Use this reusable shoe size guide to compare US, UK, EU, and CM sizing, measure your feet accurately, choose the right width, and check fit before ordering sneakers, running shoes, boots, or everyday shoes online.
Overview
Shoe size conversion is a useful starting point, but it is not a guarantee of fit. US, UK, and EU systems do not increase in exactly the same increments, and brands may build the same labeled size around different lasts, toe shapes, and measurements. Even within one brand, a running shoe, leather boot, and lifestyle sneaker may fit differently.
The most dependable approach is to combine three pieces of information: your measured foot length, the specific brand’s size chart, and the shoe’s width and fit notes. Treat the conversion tables below as a general reference rather than a substitute for the product page. CM or foot-length measurements are especially helpful when moving between brands, but confirm whether a listing describes foot length or the shoe’s internal length.
General adult shoe size conversion
| US men’s | US women’s | UK approximate | EU approximate | Foot length guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7.5–8 | 5–6 | 38–40 | About 24 cm |
| 7 | 8.5–9 | 6–7 | 39–41 | About 25 cm |
| 8 | 9.5–10 | 7–8 | 41–42 | About 26 cm |
| 9 | 10.5–11 | 8–9 | 42–43 | About 27 cm |
| 10 | 11.5–12 | 9–10 | 43–45 | About 28 cm |
| 11 | 12.5–13 | 10–11 | 44–46 | About 29 cm |
| 12 | 14–15 | 11–13 | 46–48 | About 30 cm |
These ranges are intentionally approximate. EU sizing is not a direct mathematical conversion from US sizing, and women’s and men’s labels can overlap. When a brand provides a CM or millimeter measurement, use that chart first.
Children’s size conversion
| US children’s | UK approximate | EU approximate | Foot length guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 27–28 | About 17 cm |
| 11 | 10 | 29 | About 18 cm |
| 12 | 11 | 30–31 | About 19 cm |
| 13 | 12 | 31–32 | About 20 cm |
| 1 | 13 | 32–33 | About 21 cm |
| 2 | 1 | 33–34 | About 22 cm |
| 3 | 2 | 35–36 | About 23 cm |
Children’s sizes often move from toddler or little-kid labels into grade-school sizing, so check the product’s age or size category before converting. For more detail on buying grade-school sneakers, see this women’s to kids’ shoe size conversion guide.
Checklist by scenario
Before ordering online
- Measure both feet at the end of the day while wearing the socks you expect to use.
- Record the longer foot and compare its length with the brand’s official chart.
- Confirm whether the listing uses US men’s, US women’s, UK, EU, or CM sizing.
- Check the width options, not just the length. Look for standard, wide, extra-wide, or lettered widths.
- Read model-specific fit notes and identify whether the shoe is described as narrow, roomy, or true to size.
- Save the retailer’s return and exchange details before buying, especially for sale items.
When buying sneakers or lifestyle shoes
Start with the size you normally wear in the same brand, then verify the model chart. A structured toe box, thick upper, padded collar, or minimal stretch can change the feel even when the labeled size is unchanged. If you are comparing popular everyday models, a focused Nike Air Force 1 and Adidas Samba comparison can help you assess shape as well as style.
When buying running shoes
Measure in running socks and leave enough space for your toes to spread without touching the front. Your heel should remain secure while walking and jogging, and the widest part of your foot should sit comfortably inside the shoe’s platform. Do not assume that a cushioned shoe will fit like a casual sneaker. For model comparisons, use fit observations alongside cushioning and stability needs; for example, the Brooks Ghost versus ASICS Gel-Nimbus comparison provides a useful example of why model-level research matters.
When buying boots
Measure with the socks you will actually wear and consider whether the boot has a removable insole, a stiff upper, or a pointed toe. A hiking or work boot may need more volume than a dress boot, while a pull-on boot must fit securely around the instep and heel. Check calf measurements for tall boots and do not use length alone to solve a width or instep problem.
When choosing wide fit shoes
Width labels are not universal. In many men’s ranges, a standard width may be labeled D and a wide width 2E; in many women’s ranges, standard may be B and wide may be D. Extra-wide labels can include 4E or other brand-specific terms. These conventions vary, so use them as clues rather than guarantees. The wide width shoe guide explains how to compare width labels more carefully.
How to measure your feet at home
- Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor with one edge against a wall.
- Stand on the paper with your heel lightly touching the wall. Keep your weight distributed normally.
- Mark the end of your longest toe. Repeat for the other foot.
- Measure from the paper’s wall edge to each mark. Then measure across the widest part of each foot for a width reference.
- Use the longer measurement when selecting a size, and compare it with the brand’s foot-length chart.
Do not measure while seated, trace around the foot with a thick marker, or convert a foot-length measurement into a shoe size without checking the brand. Feet can also change in volume over the day, so a snug morning fit may become uncomfortable later.
What to double-check
- True to size: This phrase is relative to a brand or model, not a universal standard. Read it alongside the reviewer’s foot shape and usual size.
- CM sizing: Confirm whether the number represents recommended foot length, an internal measurement, or a simplified size label.
- Half sizes: Moving up or down in length may not solve a width issue. Look for a width option when available.
- Left-right differences: Fit the longer or wider foot and use the lacing system or an insole to fine-tune the smaller foot.
- Return conditions: Try shoes indoors on a clean surface and keep packaging until you are confident about the fit.
For brand-specific checks, see the men’s to women’s conversion chart by brand and the Nike model-by-model fit guide. If comfort is the priority, compare the shape and intended use rather than relying only on a size label.
Common mistakes
The most common error is treating an EU or UK number as a fixed equivalent everywhere. Another is measuring one foot and ignoring width, swelling, socks, or the shoe’s intended activity. Buying a larger size to create width can leave the heel slipping and the toes sliding forward. Conversely, choosing a narrow shoe because its length looks correct can create pressure that does not improve with wear.
It is also easy to compare a discounted price before confirming the fit. A low price is not useful if the size is wrong or the model cannot be exchanged. If you are shopping a sale, confirm the exact model, size system, width, and return terms before checkout. Fit research should come before price tracking, not after it.
When to revisit this guide
Recheck your measurements when your usual shoes begin feeling different, after a significant change in activity, or when switching from casual shoes to running, work, hiking, or dress footwear. Children’s feet should be measured regularly as they grow. Adults may also need a new reference after changes in foot shape, swelling, support needs, or preferred socks.
Return to this checklist before seasonal shopping, especially when buying boots for colder socks or sandals for warmer-weather use. Revisit the brand chart whenever a manufacturer changes a model, introduces a new width system, or lists a different CM measurement. Before your next purchase, measure both feet, record the longer foot and widest point, verify the brand’s chart, confirm the width, and test the fit indoors before removing tags or discarding packaging.
