Shoe sizing sounds simple—until you’re stuck between US and European numbers. Converting American shoe sizes to European sizes can be weirdly confusing.
Sometimes the numbers don’t match. Other times, they kind of do, but the fit is still totally off.
And don’t even get me started on men’s vs. women’s sizing or why some brands use half sizes while others skip them entirely.
So, what’s going on here? Why is it so hard to get the right size when shopping across the pond?
We’re gonna talk about how US and EU shoe sizing actually works, what makes them different, and how to finally figure out your perfect European size without all the guesswork.
I’ll even throw in a couple of math tricks (don’t worry—they’re easy) and some real-life tips that’ll save you from your next shoe-size disaster.
And oh—if you’re also trying to figure out how Australian sizes stack up, check out my guide on how Australian shoe sizes compare to US sizing. It clears up a lot of the same weird sizing stuff.
Let’s get into it.
American Shoe Size to European
If you’ve ever tried buying shoes from a European brand, you’ve probably scratched your head and thought, “Wait, I’m a US size 9… so does that mean I’m a 42? Or a 43?”
Yeah, it’s not always straightforward. But I’ve got you. Because I hate it when an article keeps the good stuff till the end, here’s a handy calculator to convert US to EU or EU to US.
How to Convert US Shoe Size to European
If you’re starting with your US size and want to convert it, here’s how to convert American shoe size to European manually:
- For men: Add 33 to your US size.
US 9 → EU 42
US 10 → EU 43 - For women: Add 31 to your US size.
US 8 → EU 39
US 9 → EU 40
It’s not 100% perfect, but it’ll get you pretty close.
And if you’re more of a “measure first, guess later” kind of person…
- Measure your foot in centimeters (from heel to longest toe).
- Multiply that by 1.5
- Round up if you’re between sizes.
For example: 26 cm × 1.5 = 39 → EU size 39
Or, if you’re more of an inches person, here’s how you do it:
- Measure your foot (from heel to your longest toe) in inches.
- Multiply that number by 3. This gives you the length in barleycorns (yep, that’s a real thing—one barleycorn is one-third of an inch).
Now here’s the key:
- If you’re a man, subtract 22.
- If you’re a woman, subtract 21.
- Round to the nearest half size—and boom, you’ve got your US shoe size.
Example:
Let’s say your foot is 10.5 inches long.
- Step 1: 10.5 inches × 3 = 31.5 barleycorns
- Step 2: If you’re a man → 31.5 – 22 = 9.5
→ That means you’re a US Men’s 9.5 - Step 2: If you’re a woman → 31.5 – 21 = 10.5
→ That means you’re a US Women’s 10.5
Here’s another example:
Easy math, no drama.
Now, let’s make things even easier—here’s how women’s US sizes match up with European sizes:
Women’s shoe size conversion from US sizing to EU sizing:
US size 5 = EU size 35-36
US size 5.5 = EU size 36
US size 6 = EU size 36-37
US size 6.5 = EU size 37
US size 7 = EU size 37-38
US size 7.5 = EU size 38
US size 8 = EU size 38-39
US size 8.5 = EU size 39
US size 9 = EU size 39-40
US size 9.5 = EU size 40
US size 10 = EU size 40-41
US size 10.5 = EU size 41
Related:
If you’re also curious about how Canadian shoe sizes match up with American sizes, check out my guide on Canadian Shoe Size to American.
