EU to US Shoe Size Converter
Convert shoe sizes between European (EU) and American (US) sizing systems instantly. Our converter supports men's, women's, and children's sizes with accurate conversion formulas.
From
Converted Sizes
Women's Shoe Size Chart
| US | EU | UK | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (in) |
|---|
Understanding Shoe Size Conversion Between EU and US
Shoe sizing varies significantly between countries and regions, which can make online shopping challenging. The European (EU) and American (US) sizing systems are two of the most common systems used worldwide, but they use different measurement bases and scales.
The US system uses inches as its base measurement and differs between men's and women's shoes. A woman's size is typically 1.5 sizes larger than a man's size for the same foot length. The EU system, on the other hand, uses a Paris point system where each size represents approximately 6.67mm (2/3 cm).
How to Convert EU to US Shoe Size
The conversion between EU and US sizes follows specific formulas based on gender:
Women's: US Size = (EU Size - 30) × 0.75
Men's: US Size = (EU Size - 31) × 0.75
From foot length: EU Size = (Foot Length in cm × 1.5) + 2
Step-by-Step Conversion Example
Let's convert a women's EU size 38 to US:
- Start with EU size: 38
- Subtract 30: 38 - 30 = 8
- Multiply by 0.75: 8 × 0.75 = 6
- Add the women's offset: 6 + 1.5 = 7.5
- Result: US Women's 7.5
Pro Tip: Shoe sizes can vary between brands. Always check the brand's specific size chart when available, and consider reading reviews about whether shoes run large or small.
Key Differences Between US and EU Shoe Sizes
Men's vs Women's Sizing
In the US system, men's and women's sizes are on different scales. The same foot length will have different size numbers:
- A foot that's 24.6 cm long is a US Women's 8 but a US Men's 6.5
- Women's sizes run about 1.5 numbers higher than men's for the same foot length
- EU sizes are unisex - a 39 is a 39 regardless of gender
Width Considerations
US sizes often include width designations (B for standard women's, D for standard men's), while EU sizes typically only measure length. If you have wide or narrow feet:
- Narrow (A or AA): Consider sizing down 0.5
- Wide (E or EE): Consider sizing up 0.5
- Extra Wide (EEE+): Look for wide-specific styles
Measuring Your Foot for Accurate Sizing
For the most accurate conversion, measure your foot length directly:
- Prepare materials: You'll need a piece of paper, a pencil, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Stand on the paper: Place your foot flat on the paper with your heel against a wall.
- Mark the longest point: Mark the tip of your longest toe (not always the big toe).
- Measure: Measure from the wall to the mark in centimeters.
- Add room: Add 0.5-1 cm for comfortable fit.
Best Time to Measure
Feet swell throughout the day, so measure in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest. This ensures your shoes will be comfortable all day.
International Shoe Size Systems
Besides US and EU, several other sizing systems are used worldwide:
- UK (British): Similar to US but typically 0.5-1 size smaller for women and 0.5 size smaller for men.
- Mondopoint: Used mainly for ski boots and military footwear, measures foot length in mm.
- Japanese: Uses centimeters directly as the size number.
- Korean: Similar to Japanese, using millimeters.
Common Conversion Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring gender: Using men's conversion for women's shoes or vice versa.
- Forgetting brand variations: Different brands may size slightly differently.
- Not considering shoe type: Athletic shoes may fit differently than dress shoes.
- Rounding incorrectly: Half sizes matter - don't round to the nearest whole number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EU size 42 in US?
EU size 42 converts to approximately US Men's 9 or US Women's 10.5. The exact conversion depends on the brand and style of shoe.
What is US size 8 in EU?
US Women's size 8 is approximately EU 38-39. US Men's size 8 is approximately EU 41.
Are EU shoe sizes unisex?
Yes, EU shoe sizes are unisex. A size 40 is the same whether it's labeled for men or women. However, the shoe's design and width may still vary by gender.
Why do my converted sizes sometimes not fit?
Several factors can affect fit beyond just length: foot width, arch height, shoe style, and brand-specific sizing. Always check brand-specific size charts when available.
Should I size up or down between sizes?
When between sizes, it's generally better to size up. You can always add an insole for a snugger fit, but you can't make a too-small shoe bigger.
How do children's EU sizes compare to US?
Children's EU sizes start at about 16 (newborn) and go up. A US kids' size 1 is approximately EU 32. The conversion is slightly different from adult sizes.