Australian shoe size to US conversion depends on whether you’re shopping for men’s or women’s shoes.
Women’s Australian sizing commonly uses the same numbers as US women’s sizing, so an AU women’s 8 is typically a US women’s 8.
Men’s sizing works differently. Traditional Australian men’s sizing follows the UK scale, which means the US equivalent is usually higher.
Brand conversions can vary, though, so use the charts and calculator below as your starting point and check the brand’s own size chart before ordering.
AU to US Shoe Size Calculator
Women’s AU Shoe Size to US
For women, Australian and US shoe sizes commonly use the same numerical sizing scale. So if you normally wear an AU women’s 8, your general US equivalent is also a US women’s 8.
| Australian Size | US Women’s Size |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
| 4.5 | 4.5 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 9.5 | 9.5 |
| 10 | 10 |
| 10.5 | 10.5 |
| 11 | 11 |
| 11.5 | 11.5 |
| 12 | 12 |
| 13 | 13 |
Men’s AU Shoe Size to US
Traditional Australian men’s sizing generally follows the UK scale, but the US equivalent isn’t represented exactly the same way by every brand.
For a practical generic chart, I would use US men’s ≈ AU men’s + 1. For example, an AU men’s 8 is approximately a US men’s 9.
But this should be presented as a reference conversion, not a universal rule. Some manufacturer charts differ. New Balance, for example, maps UK 8 to US 8.5, while UK 7.5 maps to US 8.
| Australian Men’s Size | US Men’s Size |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6 |
| 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 6 | 7 |
| 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 7 | 8 |
| 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 8 | 9 |
| 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 9 | 10 |
| 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 10 | 11 |
| 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 11 | 12 |
| 11.5 | 12.5 |
| 12 | 13 |
| 13 | 14 |
| 14 | 15 |
| 15 | 16 |
Big Kids’ AU Shoe Size to US
Big kids’ Australian sizes are generally based on the UK children’s scale, so the US number is typically different. Use the chart below as a general conversion reference, but check the brand’s own kids’ size chart when possible.
| Australian Kids’ Size | US Kids’ Size |
|---|---|
| 2.5 | 3 |
| 3 | 3.5 |
| 3.5 | 4 |
| 4 | 4.5 |
| 4.5 | 5 |
| 5 | 5.5 |
| 5.5 | 6 |
| 6 | 6.5 |
| 6.5 | 7 |
Little Kids’ AU Shoe Size to US
Little kids’ Australian sizes generally follow the UK children’s scale, so the US equivalent is typically half a size higher. The age category is only a guide, so use the child’s measurements and the manufacturer’s chart when available.
| Australian Kids’ Size | US Kids’ Size |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10.5 |
| 10.5 | 11 |
| 11 | 11.5 |
| 11.5 | 12 |
| 12 | 12.5 |
| 12.5 | 13 |
| 13 | 13.5 |
| 13.5 | 1 |
| 1 | 1.5 |
| 1.5 | 2 |
| 2 | 2.5 |
Toddlers’ AU Shoe Size to US
Toddler Australian sizes generally follow the UK children’s scale, with the US equivalent typically half a size higher. These are general conversions, so the manufacturer’s chart should still be your final reference.
| Australian Toddler Size | US Toddler Size |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 |
| 4.5 | 5 |
| 5 | 5.5 |
| 5.5 | 6 |
| 6 | 6.5 |
| 6.5 | 7 |
| 7 | 7.5 |
| 7.5 | 8 |
| 8 | 8.5 |
| 8.5 | 9 |
| 9 | 9.5 |
| 9.5 | 10 |
Infants’ AU Shoe Size to US
Infant Australian sizes generally follow the UK children’s scale, while US infant sizing uses a slightly different numerical progression. Use these as general conversions and check the brand’s own chart when buying shoes for a baby.
| Australian Infant Size | US Infant Size |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0.5 |
| 0.5 | 1 |
| 1 | 1.5 |
| 1.5 | 2 |
| 2 | 2.5 |
| 2.5 | 3 |
| 3 | 3.5 |
| 3.5 | 4 |
Why Can the Same Australian Size Have Different US Conversions?
There isn’t one Australian-to-US conversion you can safely apply to every manufacturer.
Part of the problem is labeling. When you’re shopping from an Australian retailer, the number you’re looking at isn’t necessarily an AU size. Depending on the brand, the shoes may be listed in US, UK, EU, or AU sizing.
Then there’s the shoe itself. Brands use different lasts and internal dimensions, so two shoes with supposedly equivalent size labels can still fit differently.
That’s why it’s worth checking the sizing system shown on the product page before converting anything, then using the brand’s own chart when you’re ready to buy.
How Do I Convert US Shoe Size to Australian?
