US vs UK vs Euro Shoe Size: The Ultimate Conversion Guide & Feet Size Chart (2026)

Introduction: The Universal Struggle of “True to Size”

There is nothing quite as frustrating as waiting a week for a new pair of sneakers to arrive, opening the box with excitement, and then realizing—within seconds of sliding your foot in—that they don’t fit. You ordered your “usual” size. You checked the reviews. Yet, your toes are crushed, or your heel is slipping.

In my 20+ years of running a physical shoe store and fitting thousands of customers personally, I have learned one undeniable truth: Shoe sizing is not a science; it is a suggestion.

Whether you are a daily commuter in London, a traveler in New York, or an online shopper in Singapore, the confusion between US, UK, and Euro shoe sizes is a global headache. A US 10 in one brand might be a UK 9, but in another, it’s a UK 9.5. Then you throw European sizing (Paris points) into the mix, and it becomes a game of roulette.

This guide isn’t just another generic table copied from Wikipedia. It is a practical, experience-backed resource designed to help you decode the shoe size conversion puzzle, understand how to measure your feet correctly, and stop wasting money on return shipping.

TL;DR: The Quick Conversion Answer feet size chart

How do I convert US, UK, and Euro sizes? For most major sneaker brands (like Nike or Adidas), the general rule of thumb is:

• Men: US size – 1 = UK size (e.g., US 10 = UK 9).
• Women: US size – 2 = UK size (e.g., US 8 = UK 6).
• Euro: There is no perfect math, but generally, a US Men’s 10 is an EU 44, and a US Women’s 8 is an EU 39.

Expert Tip: Always measure your foot length in centimeters (CM) or millimeters (Japanese sizing). This is the only universal “truth” in footwear sizing because centimeters do not fluctuate between brands.

Why This Topic Matters (and Why It’s Confusing)

Why is it so hard to get a standard size? In my two decades on the shop floor, I’ve had to explain this to countless frustrated customers. The issue lies in the history of cobbling.

The UK and US systems are based on “barleycorns” (an old English unit of measurement roughly 1/3 of an inch), whereas European sizes are based on “Paris points” (2/3 of a centimeter). Because the base units don’t align perfectly, direct conversion is often a rounding approximation.

Furthermore, different manufacturers use different “lasts” (the 3D mold a shoe is built on). An Italian dress shoe is built on a narrower, sleeker last than a chunky American hiking boot. When you buy online, you aren’t just buying a size number; you are buying a specific manufacturer’s interpretation of that number.

Getting this wrong leads to:

• Foot Health Issues: Bunions, hammer toes, and plantar fasciitis from cramped toe boxes.
• Wasted Money: Return fees and restocking costs.
• Material Breakdown: Shoes that are too big crease awkwardly and wear out the heel lining faster.

The Ultimate Feet Size Chart & Conversion Guide

Below are the standard conversions. However, always treat these as a baseline.

1. Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

2. Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

(Note: Shoe size EU to UK conversions often trip people up here. Notice that a US Women’s 7 is a UK 5, but a US Men’s 7 is a UK 6. Gender plays a massive role in the labeling.) Kids Shoe Size by Age: The Complete 0 to 12 Years Chart

How to Measure Your Feet Correctly (The DIY Method)

Most people assume they know their size because “that’s what I’ve always worn.” But did you know your feet can flatten and lengthen as you age? If you haven’t measured your feet in the last three years, do it now.

Here is the step-by-step framework we use in the shop when a Brannock device isn’t available:

1. Tape the Paper: Tape a piece of A4 or Letter paper to the floor against a wall.
2. Stand Firm: Place your foot on the paper with your heel flush against the wall. Stand upright (don’t sit), as your weight spreads your foot out.
3. Trace: Have a friend trace the outline of your toes. (Doing it yourself shifts your weight and ruins the measurement).
4. Measure: Measure from the edge of the paper (heel) to the longest toe (usually the big toe or the second toe).
5. Add Wiggle Room: Add 0.5cm to 1cm to your measurement. This is your “shoe size” length.

The “CM” Secret

If you look at the tongue label of your favorite running shoes, you will see a “CM” or “JP” size. This is the Rosetta Stone of shoe sizing. If you are 27cm in Nike, you are likely 27cm in Asics, regardless of whether they call it a US 9 or a US 9.5.

Material Matters: How Fabric Affects Fit

Even if the feet size chart says you are a 42, the material of the shoe dictates how it feels.

• Full-Grain Leather: Initially feels tight and stiff. It requires a “break-in” period where the leather warms up and molds to your foot shape. Buy these snug, not tight.
• Synthetic Mesh (Running Shoes): These have very little “give.” If they feel tight in the store, they will feel tight on the road. Do not expect them to stretch.
• Canvas: Zero stretch. Fit must be perfect immediately.
• EVA / Rubber (Crocs/Sliders): These can shrink in high heat but generally offer a looser, wider fit.

