Understanding shoe size conversions can be confusing, especially when shopping for international brands. This guide clarifies the difference between EU and US shoe sizes, providing comprehensive conversion charts for both men and women to help you find your perfect fit.
EU vs. US Shoe Sizing: Key Differences
While US shoe sizes are common in North America, the European (EU) sizing system is widely used across the globe, including countries like Israel, China, and New Zealand. This means that if you’re purchasing shoes from brands originating in these regions, understanding the EU to US size conversion is crucial.
The fundamental difference lies in the numbering system and the unit of measurement. US sizes typically range from 6 to 16 for men and 4 to 12 for women, with larger sizes available from specialized brands. EU sizes, on the other hand, typically range from 39 to 49 for men and 35 to 44/45 for women. The EU system uses a different scale based on the length of the shoe in centimeters, while the US system uses inches and barleycorns.
Women’s EU to US Shoe Size Conversion Chart
This chart provides a direct comparison of women’s shoe sizes in both the US and EU systems, including UK sizes for reference.
| US | Inches | Europe | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8 3/16 | 35 | 2 |
| 4.5 | 8 3/8 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 5 | 8 1/2 | 35/36 | 3 |
| 5.5 | 8 3/4 | 36 | 3.5 |
| 6 | 8 7/8 | 36/37 | 4 |
| 6.5 | 9 1/16 | 37 | 4.5 |
| 7 | 9 1/4 | 37/38 | 5 |
| 7.5 | 9 3/8 | 38 | 5.5 |
| 8 | 9 1/2 | 38/39 | 6 |
| 8.5 | 9 11/16 | 39 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 9 7/8 | 39/40 | 7 |
| 9.5 | 10 | 40 | 7.5 |
| 10 | 10 3/16 | 40/41 | 8 |
| 10.5 | 10 5/16 | 41 | 8.5 |
| 11 | 10 1/2 | 41/42 | 9 |
| 11.5 | 10 11/16 | 42 | 9.5 |
| 12 | 10 7/8 | 42/43 | 10 |
| 13 | 11 1/4 | 43 | 11 |
| 14 | 11 5/8 | 43/44 | 12 |
| 15 | 12 | 44 | 13 |
| 16 | 12 1/4 | 44/45 | 14 |
Men’s EU to US Shoe Size Conversion Chart
This chart offers a corresponding comparison for men’s shoe sizes across the US and EU systems, also including UK sizes.
| US Size | Inches | Europe | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 1/4 | 39 | 5.5 |
| 6.5 | 9 1/2 | 39 | 6 |
| 7 | 9 5/8 | 40 | 6.5 |
| 7.5 | 9 3/4 | 40/41 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 15/16 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 8.5 | 10 1/8 | 41/42 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 1/4 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 9.5 | 10 7/16 | 42/43 | 9 |
| 10 | 10 9/16 | 43 | 9.5 |
| 10.5 | 10 3/4 | 43/44 | 10 |
| 11 | 10 15/16 | 44 | 10.5 |
| 11.5 | 11 1/8 | 44/45 | 11 |
| 12 | 11 1/4 | 45 | 11.5 |
| 13 | 11 9/16 | 46 | 12.5 |
| 14 | 11 7/8 | 47 | 13.5 |
| 15 | 12 3/16 | 48 | 14.5 |
| 16 | 12 1/2 | 49 | 15.5 |
| 17 | 12 3/4 | . | 16.5 |
| 18 | 13 1/8 | . | 17.5 |
| 19 | 13 1/2 | . | 18.5 |
| 20 | 13 7/8 | . | 19.5 |
Considering Shoe Width
While finding the right length is essential, shoe width is another important factor to consider. US shoe sizes typically come in various width options (narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide), while European sizes are generally medium width by default, although some brands offer wider options.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Accurately converting between EU and US shoe sizes is vital for a comfortable and proper fit. By using the provided conversion charts and considering shoe width, you can confidently purchase shoes from both US and European brands, ensuring a satisfying shopping experience. Remember to consult specific brand size guides for the most accurate information as slight variations may exist.