Men’s shoe size conversion from US sizing to EU sizing:
US size 6-6.5 = EU size 39
US size 7 = EU size 40
US size 7.5 = EU size 40-41
US size 8 = EU size 41
US size 8.5 = EU size 41-42
US size 9 = EU size 42
US size 9.5 = EU size 42-43
US size 10 = EU size 43
US size 10.5 = EU size 43-44
US size 11 = EU size 44
US size 11.5 = EU size 44-45
US size 12 = EU size 45
US size 13 = EU size 46
US size 14 = EU size 47
US size 15 = EU size 48
US size 16 = EU size 49
Now, if all that math feels like too much, no worries—these size charts do the work for you…
US to EU Conversion Charts
Women’s US to EU Conversion Chart
| US Size | EUR Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 35 | 8.2 | 20.8 |
| 4.5 | 35 | 8.3 | 21.3 |
| 5 | 35-36 | 8.5 | 21.6 |
| 5.5 | 36 | 8.8 | 22.2 |
| 6 | 36-37 | 8.9 | 22.5 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 9.1 | 23 |
| 7 | 37-38 | 9.3 | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 38 | 9.4 | 23.8 |
| 8 | 38-39 | 9.5 | 24.1 |
| 8.5 | 39 | 9.7 | 24.6 |
| 9 | 39-40 | 9.9 | 25.1 |
| 9.5 | 40 | 10 | 25.4 |
| 10 | 40-41 | 10.2 | 25.9 |
| 10.5 | 41 | 10.3 | 26.2 |
| 11 | 41-42 | 10.5 | 26.7 |
| 11.5 | 42 | 10.7 | 27.1 |
| 12 | 42-43 | 10.9 | 27.6 |
*Conversions are estimates. Always check the brand’s size chart when available.
Men’s US to EU Conversion Chart
| US Size | US Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 39 | 9.3 | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 39 | 9.5 | 24.1 |
| 7 | 40 | 9.6 | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 40-41 | 9.8 | 24.8 |
| 8 | 41 | 9.9 | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 41-42 | 10.1 | 25.7 |
| 9 | 42 | 10.3 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 42-43 | 10.4 | 26.7 |
| 10 | 43 | 10.6 | 27 |
| 10.5 | 43-44 | 10.8 | 27.3 |
| 11 | 44 | 10.9 | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 44-45 | 11.1 | 28.3 |
| 12 | 45 | 11.3 | 28.6 |
| 13 | 46 | 11.6 | 29.4 |
| 14 | 47 | 11.9 | 30.2 |
| 15 | 48 | 12.2 | 31 |
| 16 | 49 | 12.5 | 31.8 |
*Conversions are estimates. Always check the brand’s size chart when available.
Little Kids’ US to EU Conversion Chart
| US Size | EUR Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 27 | 6.6 | 16.8 |
| 11 | 28 | 6.8 | 17.1 |
| 11.5 | 29 | 7 | 17.8 |
| 12 | 30 | 7.1 | 18.1 |
| 12.5 | 30 | 7.3 | 18.4 |
| 13 | 31 | 7.5 | 19.1 |
| 13.5 | 31 | 7.6 | 19.4 |
| 1 | 32 | 7.8 | 19.7 |
| 1.5 | 33 | 8 | 20.3 |
| 2 | 33 | 8.1 | 20.6 |
| 2.5 | 34 | 8.3 | 21 |
| 3 | 34 | 8.5 | 21.6 |
*Conversions are estimates. Always check the brand’s size chart when available.
Toddlers’ US to EU Conversion Chart
| US Size | EUR Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 4.3 | 10.8 |
| 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 11.4 |
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 11.7 |
| 5 | 4 | 4.8 | 12.1 |
| 5.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 12.7 |
| 6 | 5 | 5.1 | 13 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 13.3 |
| 7 | 6 | 5.5 | 14 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 5.6 | 14.3 |
| 8 | 7 | 5.8 | 14.6 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 6 | 15.2 |
| 9 | 8 | 6.1 | 15.6 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 6.3 | 15.9 |
| 10 | 9 | 6.5 | 16.5 |
*Conversions are estimates. Always check the brand’s size chart when available.
Infants’ US to EU Conversion
| US Size | EUR Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 15 | 3.1 | 7.9 |
| 1 | 16 | 3.5 | 8.9 |
| 1.5 | 17 | 3.6 | 9.2 |
| 2 | 17 | 3.8 | 9.5 |
| 2.5 | 18 | 4 | 10.2 |
| 3 | 18 | 4.1 | 10.5 |
*Conversions are estimates. Always check the brand’s size chart when available.
Think of these charts as a starting point, not a sure thing. If you’re on the fence about sizing, it’s always smart to check the brand’s own fit info—they usually know best.”
Now, keep in mind that European shoe sizes are unisex for the most part. That’s right—men’s and women’s sizes use the same number scale.
So unlike US sizing, where men’s 9 is different from women’s 9, in Europe a size 42 is just a size 42—the difference comes in the shoe’s shape and width, not the number.
