shoe size converter: eu, us & uk
Convert any shoe size between EU, US men’s, US women’s, UK and centimetres, or measure your foot and get all of them at once.
fashion law journal · tools deskupdated 25 sep 2026adult sizes
Quick answer: an EU 38 is about a US women’s 7, a US men’s 5.5 and a UK 4.5. An EU 42 is about a US men’s 8.5 and a UK 7.5. To go from US men’s to US women’s, add 1.5. UK sizes run about 1 below US men’s.
Stand on paper with your heel against a wall, mark your longest toe, and measure. Do both feet in the evening and use the longer one.
shoe size conversion chart
| EU | US women’s | US men’s | UK | foot (cm) | foot (in) |
|---|
Based on common athletic-brand sizing. Italian and French designer shoes often run half to one size small, and some brands use their own EU scale, so always check the maker’s chart.
three scales, no single rule
US and UK sizes count in barleycorns (a third of an inch) but start from different zero points, and US women’s sizes sit 1.5 above men’s. EU sizes use the Paris point (two thirds of a centimetre) and measure the shoe’s last, not your foot.
The only system that measures the foot directly is Mondopoint (ISO 9407), used for ski boots and Japanese sizing. That’s why the centimetre column is the most reliable way to compare brands.
buying shoes online
- Check the brand’s own chart in centimetres, not just its labels.
- Read reviews for “runs small” or “runs large” before you order.
- Wide feet: size up half, or look for a W or E width.
- In the UK and EU you usually have 14 days to cancel an online order, which is your safety net for sizing. In the US, returns depend on the retailer’s policy.
shoe size questions
What is EU 38 in US size?
An EU 38 is about a US women’s 7 and a US men’s 5.5. Brands vary by up to half a size, so check the centimetre length on the maker’s chart.
How do I convert US men’s to women’s shoe size?
Add 1.5. A US men’s 8 is about a US women’s 9.5. To go from women’s to men’s, subtract 1.5.
Is a UK size the same as a US size?
No. For men, UK sizes are about 1 smaller than US (a US men’s 9 is a UK 8). For women, UK sizes are about 2 to 2.5 smaller than US women’s.
What is a 26 cm foot in shoe size?
A 26 cm foot is roughly an EU 41, a US men’s 8, a US women’s 9.5 and a UK 7.
Should I size up in shoes?
If you’re between sizes, size up for trainers and boots, which you’ll wear with thicker socks. Heels and leather dress shoes stretch slightly, so the smaller size often works.
Conversions are approximate and based on common adult athletic sizing. Children’s sizes follow different scales. This is general information, not legal advice. More from FLJ: hat size chart · ring size chart.