Simple Tips to Convert Shoe Sizes for Women & Men

How to Convert Shoe Sizes for Women and Men

There's no denying that these conversion guidelines are useful, but it's important to remember that they're just guidelines, not exact science. Shoe sizes can vary greatly between brands and even between styles within the same company. Trying on shoes in a store is still the best way to get the right fit.

But if you can't make it to the store or have simply succumbed to the convenience of online shopping, there is a solution: Simply measure your feet and compare them to the shoe size chart available on the brand's website. Keep in mind that width is just as important as length.

If the shoe is too wide for you, you may need to go down a half or full size. If possible, order a pair of shoes in two different sizes to ensure a comfortable fit that is neither too big nor too small. Before you order, make sure to read the retailer's return policy (a lesson we learned the hard way).

How to Convert Women’s Shoe Sizes

Convert from US women’s to men’s sizes by subtracting 1.5

How to Convert Women’s Shoe Sizes

US women's shoes typically run about 1.5 sizes smaller than men's shoes, though exact sizes vary between shoe brands. Accordingly, if a men's and a woman's shoe are the same length and width, the women's size will be 1.5 larger. To convert a women's size to a men's size, subtract 1.5 from the women's size, or add 1.5 to the men's size.

Go from a women’s US size to an EU size by adding 30 or 30.5

EU shoe sizes don’t have half sizes, so if your US size is a whole number, you’ll add 30 to get your EU size. If your US size is a half size, you’ll add 30.5.

Subtract 30 and try on a shoe in the resulting size to convert an EU women's size to a US women's size. Next, try on the same shoe in a half-size smaller and pick the one that feels most comfortable to you.

Go from a US women’s to a UK women’s size by subtracting 2

Simply deduct 2 from your starting US women's size to get your size in UK women's shoes. Add 2 to your UK size to determine your US women's size.

Get your Australian shoe size by subtracting 2.5 from your US size

If you’re buying women’s shoes from Australia, simply subtract 2.5 from your US women’s size. If you need to convert an Australian women’s size to American, add 2.5.

Add 16 to your US women’s size to get your Japanese size

Although Japanese sizes are actually measured in centimeters, you can simply add 16 to your US women's size if you don't want to use a ruler to measure your foot. Add 16 when converting Japanese women's sizes to US women's sizes.

Estimate your Asian women’s shoe size by adding 16.5 to your US size

Japan is not alone in using a slightly different system of measurement in Asia. You can get a rough idea of your size by adding 16.5 to your US women's shoe size. These sizes vary a bit more, so the conversion might not be exact.

Combine conversions as necessary

How to Convert Women’s Shoe Sizes

You might need to make a few quick conversions, depending on what region your known shoe size is from, to get to your desired size. Use a pencil and piece of paper to write out the calculations, or, for an even simpler method, a calculator.

How to Convert Men’s Shoe Sizes

Convert from US men’s to women’s by adding 1.5

Despite the fact that exact sizes vary between shoe brands, US men's shoes are typically 1.5 sizes larger than women's shoes. This means that if a men's shoe and a women's shoe are the same length and width, the men's size will be 1.5 smaller. To convert a women's size to a men's size, subtract 1.5 from the women's size, or add 1.5 to the men's size.

Convert from a US men’s size to an EU size by adding 32.5 or 33

Since there are no half sizes in European shoes, you’ll have to convert a men’s shoe size differently depending on your US size. If you wear a half size in US shoes, add 32.5 to get your EU size. If you wear a whole size in US shoes, add 33.

Get a men’s UK or Australian size by subtracting 0.5 from your US size

In men’s shoes, UK and Australian sizes are equivalent. You can subtract a half size from your US men’s size to get your size in UK and Australian shoes, or add a half size if you’re going the other way.

Find a Japanese men’s shoe size by adding 18.5 to your US size

Japanese sizes are measured in centimeters, but you can find yours without measuring your foot by simply adding 18.5 to your US size. To determine your US men’s shoe size from your Japanese size, subtract 18.5 instead.

Estimate your Asian men’s shoe size by adding 17.5 to your US size

In regions of the continent other than Japan, such as China and Hong Kong, shoe sizes vary more and are more difficult to pinpoint. Add 17.5 to your US shoe size to get an idea of your Asian men's shoe size, but it's best to try the shoes on first to make sure they fit.

International Shoe Size Chart

Footwear Fitting Tips

1.Sizes very among shoe brands and styles. Don't select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe. Judge the shoe by how it fits.

2.Select a shoe that conforms as nearly as possible to the shape of your foot.

3.Have your feet measured regularly. The size of your feet changes as you age.

4.Have BOTH feet measured. Most people have one foot larger than the other. Fit to the largest/widest foot.

5.If possible fit at the end of the day when your feet are largest.

6.Stand during the fitting process and check that there is adequate space (3/8 inch to 1/2 inch) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe.

7.Make sure the ball of your foot fits snugly into the widest part of the shoe.

8.Don't purchase shoes that feel too tight and expect them to "stretch" to fit. This is especially true with the toe of a safety shoe - as they do not stretch.

9.With the least amount of slippage possible, your heel should fit comfortably inside the shoe. Also keep in mind that styles that slip on or pull on will always have slippage since they cannot be laced for a tighter fit.

10.Make sure the shoe fits and feels good by taking a walk in it. Vanderloop Shoes advises assuming positions you'd use while working (such as kneeling) when trying on safety shoes. Check to see if your toes are rubbing against the safety toe.

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