to diverse audiences and offering practical tips for a successful and comfortable shoe-shopping experience.