Pro Insight: In my shop, I often see customers trying to “stretch out” a synthetic hiking boot. It won’t happen. Only natural leather stretches significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Converting Sizes

1. Ignoring Width (The Silent Killer)

A shoe size conversion chart only tells you length. It tells you nothing about volume. If you have wide feet (E or EE width), buying a standard UK size might force you to size up just to get width, leaving you with too much space in the toe box. This causes tripping and heel slippage.

2. Assuming “Unisex” is Universal

A Unisex US 8 is usually a Men’s US 8. If a woman buys a Unisex US 8, it will be wider in the heel than a standard Women’s US 8. Women typically have narrower heels than men.

3. Trusting the Brand Blindly

“I’m a size 10 in everything.” No, you aren’t.

• Nike: Runs narrow and small (often need to size up 0.5).
• Adidas: Runs true to size or slightly large.
• Converse: Notorious for running huge (often need to size down 1 full size).

Comparison Table: Sizing Consistencies by Brand

How strictly do major brands adhere to the standard shoe size EU to UK charts?

Retailer Pro-Tips: Insider Secrets from the Shop Floor

Over 20 years, I’ve developed a few “hacks” to ensure a customer walks out happy. You can use these at home:

• The “Evening Rule”: Never buy shoes in the morning. Your feet swell throughout the day due to gravity and walking. A shoe that fits at 9 AM might pinch by 5 PM. Always measure or try on shoes in the late afternoon.
• The “Thumb Width” Test: There should be exactly one thumb’s width (about 1-1.5cm) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Any less, and you risk black toenails. Any more, and you risk tripping.
• The Sock Factor: Are you buying winter boots? Wear thick wool socks when measuring. Buying loafers? Wear thin liners. Measuring barefoot for winter boots is the #1 recipe for a return.
• Left vs. Right: It is rare to have two identical feet. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other (usually the dominant side). Always fit the shoe to your larger foot. You can put an insole in the smaller shoe, but you cannot stretch the shoe for the larger foot.

Is a UK size the same as a US size? No. US sizes are generally smaller numbers than UK sizes. A US Men’s 10 is usually a UK 9.

What is EU 42 in UK size? An EU 42 generally converts to a UK Men’s 8 or a UK Women’s 8 (depending on the brand’s specific chart).

Is shoe size determined by height? No. While taller people often have larger feet, there is no direct scientific correlation. Foot size is determined by genetics.

Do feet shrink with weight loss? Yes, they can. Feet contain fat pads. Significant weight loss can reduce the width and volume of your foot, effectively changing your shoe size.

What size is 25cm in shoes? A 25cm foot length usually correlates to a US Men’s 7, US Women’s 8.5, or Euro 40.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of shoe size conversion doesn’t have to be a gamble. While the differences between US, UK, and Euro sizing are annoying, understanding the logic behind them—and prioritizing your actual foot length in centimeters—is the key to a perfect fit.

Don’t let a bad fit ruin a great pair of shoes. Measure your feet, check the brand-specific charts, and remember: comfort is king.

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FAQs: US vs UK vs Euro Shoe Size feet size chart

1. How do I convert US women’s shoe size to men’s? Generally, subtract 1.5 from the US Women’s size to get the US Men’s size. For example, a Women’s 10 is roughly a Men’s 8.5.

2. Is EU shoe size unisex? Yes, the numbering system (38, 39, 40) is unisex, but the width of the shoe built on that size often differs between men’s and women’s models.

3. Why are UK and US shoe sizes different? They both use the “barleycorn” measurement, but they start the count at different points. The UK scale starts its numbering closer to zero than the US scale.

4. What is the most accurate way to find my shoe size online? Ignore the general size number. Look for the “CM” or “JP” (Japanese) size on a pair of shoes you already own that fit well, and order based on that length.

5. Does EU size 40 equal UK 7? Roughly, yes. In most men’s charts, EU 40 is a UK 6-6.5, while in women’s charts, EU 40 is often a UK 7. Always check the specific brand chart.

6. Do shoes stretch over time? Only leather and suede shoes stretch significantly (width-wise). Synthetic materials, plastics, and rubber soles will not stretch.

7. How much room should be in the toe of a shoe? You should have about half an inch (or a thumb’s width) of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.

8. Are conversion charts 100% accurate? No. They are approximations. Differences in manufacturing processes, lasts, and quality control mean charts are guides, not rules.

9. What is “Mondopoint” sizing? Mondopoint is an international sizing system based on millimeters (e.g., 270mm). It is mostly used in ski boots and military footwear for precision.

10. Why do my feet hurt even in the right size? You may have the right length but the wrong width (too narrow), or you might have a high arch requiring specialized support that standard insoles don’t provide.