Men’s to Women’s Shoe Size Conversion 2026: Mastering the 1.5 Rule & Male Foot Size Chart

TL;DR: The Quick Answer

For most US shoe brands, the conversion follows the 1.5 Rule:

• Men’s Size + 1.5 = Women’s Size
• Women’s Size – 1.5 = Men’s Size

Example: A Men’s US 7 is roughly a Women’s US 8.5. Important Note: Men’s shoes are standard D-width (wider), while Women’s are standard B-width (narrower). If you are a woman buying men’s shoes, expect a wider heel; if you are a man buying women’s shoes, size up an extra half-size for width.

Introduction: Why the “Gender” of Your Shoe Doesn’t Matter (But the Fit Does)

You’ve found the perfect sneaker. The colorway is exactly what you wanted, the silhouette is trending, and the price is right. There is just one problem: it’s not in your gender’s section.

In the past 20 years of managing a busy footwear store and fitting thousands of customers—from marathon runners to casual walkers—I have learned one universal truth: Feet do not have a gender; they have measurements.

Whether you are a woman eyeing a limited-edition “men’s” sneaker drop or a man looking for a specific colorway only released in women’s sizes, understanding mens to womens shoe size conversion is the ultimate hack for online shoppers. It effectively doubles your inventory options and often saves you money.

However, simply knowing the numbers isn’t enough. Many online returns happen because buyers look at the length but ignore the volume and width. In this guide, we will break down the “1.5 Rule,” analyze the male foot size chart vs. female equivalents, and share the insider fit tips that only come from two decades of handling shoes on the sales floor.

The Golden Calculation: What is the 1.5 Rule?

When shopping for US-sized footwear (Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics), the industry standard for length conversion is a difference of one and a half sizes.

Converting Men’s to Women’s

If you are looking at a men’s shoe, add 1.5 to the number to find your women’s equivalent.

• Formula: Men’s Size + 1.5 = Women’s Size
• Real World: A Men’s 8 is a Women’s 9.5.

Converting Female Shoe Size to Male

If you are looking at a women’s shoe, subtract 1.5 to find the men’s equivalent.

• Formula: Women’s Size – 1.5 = Men’s Size
• Real World: A Women’s 10 is a Men’s 8.5.

Does this apply globally?

No. This is primarily a US sizing rule.

• UK Sizing: Generally, the size is the same or only 0.5 difference depending on the brand. A UK 6 Men’s is often a UK 6 Women’s, though the shape differs.
• EU Sizing: This is the easiest. EU sizing (39, 40, 41, etc.) is unisex by design. A 41 is a 41, regardless of gender.

The Hidden Variable: Width and “The Last”

This is where my experience on the shop floor becomes crucial for your wallet. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen a customer try on the correct length conversion, only to complain that the shoe feels “sloppy” or “tight.”

Shoes are built around a mold called a “Last.” Men’s lasts and women’s lasts are carved differently.

1. The Standard Width Difference

• Men’s Standard: D Width (Medium)
• Women’s Standard: B Width (Medium)

This means a Men’s Size 9 and a Women’s Size 10.5 are the same length, but the Men’s Size 9 is significantly wider.

2. The Heel Cup

Women generally have narrower heels relative to their forefoot compared to men. Men’s shoes tend to have a wider heel cup.

• Risk: If a woman with narrow feet buys a men’s running shoe, she may experience heel slippage, leading to blisters.
• Risk: If a man with wide feet buys a women’s sneaker, he may experience pinching in the toe box and arch pain.

3. The Midsole Density

In performance running shoes (think Brooks, Saucony, Hoka), brands sometimes adjust the density of the foam (EVA or PU). Men’s shoes are sometimes built for a heavier average weight impact. However, for casual sneakers (Air Jordan, Yeezy, Converse), the materials are usually identical.

Comprehensive Conversion Charts

Use these charts as a baseline. Always check the specific brand’s “cm” or “mm” sizing if available, as that is the most accurate metric.

US Men’s to Women’s Conversion Table

Pro-Tip: If you are analyzing a male foot size chart to buy women’s shoes, prioritize width. If you have a wide foot (E or EE), a standard women’s B-width will likely be too painful, even if the length is correct.

Retailer Insights: When to Cross-Shop Genders

Over the decades, I’ve noticed distinct patterns in why people cross-shop. Here is how to decide if it is right for you.

Best Use Cases for Women Buying Men’s Shoes

1. Wide Feet: If you find women’s shoes constantly pinch your pinky toe, swapping to a men’s version (down 1.5 sizes) automatically gives you a D-width (wider) fit without labeled “Wide” sizing.
2. Streetwear Drops: High-heat sneakers often release in extended men’s sizing.
3. Durability Requirements: While materials are mostly similar now, some work boots in the men’s section still use slightly thicker full-grain leather compared to fashion-focused women’s boots.

