Finding the right shoe size when switching from women’s to men’s footwear can feel confusing — especially when shopping online or comparing brands across different countries. Men’s and women’s shoes use different sizing scales, and the fit can vary in width, shape, and length.
This ultimate 2025 guide gives you an accurate women-to-men shoe size chart. It includes a full US/UK/EU comparison, a simple conversion formula, fit notes, and measurement tips.
If you’re searching for answers like:
- How do I convert women’s shoe size to men’s?
- What is women’s 9 in men’s?
- What’s the difference between men’s and women’s shoe sizes?
- Women’s 8 in men’s? Women’s 10 in men’s?
…you’ll find everything here.
Why Women’s and Men’s Shoe Sizes Are Different
Women’s footwear is typically:
- Narrower (especially in the heel)
- Slightly shorter for the same numeric size
- Designed with different arch and volume measurements
Men’s shoes, on the other hand, run:
- Wider
- Deeper
- More structured
Because of these differences, you cannot switch sizes directly — you need a proper conversion chart.
Women to Men Shoe Size Conversion Chart (US – UK – EU)
This is the most accurate and complete women to men shoe size chart available. It includes US Women, US Men/Youth, UK, and EU conversions.
If you want a deeper comparison between international sizing systems (US, UK, EU), check out our full guide here: Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Women and Men.
Women’s to Men’s Shoe Size Conversion by Brand
Different brands fit differently. Here’s how they generally convert:
Nike
- Runs slightly narrow
- Women’s → Men’s = –1.5 to –2 sizes
Example: Women’s 9 = Men’s 7 or 7.5
Adidas
- Runs slightly large
- Women’s → Men’s = –2 sizes
Example: Women’s 8 = Men’s 6
Converse
- Runs long
- Women’s → Men’s = always –2 sizes
Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor sizes align with men’s sizing.
New Balance
- Wide-friendly
- Women’s → Men’s = –1.5 to –2 sizes
Excellent choice for wide feet.
Vans
- Runs true to size
- Women’s → Men’s = –1.5 to –2 sizes
How to Convert Women’s Shoe Size to Men’s (Simple Rule)
The conversion is very straightforward:
Men’s size = Women’s size – 2
Examples using your chart:
- Women’s 8 → Men’s 6
- Women’s 9 → Men’s 7
- Women’s 10 → Men’s 8
- Women’s 11.5 → Men’s 9.5
This is slightly different from the usual –1.5 formula because your chart uses a stricter 2-size difference, which is common in North American unisex brands.
Foot Length (CM) to Women’s & Men’s Shoe Size Conversion
This table helps convert CM to both men’s and women’s US sizes:
Most Popular Searches (With Instant Answers)
- Women’s 8 in men’s → Men’s 6
- Women’s 9 in men’s → Men’s 7
- Women’s 10 in men’s → Men’s 8
- Women’s 11 in men’s→ Men’s 9
- Women’s 6.5 in men’s→ Men’s 4.5
- Women’s 12 in men’s→ Men’s 10
Women vs Men Shoe Width: What Changes When Switching Sizes?
One of the most important factors — but often overlooked — is width.
Women’s width system
- A = Narrow
- B = Standard
- D = Wide
Men’s width system
- D = Standard
- E / EE = Wide
- EEE = Extra Wide
Since men’s shoes are naturally wider:
- If you have wide feet, men’s shoes may fit better.
- If you have narrow feet, men’s shoes may feel loose.
Tip: If switching to men’s shoes and you have narrow feet, go half a size down for a better fit (only for width, not length).
Why People Convert Women’s Sizes to Men’s Shoes
- Better color options (men’s sneakers often have more releases)
- Wider fit for comfort
- Athletic shoes feel more stable
- Unisex models only listed in men’s sizing
- Limited size availability in women’s shoes
Many women regularly switch to men’s sizing in:
- Converse
- Nike Dunk / Jordan
- Vans
- Adidas Superstar & Samba
- Running shoes (New Balance, Brooks)
How to Measure Your Foot for Accurate Conversion
Accurate measurement helps reduce returns and ensures the chart is used correctly.
Step-by-step guide
- Stand against a wall with your heel touching it.
- Place a sheet of paper under your foot.
- Mark your longest toe.
- Measure heel-to-toe length in centimeters.
- Compare the measurement with the Women’s column and the converted Men’s column above.
- Determine your width (optional but recommended).
Why this matters
Two people both wearing Women’s US 9 may have:
- Different toe shapes
- Different arch heights
- Different widths
Length alone doesn’t determine shoe size — width and shape are equally important.
Women to Men Shoe Size Conversion FAQs
1. How do I convert women’s shoe size to men’s?
The most accurate and widely used conversion method is:
Men’s size = Women’s size – 1.5 to 2 sizes
Most sneaker and athletic brands follow a 2-size difference.
2. What is women’s size 9 in men’s?
Women’s US 9 = Men’s US 7
3. What is women’s size 8 in men’s?
Women’s US 8 = Men’s US 6
4. What is women’s size 10 in men’s?
Women’s US 10 converts to Men’s 8.
5. Why are women’s and men’s shoe sizes different?
Women and men have different foot structures:
- Women’s heels are typically narrower
- Men’s forefoot and midfoot are wider
- Foot volume and arch height differ
- Shoes are built on different “lasts” (molds)
Because of this, women’s shoes use a separate number scale from men’s, which is why conversion is necessary.
6. Are men’s shoes wider than women’s shoes?
Yes. Even at the same length:
- Men’s shoes have a wider toe box
- The midfoot is roomier
- The heel is broader
- Depth and volume are greater
For women with wide feet, switching to men’s sizes often provides a better fit.
7. Can women wear men’s shoes?
Absolutely. It’s very common — especially in:
- Sneakers (Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Converse)
- Running shoes
- Hiking boots
- Skate shoes
- Basketball shoes
As long as you convert sizes correctly, men’s shoes can fit just as well (and often better) than women’s.
8. Do EU shoe sizes differ for men and women?
No. EU shoe sizing is unisex, which means:
- EU 40 for women = EU 40 for men
- EU 42 for women = EU 42 for men
The only difference is the shape of the shoe, not the number.
9. Why does my men’s converted size feel too big or too small?
Because conversion is only part of the story. Different brands have different:
- Last shapes
- Width standards
- Toe box depth
- Cushioning systems
- Fit philosophies
For example:
- Nike runs narrow
- Adidas runs slightly big
- Converse runs large and long
- New Balance is wide-friendly
This is why foot length (in cm) is the most reliable way to convert.
10. What if I’m between sizes when converting?
General rule:
- For sneakers → choose ½ size down
- For runners → choose ½ size up
- For boots → choose ½ size up
- For sandals → choose true converted size
If you’re between sizes, the bigger half-size is usually safer, especially for performance footwear.
Final Thoughts
Converting from women’s to men’s shoe sizes doesn’t have to be confusing. With the updated chart above and the two-size difference rule, you can confidently choose the right fit for any brand or style.
Whether you’re shopping for unisex sneakers, switching for comfort, or looking for more color options — this guide ensures you always get the perfect size.
And if you run an online store and want to reduce returns caused by sizing errors, MP Size Chart & Size Guide makes it easy to display accurate conversion charts (women → men, EU → US, CM → US), plus custom measurement instructions on product pages. It’s a simple way to help shoppers choose the right size and improve customer satisfaction.
