Have you ever found yourself drawn to a pair of shoes, only to realize they’re in the “wrong” gender category? Maybe those sleek men’s sneakers caught your eye, or perhaps those vibrant women’s boots are exactly your style. The good news is, when it comes to shoes, the lines are blurrier than you might think. Shoes are fundamentally unisex; the real distinction lies in sizing conventions. If your feet are on the smaller side, you can even explore kids’ sizes for more options!
The key takeaway? Don’t let gender labels limit your footwear choices. The perfect pair is out there for you, regardless of which section of the store it’s in. You simply need to understand how men’s and women’s shoe sizes compare and how to navigate the conversion. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to confidently find your ideal fit, bridging the gap between men’s and women’s sizing.
Decoding Men’s Shoe Size: A Quick Conversion
The short answer for converting women’s to men’s shoe size: Subtract approximately 1.5 sizes.
For instance, if you typically wear a women’s U.S. size 9, you would likely start by trying a men’s size 7.5. However, the most precise method is to consult a size chart that lists shoe lengths in centimeters. Matching your foot length to these charts eliminates guesswork. For example, a women’s size 10 corresponds to roughly 25.9 centimeters, which is very close to a men’s size 8.5 at 25.7 centimeters.
It’s worth noting that this conversion isn’t universally perfect. If you wear a smaller women’s size, you might find that there isn’t a direct men’s size equivalent. In such cases, exploring kids’ shoe sizes can open up more possibilities.
For detailed instructions on measuring your foot at home, refer to KEEN’s foot measuring guide.
Unlocking Women’s Shoe Size: Converting from Men’s
The quick conversion from men’s to women’s shoe size: Add approximately 1.5 sizes.
If you are a men’s U.S. size 9, you’d typically look for a women’s size 10.5. As with the previous conversion, aligning centimeter measurements offers greater accuracy. This principle applies across all shoe brands, not just KEEN. For example, both a men’s U.S. size 9.5 and a women’s U.S. size 11 are designed for feet measuring around 26.7cm in length.
Conversely, if you have larger feet and usually wear men’s sizes, you might find that the women’s range doesn’t extend to an equivalent size. Always check size charts to confirm the largest available women’s sizes.
KEEN Sizing Tip: As children and teens grow out of kids’ sizes, women’s shoes often become the next best fit. A youth size 6 is generally comparable to a women’s size 8, as both accommodate feet around 24.1cm long. Always rely on the size chart measurements for the most accurate transition.
Navigating Kids’ Shoe Sizes for Adults
Converting to kids’ sizes depends on whether you usually wear men’s or women’s shoes.
If you wear smaller adult sizes in either men’s or women’s, kids’ shoe sizes might be a viable option. To convert from women’s sizes to kids’, subtract about 1.5 to 2 sizes. For example, a women’s U.S. size 5 is roughly equivalent to a kids’ size 3, and both are designed for a foot length of 21.6 centimeters. Converting from men’s to kids’ sizes, subtract approximately 0.5. A men’s U.S. size 7.5 is similar to a kids’ size 7, both fitting a foot length of 24.8 centimeters.
Remember that kids’ shoes can sometimes be more economical and come in a wider variety of fun styles. Exploring this category can be particularly beneficial for those who find themselves on the smaller end of the adult shoe size spectrum.
At KEEN, we encourage you to step outside conventional boxes, even shoe boxes! Choose the shoes you love, regardless of labels. Understanding size conversions empowers you to explore a broader range of footwear and find the perfect fit and style.
*It’s worth noting that shoes designed with a women’s-specific fit are generally narrower, especially in the heel, while men’s shoes often offer more volume throughout the foot.
Embrace the freedom to choose your shoes based on what feels and looks best to you. Happy shoe shopping, across all genders!