Understanding European Sizing: The Paris Point
The European system runs on something called the Paris Point. Sounds fancy, right? It’s actually super simple:
One Paris Point = two-thirds of a centimeter (6.67 mm).
So every time you go up one EU size, you’re adding about 0.67 cm in length. It’s a smaller jump than US full sizes, but bigger than US half sizes—kind of that in-between zone.
There are no half sizes in most European sizing, which explains why sometimes you feel like you’re in between two options. One might be a little too snug, and the other a bit roomy. Ugh, the struggle.
Quick Example:
Let’s say your foot is exactly 26.7 cm long.
In US sizing, that would put you around a men’s size 9.
But in EU sizing, you’d likely be a size 42 or 43, depending on the brand.
Why the range? Because not all brands use the exact same last (aka the mold of the foot the shoe is built on). So sometimes a 42 might fit like a US 8.5… other times, like a 9.5.
Plus, some European shoes are made narrower, especially Italian and French styles. So if you’ve got wider feet, they might feel tight even if the length seems right.
How About Women’s Sizes?
Here’s where things flip even more. A US women’s size 8 is roughly a EU size 39. But again, that can shift a little depending on the brand.
US and UK Sizes (Barleycorn?)
US Sizing
You won’t believe this, but both the US and UK sizing systems are based on something called the Barleycorn system. Yeah, not corn you eat—just an old-school measuring trick. One barleycorn equals 1⁄3 of an inch (i.e. about 8.47 mm). Sounds weird, but it kind of works.
So, for example, if you’re wearing a US men’s size 1, that’s about 7.67 inches long. Each full size up just adds a third of an inch. Half sizes go up by about one-sixth of an inch.
Now for the widths—it’s not just about length! Every width jump (like going from D to E) adds around three-sixteenths of an inch. Not huge, but your feet definitely notice.
Here’s where it gets slightly tricky…
UK Sizing
UK sizes are just a little behind—usually half a size smaller than the US for the same foot length. So, a UK 9 is generally like a US 9.5. But there’s more…
The UK scale actually starts at zero, which is about 102 mm long, and every full size adds 8.4 mm. Half sizes go up by 4.2 mm. Adult sizes run up to size 15, which covers about 12 inches of foot.
And for kids, UK sizes are split into 13 parts, starting at around 5 inches. They keep increasing in little steps until size 13—also called “short 13.” That’s about 8.25 inches, and it’s where adult sizing kicks in.
Oh, and the barleycorn system adds a bit of wiggle room in the shoe length—sometimes half a barleycorn or more—so you’re not squishing your toes.
Why Shoe Size Differs Between Brands
Here’s what I think: just when you start to figure out your EU shoe size, a brand comes along and throws you off. And it’s not your fault—it’s the brands. They don’t all follow the same sizing mold, even if they slap the same number on the box.
Take Nike and Adidas, for example.
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You’d think a size 42 EU would fit the same in both, right? Nope. Nike tends to run a bit smaller and narrower, especially in their performance shoes. So if you’re a 9 US (42.5 EU) in Adidas, you might need to size up half a size in Nike just to get the same fit. Weird, right?
Then there’s luxury brands—oh boy.
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Italian and French designers like Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, or Gucci, often run super narrow. It’s like they designed their shoes for someone with pencil-thin feet. So if you’re used to sneakers and suddenly jump into luxury loafers, don’t be surprised if your usual EU size feels more like a vice grip.
Now let’s talk Birkenstock.
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Birkenstocks technically use EU sizes, but their sizing model is a little different. They offer regular and narrow width options, and honestly, their footbeds don’t feel like anything else. You might wear a 41 in most brands, but in Birkenstock, you could fit perfectly in a 40 narrow.
Now, if you’re not sure how Birkenstocks are supposed to fit, I wrote a full guide that breaks it all down.
And don’t even get me started on Converse—some pairs run large, while others are weirdly tight, depending on the model.
So, moral of the story?
The EU number is just a starting point. You’ve always gotta check the brand’s size chart and if you can—try before you buy.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Feet
Measuring your feet is the key to finding the right shoe size (especially when you’re hopping between US and EU sizes). You won’t need any fancy gadgets. Just a flat surface, a piece of paper, and maybe a little patience if your foot keeps wiggling.
