The Ultimate Guide to Converting Shoe Sizes: Never Buy the Wrong Fit Again!
Buying shoes online or from a different country can be a frustrating experience, primarily due to the variations in shoe sizing systems. A US size 8 might not be the same as a UK size 8, and a European size 40 can be completely different from a Japanese size 25. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This comprehensive guide will demystify the world of shoe size conversions, providing you with the knowledge and tools to confidently purchase the perfect fit every time.
Why Shoe Sizes Vary So Much
Before diving into conversions, let’s understand why shoe sizes are so inconsistent. The primary reasons include:
- Different Measurement Systems: The most common systems are the US, UK, European (EU), and Japanese (JP) systems, each with its own unique units and starting points. Some systems measure the last (the foot-shaped mold around which the shoe is constructed), while others measure the foot itself.
- Differences in the Point of Measurement: Some systems measure from heel to toe, while others measure the insole. The point at which these measurements are taken can vary, leading to differences in sizing.
- Variations by Shoe Maker: Even within the same sizing system, different manufacturers might have their own slight variations. This is because shoe lasts, the foundation for shoe design, can vary significantly from one brand to another.
- Gender Differences: Typically, women’s and men’s sizes are different, even when the foot length is the same. Women’s sizes tend to be narrower than men’s. Some brands also offer specific width sizing (e.g., narrow, medium, wide), further complicating matters.
- Children’s Sizing: Children’s shoe sizing is notoriously inconsistent, often transitioning from infants to toddlers and then to youth sizes, with a lack of standardized increments.
Key Shoe Size Systems Explained
Let’s examine the most common shoe size systems:
1. US Shoe Sizes (United States)
The US system is based on a barleycorn (approximately 1/3 of an inch) increment and an initial length based on a historical assumption that a size 1 was a child’s foot that was 4 inches long. The sizing is unique to the United States and is different for Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s. This system can be quite perplexing due to the lack of direct correlation to actual foot length.
Men’s US Sizes: Starting at around size 6, each full size increases by approximately 1/3 inch. Half sizes increase by about 1/6 inch.
Women’s US Sizes: The women’s system is shifted from men’s and isn’t directly interchangeable. A size 8 in men’s is roughly the same size as a 9.5-10 in women’s. Again, each full size increases by approximately 1/3 inch, and half sizes by 1/6 inch.
Children’s US Sizes: Children’s sizes often use a letter followed by a number to designate sizing, transitioning to numeric sizes as the child’s foot grows. The sizing varies even more between brands.
2. UK Shoe Sizes (United Kingdom)
The UK system, like the US system, is also based on the barleycorn, with a similar increase for each size. It is also different for men and women. The UK system is often used across Europe, despite the existence of the EU system.
Men’s UK Sizes: Similar to US men’s sizing, but typically one size smaller. Thus, a US men’s size 9 would typically be a UK men’s size 8.
Women’s UK Sizes: Women’s UK sizes are also smaller than US women’s sizes, with less of a size difference than with the men’s comparison. Typically, a US women’s size 7 would be a UK women’s size 5.
Children’s UK Sizes: Like the US system, child’s sizes increase in an incremental fashion.
3. EU Shoe Sizes (European Union)
The EU system uses a different unit called the Paris point, which is approximately 2/3 of a centimeter. The EU system tends to have less variability across brands than the US or UK systems, making it perhaps slightly more reliable. This is also used for both men and women; the EU system doesn’t specify gendered sizes.
EU Sizes: There is no distinction for gender, though some manufacturers may use the sizing as a guide for making shoes with the typical sizing for each gender. Each full size increase is by one Paris point (2/3 of a centimeter).
4. Japanese Shoe Sizes (JP)
The Japanese system is arguably the simplest, as it is based on the actual length of the foot in centimeters. This is usually the most accurate way to estimate your size across various shoe sizing systems, as it measures the foot rather than a last. However, there can still be some brand variation.
JP Sizes: Measured in centimeters, these sizes are directly correlated to the length of the foot, with each additional size increasing the foot length in cm.
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting Shoe Sizes
Now that you understand the main sizing systems, let’s walk through how to convert between them:
Step 1: Measure Your Foot Length
The most accurate method for determining your shoe size is to measure the length of your foot. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Gather Your Materials: You will need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Prepare the Surface: Place the paper on a flat, hard surface (not carpet).
- Position Your Foot: Stand on the paper, ensuring your heel is flush against a wall or something straight. Try to wear the same socks as you would wear with the shoes you intend to buy.
- Mark Your Foot: Have someone trace the outline of your foot, or using a pen/pencil, mark the furthest point of your heel (against the wall) and the furthest point of your longest toe. If you are doing this yourself, make sure your foot is stationary and that you mark the location of the heel accurately, otherwise, your foot may shift.
- Measure the Length: Remove your foot and use your ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance between the two marks. Measure in centimeters and inches. It’s recommended to measure both feet, as one may be slightly longer than the other, and use the measurement of your larger foot.
Step 2: Consult a Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Once you have your foot length measurement, you can use a conversion chart to find the corresponding shoe sizes in different systems. You can find many of these charts online. Here is a guide for conversions. Keep in mind that these are generalized guides and some brand variations may exist. Always consult the specific sizing chart for the brand when shopping.
Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart (Approximate)
| Foot Length (Inches) | Foot Length (CM) | US | UK | EU | JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 22.9 | 5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23 |
| 9 1/3 | 23.7 | 6 | 5.5 | 38 | 24 |
| 9 2/3 | 24.6 | 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 25 |
| 10 | 25.4 | 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 26 |
| 10 1/3 | 26.2 | 9 | 8.5 | 42 | 27 |
| 10 2/3 | 27 | 10 | 9.5 | 43 | 28 |
| 11 | 27.9 | 11 | 10.5 | 44 | 29 |
| 11 1/3 | 28.7 | 12 | 11.5 | 45 | 30 |
| 11 2/3 | 29.6 | 13 | 12.5 | 46 | 31 |
| 12 | 30.5 | 14 | 13.5 | 47 | 32 |
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart (Approximate)
| Foot Length (Inches) | Foot Length (CM) | US | UK | EU | JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 20.3 | 4 | 2 | 34 | 21 |
| 8 1/3 | 21.2 | 5 | 3 | 35 | 22 |
| 8 2/3 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 36 | 23 |
| 9 | 22.9 | 7 | 5 | 37 | 24 |
| 9 1/3 | 23.7 | 8 | 6 | 38 | 25 |
| 9 2/3 | 24.6 | 9 | 7 | 39 | 26 |
| 10 | 25.4 | 10 | 8 | 40 | 27 |
| 10 1/3 | 26.2 | 11 | 9 | 41 | 28 |
| 10 2/3 | 27 | 12 | 10 | 42 | 29 |
Children’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart (Approximate)
| Foot Length (Inches) | Foot Length (CM) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 2/3 | 9.3 | 1C | 0.5C | 16 |
| 4 | 10 | 2C | 1.5C | 17 |
| 4 1/3 | 10.6 | 3C | 2.5C | 18 |
| 4 2/3 | 11.3 | 4C | 3.5C | 19 |
| 5 | 11.9 | 5C | 4.5C | 20 |
| 5 1/3 | 12.6 | 6C | 5.5C | 21 |
| 5 2/3 | 13.3 | 7C | 6.5C | 22 |
| 6 | 14 | 8C | 7.5C | 23 |
| 6 1/3 | 14.6 | 9C | 8.5C | 24 |
| 6 2/3 | 15.3 | 10C | 9.5C | 25 |
| 7 | 15.9 | 11C | 10.5C | 26 |
| 7 1/3 | 16.6 | 12C | 11.5C | 27 |
| 7 2/3 | 17.3 | 13C | 12.5C | 28 |
| 8 | 18 | 1Y | 13.5 | 30 |
| 8 1/3 | 18.6 | 2Y | 1 | 31 |
| 8 2/3 | 19.3 | 3Y | 2 | 32 |
| 9 | 20 | 4Y | 3 | 33 |
| 9 1/3 | 20.6 | 5Y | 4 | 34 |
| 9 2/3 | 21.3 | 6Y | 5 | 35 |
| 10 | 22 | 7Y | 6 | 36 |
Step 3: Consider Shoe Width
Beyond length, shoe width is crucial for a comfortable fit. Widths are usually indicated by letters (e.g., 2A, B, D, 2E, etc). ‘B’ is generally considered to be a regular width for women, and ‘D’ is the standard width for men. ‘2A’ is a narrow size, and ‘2E’ is a wide size, with additional variations depending on brand. Some brands may also use words such as ‘medium’, ‘wide’, or ‘extra wide’.
It can be challenging to convert widths across brands as there is no universal standardization. If you have trouble finding a comfortable width, you may need to try various brands or visit a physical shoe store, and when ordering online, pay close attention to brand-specific sizing guides if provided. If you have a history of trouble finding the right fit, it is advisable to go to a shoe store to get a sizing done by a professional.
Step 4: Factor in Shoe Type and Style
The type of shoe can also affect sizing. For example, you might need a larger size in athletic shoes to accommodate thicker socks or foot movement during exercise. Similarly, boots or closed-toe shoes may require a bit of extra room for comfort. Always consider the intended use of the shoes when choosing a size.
Step 5: Check Brand-Specific Size Charts
As mentioned, shoe sizes can vary significantly between brands. Always check the brand’s specific size chart, which should be available on their website. Look for the chart specific to that particular shoe or shoe style you are buying, and use this to find the appropriate size. If the website does not have a size chart, you can consult general shoe sizing guides or reach out to the company for help.
Step 6: When in Doubt, Size Up
If you are between sizes, it’s usually better to choose the larger size. You can always add an insole or wear thicker socks if the shoe is slightly big, but a shoe that is too small cannot be made larger, so when between sizes, size up.
Step 7: Read Customer Reviews
Read customer reviews before making a purchase. They often provide valuable information about sizing. If many customers report that a shoe runs small or large, take that into consideration when choosing your size. Customer reviews are a great place to find valuable information about fit and comfort.
Tips for Buying Shoes Online
- Know Your Measurements: Measure your feet accurately and compare them to sizing charts.
- Check the Return Policy: Always make sure the retailer has a good return or exchange policy, just in case the shoes don’t fit.
- Read Product Descriptions Carefully: Look for any notes about sizing on the product description.
- Don’t Guess: Avoid guesswork based on prior size purchases from other brands.
- Be Patient: Buying shoes online can take practice. Be patient with the process and don’t be afraid to return and order again until you get it right.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of shoe sizes can be tricky, but by using this guide, you’ll be better equipped to find the perfect fit, no matter what sizing system is used. Remember to measure your feet accurately, consult conversion charts, and always consider brand-specific guidelines. With patience and the right knowledge, you can conquer shoe size confusion and enjoy a comfortable fit every time you step out!