Shoe Size Converter Guide: US, UK, EU and CM Sizing Explained
Quick Answer
- *US men's 10 = UK 9 = EU 43 = 28 cm foot length.
- *US women's sizes run 1.5 sizes larger than men's for the same foot length.
- *About 72% of people wear the wrong shoe size (Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2018).
- *Measure feet in the evening when they're slightly swollen for the most accurate fit.
Understanding Shoe Sizing Systems
There is no single global standard for shoe sizes. Four major systems exist, each with different scales and starting points. This creates confusion — especially when shopping internationally or online.
According to a 2018 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 72% of participants were wearing shoes that did not match the measured dimensions of their feet. Wrong sizing is the leading cause of common foot problems like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
Men's Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| US Men's | UK | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 40 | 25.0 |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 26.0 |
| 9 | 8 | 42 | 27.0 |
| 10 | 9 | 43 | 28.0 |
| 11 | 10 | 44 | 29.0 |
| 12 | 11 | 45 | 30.0 |
| 13 | 12 | 46 | 31.0 |
Women's Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| US Women's | UK | EU | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 36.5 | 23.0 |
| 7 | 5 | 37.5 | 24.0 |
| 8 | 6 | 38.5 | 25.0 |
| 9 | 7 | 40 | 26.0 |
| 10 | 8 | 41 | 27.0 |
| 11 | 9 | 42 | 28.0 |
Notice that a US women's 8 has the same foot length (25 cm) as a US men's 7. The women's scale is offset by roughly 1.5 sizes.
How to Measure Your Feet at Home
- Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall
- Mark the tip of your longest toe (not always the big toe)
- Measure from the wall to the mark in centimeters
- Repeat for both feet — they're often different sizes
- Use the larger measurement to find your size
Always measure in the late afternoon or evening. Feet swell throughout the day and can increase by half a size. Wearing the socks you'd normally pair with the shoes gives the most accurate result.
Width Sizing Explained
Width is the most overlooked dimension in shoe fitting. About 25% of adultsneed a width outside the standard range (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society).
| Width Code | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| B | Narrow | Standard |
| D | Standard | Wide |
| 2E (EE) | Wide | Extra wide |
| 4E (EEEE) | Extra wide | — |
Brand-Specific Sizing Differences
There's no universal enforcement of sizing standards, so brands vary. Here's what to expect based on aggregated consumer fit data:
- Nike: Runs about half a size small. Size up 0.5 for most models.
- Adidas: Runs true to size for most models; Yeezy line runs small.
- New Balance: Runs true to size. Offers the widest range of width options (from 2A to 6E).
- Converse Chuck Taylor: Runs a full size large. Size down 1.
- European brands (Birkenstock, Dr. Martens): Use EU sizing as the primary system. Check centimeter measurements.
The global footwear market is worth over $400 billion (Statista, 2025), and online shoe returns due to sizing issues cost retailers an estimated $10 billion annually in the U.S. alone. Getting your size right saves everyone time and money.
Children's Shoe Sizing
Kids' shoe sizing has its own scale that resets at around age 6. Toddler sizes (0–13) transition to youth sizes (1–7), which then connect to adult sizing at youth 7 = men's 7. Children's feet grow roughly 1 full size every 3–4 months up to age 3, then about a size per year (American Academy of Pediatrics).
Allow about a thumb's width (1–1.5 cm)of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe for growing room. But don't buy more than one size up — oversized shoes cause tripping and abnormal gait development.
Find your perfect size across any system
Use our free Shoe Size Converter →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a US size 10 in EU sizing?
A US men's size 10 is approximately EU 43. A US women's size 10 is approximately EU 41. The conversion differs between men's and women's because US women's sizes run about 1.5 sizes larger than men's for the same foot length.
How do I measure my foot size at home?
Stand on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Mark the tip of your longest toe. Measure from the wall to the mark in centimeters. Do both feet — they are often different sizes. Use the larger measurement and compare against a size chart. Measure in the evening when feet are slightly swollen.
Why do shoe sizes vary between brands?
There is no universal standard enforced for shoe sizing. Each brand uses its own last (foot mold) and may interpret sizing charts differently. Nike tends to run about half a size small, while New Balance runs true to size. Always check brand-specific size guides before ordering online.
What does shoe width D and EE mean?
In US sizing, D is standard width for men and medium width for women. B is standard width for women. EE (or 2E) is wide, and 4E is extra wide. Width sizes matter significantly — about 25% of people wear a width other than standard, according to footwear industry data.
Do feet get bigger with age?
Yes. Feet typically get longer and wider with age due to the gradual loss of elasticity in ligaments and tendons. A study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found the average person's feet increase by roughly half a shoe size per decade after age 40. Re-measure your feet every 1–2 years.