Have you ever found yourself eyeing a pair of shoes that weren’t in your typical gender category? Maybe those men’s sandals look incredibly comfortable, or those women’s sneakers have a colorway you can’t resist. You’re not alone! Just like the author of this article experienced, slipping into a pair of men’s Clearwater CNX sandals for the extra forefoot room, shoe sizing doesn’t have to be strictly confined to gender labels. On the flip side, a KEEN enthusiast named Jason found the perfect fit in a women’s Howser slip-on, proving that comfort and style transcend traditional sizing charts.
The truth is, despite marketing that often separates shoes into “men’s” and “women’s” sections, footwear is fundamentally unisex. The primary difference lies in the sizing conventions. Understanding how women’s shoe sizes compare to men’s, and how to convert between them, opens up a whole world of footwear possibilities. And if you have smaller feet, you might even find hidden gems in kids’ sizes!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about navigating women’s and men’s shoe sizes, ensuring you can confidently choose the shoes you truly want, regardless of the label on the box.
Understanding the Size Difference: Women’s to Men’s Shoe Size Conversion
So, what’s the magic number when converting women’s shoe sizes to men’s?
The quick conversion: Subtract 1.5 sizes.
For example, if you typically wear a women’s US size 9, you would likely start by trying a men’s size 7.5. However, while this rule of thumb is a helpful starting point, it’s not foolproof. The most accurate method to determine your equivalent men’s shoe size is to consult a size chart that provides measurements in centimeters.
Finding your perfect shoe size involves measuring your foot. Learn how to measure your feet accurately with our guide.
Here’s why relying solely on conversion can be tricky:
- Individual Foot Variation: Feet are three-dimensional and vary in shape and volume. A simple length conversion might not account for differences in width or arch height.
- Brand Variations: Shoe sizes can differ slightly between brands. A women’s size 9 in one brand might not be exactly the same as a women’s size 9 in another.
- Last Shape: Men’s and women’s shoes are often constructed on different “lasts,” the foot-shaped molds used in shoemaking. Women’s lasts are generally narrower in the heel and forefoot compared to men’s lasts.
The Centimeter Solution:
The most reliable approach is to measure your foot length in centimeters and compare it to a brand’s specific size chart. Most shoe brands, including KEEN, provide detailed size charts online.
For instance, a women’s size 10 in KEEN shoes corresponds to 25.9 centimeters, while a men’s size 8.5 is 25.7 centimeters. You can see how close they are in terms of length!
Important Note for Smaller Feet: If you wear a smaller women’s size, you might find that there isn’t a direct men’s size equivalent available. In this case, exploring kids’ sizes could be a great option.
Finding Your Women’s Shoe Size from Men’s Measurements
Now, let’s reverse the process: converting men’s shoe sizes to women’s.
The quick conversion: Add 1.5 sizes.
If you know your men’s US size is 9, you would typically try a women’s size 10.5. Just like with the women’s-to-men’s conversion, the most accurate way to find your women’s size is by using centimeter measurements and a size chart.
As mentioned earlier, matching your foot measurement in centimeters to the size chart is universally applicable, not just for KEEN shoes. For example, a men’s US size 9.5 and a women’s US size 11 both accommodate a foot length of approximately 26.7 centimeters.
Considerations for Larger Feet: If you wear a larger men’s size, you might encounter limitations in finding equivalent women’s sizes, as women’s sizing typically doesn’t extend as far as men’s.
KEEN Tip for Growing Feet: As kids grow out of children’s sizes, women’s shoes often become the next step. A youth size 6 is roughly equivalent to a women’s size 8 (both fitting a 24.1cm foot). Always refer to the size chart for precise measurements!
Kids’ Shoe Sizes: An Option for Adults?
If you wear a smaller shoe size in either men’s or women’s categories, venturing into kids’ shoe sizes can open up even more possibilities.
Converting to Kids’ Sizes:
- From Women’s: Subtract 1.5 to 2 sizes. A women’s US size 5 is similar to a youth size 3 (both around 21.6 centimeters in foot length).
- From Men’s: Subtract 0.5 sizes. A men’s US size 7.5 is comparable to a youth size 7 (both around 24.8 centimeters in foot length).
Exploring kids’ sizes can be beneficial for adults for several reasons:
- Smaller Sizes: Kids’ shoes offer smaller sizes that might not be available in men’s or even women’s lines.
- Cost Savings: Kids’ shoes are often less expensive than adult versions.
- Style Variety: Sometimes kids’ styles offer unique colors or designs that appeal to adults.
Beyond the Gender Label: Prioritizing Fit and Comfort
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing shoes, the most important factor is fit and comfort, not the gender label assigned to them. Don’t be afraid to step outside conventional sizing categories to find the perfect pair for your feet.
Remember that “women’s-specific fit” shoes are generally narrower, particularly in the heel, while “men’s” shoes tend to offer more overall volume. Consider your foot shape and width when making your choice.
At KEEN, we encourage you to think outside the box – or in this case, the shoe box! Choose the shoes you love, regardless of whether they are marketed to men or women. Use size charts, measure your feet, and don’t hesitate to try on different sizes and styles.
Happy shoe shopping for everyone, across all genders and sizes!
