International shoe sizes:
EU, US, UK & CM compared

Shoe sizes are one of the most frustrating parts of online shopping. A single number can mean completely different things depending on whether you're in New York, London, Paris, or Tokyo. And unlike clothing, shoes are unforgiving — half a size too small and you're in pain; half a size too big and you're slipping out. This guide covers every major shoe sizing system, with detailed conversion tables and a free tool that does the math for you.

📐 The four main shoe sizing systems

To convert correctly, you first need to understand how each system is built. They're not just arbitrary numbers — they're based on different measurement units and starting points.

🇪🇺 EU (European) sizes — the Paris point

European shoe sizes are based on the Paris point, which equals ⅔ of a centimeter (about 6.67 mm). The scale starts at zero (for a tiny baby foot) and increases by one Paris point per size. So an EU 42 means the last (the mold the shoe is built on) measures 42 × ⅔ cm = 28 cm in length. However, this is the internal length of the shoe, not your foot length — typically you need about 1–1.5 cm of extra space. EU sizes are unisex, meaning a women's 38 is the same length as a men's 38, though width may differ.

🇺🇸 US sizes — barleycorns and different scales for men/women/kids

The US system uses barleycorns (⅓ inch per size). The starting point is different for men, women, and children. A US men's size 1 is roughly 7⅔ inches in foot length. Women's sizes are typically 1.5 sizes larger than men's — so a women's 8.5 is about the same length as a men's 7. Kids' sizes run from 0 to 13, then restart at 1 for youth (which aligns with men's sizing).

🇬🇧 UK sizes — similar to US, but one size smaller

UK shoe sizes also use barleycorns, but the starting point is different. A UK men's size is exactly one size smaller than a US men's size (UK 9 = US 10). For women, the difference is usually 2 sizes (UK 6 = US 8). This is the most common conversion error — ordering a UK 8 thinking it's a US 8 will leave you with shoes a full size too big.

🇯🇵 JP / CM sizing — the logical one

Japanese shoe sizes (and many Chinese/Korean brands) simply use the foot length in centimeters. A JP 27.0 means the shoe is designed for a foot that measures 27 cm. No confusing offsets, no gender differences — it's the most straightforward system. If you know your foot length in cm, you can buy shoes from any Japanese brand with confidence.

👞 Men's shoe size conversion table

👠 Women's shoe size conversion table

Note that a women's EU 38 is not the same length as a men's EU 38 — they're the same number but the women's last is narrower and often shorter in practice. Always check the brand's specific chart.

🧒 Kids' shoe sizes (US, UK, EU, CM)

⚠️ Common pitfalls when converting shoe sizes

Even with a perfect conversion chart, these nuances can trip you up:

• US women's to men's: Subtract 1.5 sizes. A women's 9 = men's 7.5. Unisex sneakers are often listed in men's sizing — check carefully.
• EU half sizes: European sizes don't officially have half sizes. A 42.5 is just a slightly longer 42. Some brands skip certain numbers (e.g., no EU 43.5).
• Italian vs. French EU: Italian shoes often run smaller than French ones. An Italian 43 might be a US 9.5, while a French 43 is a US 10.
• Width matters: US sizes come in narrow (B), medium (D), wide (2E), etc. EU sizes usually have one standard width. If you have wide feet, size up in European shoes.

For the full international shoe size converter, visit global-size-converter.vercel.app — clean, fast, and accurate for men, women, and kids.

— measure twice, buy once.