What You’ll Need:
- A blank sheet of paper (big enough to fit your whole foot)
- A pencil or pen (bonus points if it doesn’t tickle)
- A ruler or measuring tape
- Socks (optional, but wear the kind you’d usually wear with the shoes)
Step-by-Step: Measure Like a Pro
1. Find a hard, flat surface.
Carpet? Nope. You want the kitchen floor or a tiled hallway. Something solid to stand on.
2. Place the paper down and stand on it.
Make sure your heel is right up against a wall. This gives you the most accurate measurement—otherwise, you might accidentally angle your foot and cheat yourself out of a half size.
3. Trace around your foot.
Stand tall and still (or as still as possible). If someone’s around, have them trace for you—it’s easier and more accurate. Go all the way around your foot, keeping the pencil vertical (don’t tilt it or you’ll add extra length).
4. Mark the longest point.
Usually it’s your big toe, but for some folks, the second toe takes the crown. Mark the tip of the longest toe and the back of your heel.
5. Measure heel to toe in inches or centimeters.
That’s your foot length! Super easy, right?
6. Now repeat with the other foot.
Yup—your feet might not be twins. One is often slightly bigger than the other, so go with the longer one when picking your shoe size.
Bonus: Want a Comfy Fit? Check the Width
If your shoes often feel tight or too roomy on the sides, it’s smart to measure the width too.
Here’s how:
- Take that same outline.
- Find the widest part of your foot—usually across the ball, just below your toes.
- Measure straight across from side to side.
That gives you an idea if you need narrow, standard, or wide shoes. (Some brands offer multiple width options—like New Balance or Brooks—while others stick to one-size-fits-most.)
Little Tips That Make a Big Difference:
- Measure in the evening.
Your feet are they’re at their largest in the evening. After a full day of walking and standing, your feet naturally swell a bit—so this helps you get the most accurate fit. - Stand up when measuring.
Your full weight makes your feet spread out a little, just like they do when you walk or run. - Double-check if you’re in-between sizes.
If you’re halfway between two sizes, go up—especially for running shoes or boots. - Use the same units as your size chart.
If you’re converting to EU, it’s easier to measure in centimeters. For US/UK, inches work best.
How to Use a Brannock Device
The cold metal contraption at the shoe store is called a Brannock Device, and believe it or not, it’s still one of the most accurate tools for measuring your feet.
If you’ve got access to a Brannock device—maybe at a local running store or a big department store—that’s great. If not, no worries! Here’s a downloadable version for both men and women.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Stand up and place your heel in the cup at the back.
Make sure your heel is all the way in. The cup cradles your foot in the right spot so the length measurement isn’t off.
2. Slide the length bar until it touches your longest toe.
Remember: not everyone’s longest toe is the big toe! Whatever sticks out the furthest gets measured.
3. Read your size at the toe marker.
Boom—there’s your US size. If it lands between two lines, go with the next half size up.
4. Now check your width.
Slide the width bar (on the side of the device) gently until it just touches the outside of your foot. You’ll see letters like B (narrow), D (standard), or EE (wide). That’s your width size.
5. Measure both feet.
Because again—they’re probably not exactly the same. Go with the larger size for comfort.
Pro tip: Most people actually wear shoes that are a little too small, especially in width. So don’t be surprised if the Brannock Device tells you something slightly different than what you’ve always worn.
These are the charts again…
US Shoe Size to EU
Men’s
Women’s
Toddlers
Little Kids
Little Kids
Final Thoughts
If you’re moving from American to European sizes, it’s easy to get confused—especially when some brands run big, others run small, and half sizes seem to disappear in translation.
A good conversion calculator or chart is a solid starting point, but it’s not everything. You also need to think about how the brand fits, what type of shoe you’re buying, and whether the sizing tends to run narrow or wide.
I’ve seen plenty of people jump a full size up or down based on bad advice or assumptions—and most of the time, they end up with shoes that don’t feel right.
So here’s my take: follow the guide, pay attention to brand-specific sizing notes, and always try shoes on at the end of the day (your feet swell—it’s a real thing).
And if you’re ordering online, double-check the return policy.
Tried converting your American shoe size to European size recently? Let me know how it went—drop your experience or questions in the comments below. I always read them.