Shoe size converter: EU, UK and US

Convert a shoe size in seconds

This shoe size converter translates sizes between European (EU), UK, US men's, US women's and kids' sizes, foot length and Mondopoint, and works out your size from the length of your foot. Handy when you order sneakers from a European store or boots from a British one. Keep in mind that there is no single standard: the results follow the usual formulas and can be half a size, sometimes a full size, away from a given brand's chart.

How to use it

1. Pick a system in "Convert from", for example "European size (EU)", and type the "Size" (8.5 works, so does 8,5). The "Approximate equivalents" appear as you type.
2. To start from your foot, follow the three measuring steps and enter your "Foot length in cm". Measured in inches? Multiply by 2.54 first.
3. Set "Round the EU size" (half or whole sizes) and how the "US women's size" is worked out (UK + 2 or UK + 1.5).
4. In the chart, filter by "Women", "Men" or "Kids": the row for your last entry is highlighted. "Print the chart" prints the chart and nothing else.

Your settings are saved on your device, and everything runs in your browser.

How shoe sizing systems work

European sizes use the Paris point, 2/3 of a centimeter (about 6.7 mm). Multiply the inside length of the shoe, called the last, by 1.5: a 28 cm last is an EU 42.

UK sizes go up in thirds of an inch, about 8.5 mm: UK = 3 × last length in inches − 25.

US sizes differ for men and women: US men's = UK + 1 and US women's = UK + 2, or UK + 1.5 with some brands. A men's 8 fits roughly like a women's 9.

Mondopoint is simply foot length in millimeters, used mainly for ski boots: a 26.5 cm foot is a 265.

The converter adds 1.5 cm of room to your foot length to get the last. A 26 cm foot (about 10.24 in) gives a 27.5 cm last: EU 41.25, shown as 41.5 with half sizes (41 with whole sizes), UK 7.5, US men's 8.5 and US women's 9.5.

Shoe size chart for common adult sizes

Why sizes vary between brands

Every manufacturer designs its own lasts. Toe room, insole thickness and the shape of the toe box all change the real fit: running shoes often run snug, boots tend to be roomier. The same foot can be a US 9 in one brand and a 9.5 in another.

How to measure your foot

Measure in the evening, when your feet have swollen a little. Stand in socks with your heel against a wall, mark the tip of your longest toe on a sheet of paper, and measure both feet: the longer one counts.

Buying shoes online

• Check the brand's size chart and compare its foot length with your measurement.
• Look at width as well as length: wide feet may need half a size up or a wide fit.
• Try new shoes on late in the day, indoors on a clean floor, so you can still return them.

Kids' sizes and growing feet

A young child's foot can grow more than one size a year. Leave about 1 cm, roughly a thumb's width, in front of the toes, and no more than 1.5 cm, because shoes that are too big make kids trip. The converter allows 1.5 cm: an 18 cm foot gives EU 29.5 (29 with whole sizes), UK kids 11 and US kids 12. Re-measure every three months.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EU 42 in US sizes?

With the usual formulas, a US men's 9 and a US women's 10, which is a UK 8. Some brands list it as a men's 8.5 or 9.5.

Why are US women's sizes bigger than men's?

The two US scales start from different points: men's sizes are UK + 1, women's sizes UK + 2.

Should I size up if I am between sizes?

For walking and sport, usually yes, because feet swell during exercise. Soft leather that stretches often fits better in the smaller size.

Does the chart work for ski boots?

For ski boots, go by Mondopoint. The converter shows it for every size, rounded to 5 mm.