Best Use Cases for Men Buying Women’s Shoes

1. Narrow Feet: If you are a man with a narrow heel or low-volume foot, women’s sizing (up 1.5 sizes) can provide a glove-like fit that standard men’s shoes lack.
2. Colorways: Let’s be honest—brands often save the best, most vibrant colorways for the women’s line.
3. Sales & Stock: Often, the men’s version of a popular runner sells out instantly, while the women’s equivalent (in large sizes like 11 or 12) sits in stock, sometimes at a discount.

How to Check the Fit (The “Thumb” Test)

Whether you bought from the men’s or women’s aisle, the fit physics remain the same. Here is the checklist we use in the shop:

1. The Time of Day: Always try shoes on in the afternoon. Your feet swell throughout the day. A shoe that fits at 9 AM might be tight by 5 PM.
2. The Thumb Rule: There should be about a thumb’s width (roughly half an inch) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
3. The Heel Check: Lace the shoe up tight. Can you slip your heel out? If yes, the heel cup is too wide (common when women wear men’s sizes). Solution: Try a “runner’s loop” lacing technique to lock the heel down.
4. The Width Test: Stand up. Does the fabric bulge over the sides of the sole? If yes, the shoe is too narrow (common when men wear women’s sizes).

Comparison: Men’s vs. Women’s Shoe Architecture

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying online is tricky. Here are the errors I see most often in returns/exchanges:

• Assuming Unisex is Men’s Sizing: Many brands (like Converse or Vans) list unisex sizing. Usually, the primary number is Men’s. Always double-check the label.
• Ignoring the “W” or “M” on the box: In New Balance, “W” can mean “Women’s” OR “Wide.” Check the style code.
• Forgetting Socks: If you are buying men’s hiking boots to wear with thick wool socks, do not stick to the exact 1.5 conversion. Give yourself a little extra room.
• Trusting the size, not the CM: A Nike US 8 is different from an Adidas US 8. Always look at the Japanese (JP) or CM sizing on your current comfortable shoes. That measurement is the actual length of the foot.

Conclusion: Wear What Fits

The labels on the box are just inventory categories; they are not rules. If the shoe fits your foot mechanics, supports your arch, and doesn’t pinch your toes, it is the right shoe for you.

The 1.5 Rule is your starting point. It opens up a massive global catalog of footwear that you might have previously ignored. Just remember the width difference.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Is a men’s size 7 the same as a women’s size 7? No. In US sizing, a men’s size 7 is significantly larger. It is roughly equivalent to a women’s size 8.5 and is also wider.

Can a woman wear men’s running shoes? Yes, absolutely. Women with wider feet often prefer men’s running shoes. Just ensure you size down by 1.5 sizes (e.g., Women’s 10 becomes Men’s 8.5).

Do men’s shoes run wider than women’s? Yes. The standard men’s width is “D,” while the standard women’s width is “B.” Men’s shoes are wider at the forefoot and heel.

What is a women’s size 9 in men’s? Using the 1.5 rule, a women’s US size 9 converts to a men’s US size 7.5.

Are Converse sizes unisex? Yes, Converse Chuck Taylors are unisex, but the primary number on the sole is usually the men’s size. They typically run large, so check the specific size chart.

FAQs: Your Sizing Questions Answered

1. How do I convert female shoe size to male accurately?

Subtract 1.5 from your US women’s size. If you are a women’s 10, buy a men’s 8.5. Be aware the men’s shoe will be wider.

2. Is the 1.5 shoe size rule universal for all brands?

It is the standard for major US brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and New Balance. However, hiking boots and dress shoes may vary. Always check the brand’s specific CM (centimeter) chart.

3. What is the difference between men’s and women’s sneakers besides size?

The main structural difference is the “last” (shape). Men’s shoes have a wider heel and forefoot (D width), while women’s are narrower (B width). Midsole density may also vary in performance gear.

4. Can a man wear women’s shoes if he has narrow feet?

Yes. Men with narrow feet often find a better fit in women’s footwear. You simply need to size up by 1.5 (e.g., Men’s 9 becomes Women’s 10.5).

5. Why are unisex shoes sized in men’s sizes?

Historically, the male foot size chart was the default standard. Most unisex brands (Vans, Converse, Crocs) display the men’s size first or most prominently.

6. Do Nike and Adidas use the same conversion?

Generally, yes. Both stick fairly close to the 1.5 rule for US sizes. However, their UK sizing conversions differ slightly, so stick to US or CM measurements for consistency.

7. What if I am between sizes when converting?

If the conversion lands you between sizes (e.g., you need a 7.25), prioritize width. If you have wide feet, go for the larger size. If narrow, size down.

8. Are European (EU) sizes gendered?

Technically, no. EU sizing is based on the length of the last in Paris points (2/3 cm). A size 40 is a size 40 regardless of gender, though the width of the shoe may still differ by model.

9. How do I stop heel slippage in converted shoes?

If you are a woman wearing men’s shoes and your heel slips, use the “Heel Lock” or “Runner’s Loop” lacing method. This utilizes the extra eyelet at the top of the sneaker to tighten the collar.

10. Does the 1.5 rule apply to UK sizes?

No. In the UK, the size number is often the same for men and women, or varies by only 0.5. The 1.5 rule is exclusive to US sizing.