Ultimate International Shoe Size Conversion Guide (Women & Men)

Summer Nguyen | 11-26-2025

Shopping for shoes across different countries can be confusing. A size US 8 might become EU 39, UK 6, or JP 25, depending on the sizing system. These inconsistencies—especially between US, UK, and European sizes—are the main reason people constantly search for terms like “EU to US shoe size”, “shoe size conversion chart”, or “UK shoe size to US.”

This guide simplifies everything. Below, you’ll find the most accurate international shoe size conversion charts for women and men, explanations of why sizing systems differ, how to measure your feet correctly, and FAQs that answer the most common shoe-sizing questions worldwide.

Let’s make finding your perfect fit easy—no matter where you shop.

Why International Shoe Size Conversions Matter

why-internaltional-shoe-size-conversions

Shopping for shoes online has never been easier—unless you’re buying from international brands. One minute you’re looking at a gorgeous pair of Italian boots in EU size 39, the next you’re wondering: “What is EU 39 in US women’s size?”

Here’s the problem: A US size 8 translates to EU 39, UK 6, or JP 25, depending on the country. These inconsistencies cause:

  • 38% of online shoe returns are due to incorrect sizing
  • Confusion between Euro shoe size to US women’s conversions
  • Lost sales when customers can’t find reliable shoe size conversion charts
  • Frustration comparing UK shoe size to US or European shoe size to American

This guide solves all of that.

Below you’ll find the most accurate, up-to-date international shoe size conversion charts for both women and men, plus expert tips on measuring your feet and finding your perfect fit—no matter where you shop.

Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

Below is the internationally recognized conversion chart for women’s footwear:

Women’s international shoe size chart

Most-searched conversions (Women)

  • EU 38 to US = US 7.5
  • EU 39 to US = US 8.5
  • EU 40 to US = US 9
  • US 7 to UK = UK 4
  • US 9.5 to EU = EU 41
  • US 10 to Japan = JP 26

Women’s half sizes explained

Question: “Is EU 38.5 the same as US 8?”

Answer: Yes! EU 38.5 = US 8 exactly. European sizing uses half sizes (38.5, 39.5) more commonly than US sizing, which makes conversions more precise.

Pro tip: If you normally wear US 8, look for EU 38.5 or EU 39, depending on brand fit.

Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

Men’s international shoe size chart

Most-searched conversions (Men)

  • EU 42 to US = US 8.5
  • EU 43 to US = US 9
  • US 9 to EU = EU 43
  • US 10.5 to UK = UK 9.5
  • UK 10.5 to US = US 11.5
  • EU 44 to Japan = JP 28

How to Measure Your Feet Correctly at Home

measure your feet at home

Why measuring matters: Even with conversion charts, foot length varies. Someone with a 25cm foot might wear US 8 in Nike but US 8.5 in Adidas.

Step-by-step measuring guide

What you need:

  • Blank sheet of paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Wall

Instructions:

  1. Measure foot length: Place your heel against a wall and measure to your longest toe.
  2. Measure foot width: Measure across the widest part of your foot.
  3. Measure instep height: Wrap a tape measure over the highest part of your arch to the big-toe joint.
  4. Measure both feet: Use the larger measurement for sizing.
  5. Compare with chart: Match your length and width to a size conversion chart.

Pro measuring tips

  • Measure at end of day - Feet swell throughout the day
  • Wear the socks you’ll wear with shoes
  • Measure standing not sitting
  • Round up if between sizes
  • Consider width - Some brands run narrow/wide

Example:

Foot length: 25.3 cm

→ Women’s: US 8.5 or EU 39

→ Men’s: US 7.5 or EU 40.5

Why Shoe Sizes Differ Across Countries

1. United States (US Sizing)

  • System: Barleycorn measurement (1/3 inch increments)
  • Zero point: Size 0 = 8.25 inches (children)
  • Gender difference: Women’s sizes are 1.5 sizes larger than men’s
  • Example: Men’s US 8 = Women’s US 9.5

2. United Kingdom (UK Sizing)

  • System: Similar to US but different starting point
  • Zero point: Starts smaller than US
  • Difference from US: UK sizes are typically 0.5-1 size smaller
  • Example: US 8 = UK 6 (women) or UK 7 (men)

3. European Union (EU Sizing / Paris Point)

  • System: Metric, based on Paris Points
  • Increment: 6.67mm (2/3 cm) per size
  • Unisex: Same scale for men and women
  • Example: 25cm foot = EU 38-39

4. Japan (Mondopoint / CM)

  • System: Direct centimeter measurement
  • Most accurate: 1:1 with actual foot length
  • Example: 25cm foot = JP 25

