Shoe Size Converter: US, UK and EU Sizes Explained

Ordering shoes from another country means translating a size you know into a system you do not. The Shoe and Clothing Size Converter converts US, UK and EU sizes for men and women, but the numbers are only half the story.

#Why the systems do not line up

Each sizing system starts from a different place:

• EU sizes are based on the length of the last in millimetres.
• UK sizes are based on barleycorns, an old unit still baked into the scale.
• US sizes follow a related but shifted scale, and women's and men's sizes diverge.

That is why the same foot can be an EU 42, a UK 8 and a US 9 in men's sizing. There is no single global size.

#Men, women and children

Women's and men's US sizes differ by roughly 1.5 to 2 sizes, so the gender selector changes the result. Children's sizing is a separate scale. For unisex shoes, use the men's conversion unless the brand says otherwise.

#How to convert

1. Open the Shoe and Clothing Size Converter.
2. Enter your size and choose the source system.
3. Select men's or women's sizing.
4. Read the converted US, UK and EU sizes.

#Measure your foot for a better fit

Size conversion cannot account for brand differences, so measuring is more reliable than converting a number from another brand:

1. Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall.
2. Mark the tip of your longest toe.
3. Measure the distance in centimetres.
4. Compare that measurement with the brand's own size chart.

Measure in the afternoon, when feet are slightly larger, and measure both feet — many people have one foot slightly bigger.

#Brand and fit differences

Last shape, width and materials all affect fit. Sports shoes often run differently from formal shoes, and some brands are known to run small or large. Check the brand's size chart and read reviews that mention fit before ordering an unfamiliar size.

#Frequently asked questions

How do I convert EU to US shoe size? Enter the EU size, select EU as the source, and read the US and UK results.

Are men's and women's sizes different? Yes. The gender selector changes the conversion by roughly 1.5 to 2 sizes.

Is the conversion exact? It is a standard guide. Brands vary, so check the brand's chart when possible.

Does it work for children? Children's sizes use a separate scale; use the brand's chart for the best result.

Can I convert clothing sizes too? This tool focuses on shoe sizes between US, UK and EU.