You can reverse the conversion using the same approach:
Women’s: Start with the same numerical size. A US women’s size will commonly correspond to the same Australian women’s size.
Men’s: The US size is generally higher than traditional Australian/UK men’s sizing, but the exact difference can vary by brand.
For kids, use the appropriate Big Kids, Little Kids, Toddler, or Infant category rather than converting the number on its own.
To make it easier, use the calculator above and select American (US) under “I have.” It will reverse the conversion and show the corresponding Australian size.
Do Australian Shoe Brands Use Australian Sizes?
Many do, but “Australian sizing” still doesn’t mean every Australian brand fits or labels shoes exactly the same way. The sizing system used can depend on the brand, the type of footwear, and even the particular last.
| Australian Brand | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Blundstone | Uses AU/UK sizing; half sizes work differently from a simple increase in length. |
| R.M.Williams | Uses AU/UK sizing and offers different width options. |
| Redback | Uses Australian sizing; half sizes primarily add width rather than length. |
| Wootten | Fit and sizing can vary depending on the last. |
The brand name alone therefore isn’t enough to choose a size. Blundstone and Redback are especially good examples: their half sizes don’t behave like the half-size progression many shoppers expect from US sneakers.
With R.M.Williams, width is another part of the equation, while Wootten’s different lasts can change how a given size feels.
Another useful example is Western Boot Barn, which lists different width options alongside its sizing guidance, including C and W widths.
Should I Use Foot Length Instead of Converting My Shoe Size?
If you’re buying from a brand you’ve never worn before, your foot length in centimeters can be more useful than relying only on an AU-to-US conversion. It gives you a measurement you can compare directly with the brand’s own size chart.
Measure both feet and use the larger measurement when choosing your size.
See my how to measure your feet at home guide for the complete step-by-step method.
Australian Shoe Size to US FAQ
Are Australian Shoe Sizes Unisex?
Not usually. Men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoes can use different sizing conventions in Australia, so an AU 8 doesn’t automatically mean the same thing across every category. Always check whether the size is listed as men’s, women’s, kids’, or specifically unisex.
Do Australian Shoes Come in Half Sizes?
Yes, many do, although availability depends on the brand and model. Also pay attention to what a half size actually changes. With some Australian boot brands, for example, moving to a half size may add width or volume without adding the amount of length you might expect.
Is Australian Shoe Size Based on Centimeters?
No. An Australian size number isn’t a direct measurement of your foot in centimeters. However, knowing your foot length in centimeters can be useful when comparing your measurements with a manufacturer’s size chart, especially when you’re unsure about an AU-to-US conversion.
Why Does My Australian Shoe Have a US Size on It?
Because shoes sold in Australia don’t necessarily use Australian sizing. International brands may label their footwear using US, UK, EU, or multiple sizing systems. The country where you bought the shoe doesn’t determine the sizing system printed on its label.
What Do the Letters Next to Australian Shoe Sizes Mean?
Letters such as B, D, E, EE, or W usually refer to shoe width rather than length. Their meaning can vary by brand and between men’s and women’s footwear, so don’t assume the same letter represents exactly the same width in every shoe.
Are Australian Shoe Widths the Same as US Shoe Widths?
Not necessarily. You may see familiar width labels such as D or EE on Australian footwear, but width conventions aren’t completely universal. A brand’s own width chart is more useful than relying on the letter alone.
Do Australian Kids’ Shoe Sizes Use the Same System as Adults?
No. Kids’ sizing has its own progression, so you shouldn’t convert a child’s AU size using the men’s or women’s rules. Use a dedicated kids’ conversion chart and check the age category the manufacturer uses.
Why Do Australian Kids’ Shoe Sizes Start Over After Size 13?
Kids’ sizing typically progresses through the smaller children’s sizes up to 13 and then starts again at 1 as it moves into larger youth sizes. So a kids’ size 1 is actually larger than a kids’ size 13.
Are Australian Shoe Sizes the Same in New Zealand?
You’ll often see Australian and New Zealand retailers group sizing together as AU/NZ, but don’t assume every shoe uses an identical sizing convention. International brands sold in either country may still use US, UK, or EU sizing.
Does the Type of Shoe Affect AU to US Size Conversion?
The numerical conversion itself is only a reference. A running shoe, boot, loafer, or dress shoe in the converted size can fit differently because the last, construction, and intended fit are different. Convert the size first, then check how that particular shoe is supposed to fit.
Final Thoughts
Shoe size labels are supposed to make shopping easier, but international sizing has a funny way of doing the opposite.
An Australian shoe size to US conversion can point you in the right direction, but I’d never let one number on a box overrule how a shoe actually fits.
If you’ve come across an Australian brand with a conversion that made you stop and double-check the label, drop the brand and your sizes in the comments.