5. Australia

  • System: Follows UK sizing mostly
  • Same as UK: AU 8 = UK 8 (generally)

Common Shoe Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Using Image Charts on Mobile

  • Problem: Static image charts become tiny and unreadable on phones
  • Solution: Use interactive HTML tables (like this guide) or apps with zoom features

Mistake #2: Comparing Men’s to Women’s Directly

  • Problem: US men’s 8 ≠ US women’s 8
  • Solution: Always convert through EU or cm measurements first

Mistake #3: Ignoring Brand Fit Notes

  • Problem: Ordering EU 39 in all brands, assuming it’s always US 8.5
  • Solution: Check if brand runs small/large before converting

Mistake #4: Not Measuring Both Feet

  • Problem: One foot is often larger
  • Solution: Always use the larger foot’s measurement

Mistake #5: Measuring While Sitting

  • Problem: Feet expand when bearing weight
  • Solution: Measure standing up

How Shopify Stores Can Reduce Shoe Returns with Smart Size Charts

Sizing confusion is one of the main reasons customers return shoes—accounting for nearly 38% of footwear returns. For online stores, that means lost revenue, extra shipping costs, and disappointed shoppers.

Instead of relying on static image charts, many Shopify merchants now use interactive size chart tools that give customers clearer guidance.

Tools like MP Size Chart & Size Guide make this especially easy with ready-made shoe templates, dynamic conversion tables, and bulk setup for large catalogs. Many stores see fewer wrong-size orders and a noticeable drop in returns after switching to a smarter sizing solution.

Why is this app helpful for your Shopify store:

  • It’s Built for Shopify and meets Shopify’s performance and integration standards.
  • Rated 4.9 from over 750+ reviews—strong social proof for merchants.
  • Shows exactly the capabilities you highlight: fast performance, auto unit conversion, smart recommendations, bulk import, flexible assignment options.
  • Supports many languages, which is great for international shoppers.

Result: Customers find the right size faster → fewer returns → higher profits

Shoe Size Conversion FAQs

Women’s Shoe Size FAQs

Q: What is women’s US 6.5 in EU size?

A: Typically, women’s US 6.5 corresponds to EU 37.

Q: What is EU 39 in women’s US size?

A: EU 39 is usually equivalent to US women’s 8.5. Again, variation may occur depending on the shoe’s style or manufacturer.

Q: Is EU shoe sizing unisex (same chart for men and women)?

A: Generally yes — EU sizing uses a universal chart across genders. However, fit (width, foot shape) may feel different depending on shoe cut. It’s good practice to check the exact product’s size guide.

Q: Are UK shoe sizes smaller or larger than US women’s sizes?

A: UK sizes tend to be smaller than US sizing by roughly 1–2 sizes. For women, a UK 5 would be around a US 6–6.5, but this can change by brand and shoe style.

Q: What is US size 10 in Japanese (JP) shoe size?

A: US women’s 10 generally converts to JP 26 (cm). Still, because shoe cut and brand standards vary, checking the brand’s JP size chart is recommended.

Men’s Shoe Size FAQs

Q: What is EU 43 in US men’s sizing?

A: EU 43 is commonly equal to US men’s 9.

Q: What is US men’s 10.5 in UK size?

A: That typically corresponds to UK 9.5. Because UK sizing runs smaller than US, subtracting 1 to 1.5 sizes is common when converting.

Q: Are men’s sizes the same as youth sizes?

A: No. Men’s shoes use a different standard than youth/child sizes. Youth size charts have smaller ranges and different increments, so you shouldn’t assume a youth size applies universally.

Q: What is Japanese size 28 in US men’s size?

A: JP 28 roughly converts to US men’s 10.5–11. However, because shoe construction varies, it’s best to check brand-specific charts.

Q: What does EU 39 correspond to in men’s sizes?

A: EU 39 generally converts to US men’s 6 / UK 5 / EU 38–39 (depending on width and shoe cut).

Conclusion: Your Perfect Fit is Just One Conversion Away

International shoe shopping doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With accurate shoe size conversion charts, proper foot measurements, and an understanding of how different sizing systems work, you can confidently buy shoes from anywhere in the world.

Use the charts above as your go-to reference whenever you purchase footwear online or across global markets. The right size is now just one conversion away.

Summer Nguyen

Summer Nguyen

Summer is the CMO and Digital Commerce Solution Expert with 10+ years of experience. She specializes in Magento, Shopify, ERP, CRM, AI, and Blockchain, delivering strategic solutions that transform businesses. With a deep understanding of digital commerce, she helps brands scale and stay ahead in a competitive market.