So, you’re shopping for shoes and you see “Canadian size” pop up next to “US size,” and now you’re wondering… wait, is that even different?
It’s one of those little details that can trip you up, especially if you’re buying online or checking size charts from different retailers.
But here’s the thing—Canadian and US shoe sizes are actually the same. Yup, no conversion needed.
And oh… if you’re also trying to figure out how American sizes convert to European ones, Give that article a read as well. It clears up all that confusing number jumble.
Now, these are the Canadian to American shoe size charts you’re going to need for your next conversion…
Canadian Shoe Size to US
Women’s Shoe Size Chart
| CANADA/USA | UK | Europe |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 35 |
| 4.5 | 2.5 | 35 |
| 5 | 3 | 36 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 6 | 4 | 37 |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 |
| 7 | 5 | 38 |
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 |
| 8 | 6 | 39 |
| 8.5 | 6.5 | 39 |
| 9 | 7 | 40 |
| 9.5 | 7.5 | 40 |
| 10 | 8 | 41 |
| 10.5 | 8.5 | 41 |
| 11 | 9 | 42 |
| 11.5 | 9.5 | 42 |
| 12 | 10 | 43 |
| 12.5 | 10.5 | 43 |
| 13 | 11 | 45 |
| 13.5 | 11.5 | 45.5 |
| 14 | 12 | 46 |
| 15 | 13 | 47 |
Related: The Ultimate Wesco Boots Sizing Guide
Men’s Shoe Size Chart
| CANADA/USA | UK | Europe |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 40 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 40 |
| 7 | 6 | 41 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 41 |
| 8 | 7 | 42 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 42 |
| 9 | 8 | 43 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 43 |
| 10 | 9 | 44 |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 44 |
| 11 | 10 | 45 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 45 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 |
| 13 | 12 | 47 |
| 14 | 13 | 48 |
| 15 | 14 | 49 |
| 16 | 15 | 50 |
Related: The Ultimate Truman Boot Sizing Guide
Kids’ Shoe Size Chart
| CANADA/USA | UK | Europe |
|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 9 | 27 |
| 11 | 9.5 | 27.5 |
| 11.5 | 10 | 28 |
| 12 | 10.5 | 28.5 |
| 12.5 | 11 | 29 |
| 13 | 11.5 | 30 |
| 13.5 | 12 | 30.5 |
| 1 | 12.5 | 31.5 |
| 1.5 | 13 | 32.5 |
| 2 | 13.5 | 33 |
| 2.5 | 1 | 33.5 |
| 3 | 1.5 | 34 |
| 3.5 | 2 | 35 |
| 4 | 2.5 | |
| 4.5 | 3 | 36 |
| 5 | 3.5 | 37 |
| 5.5 | 4 | |
| 6 | 4.5 |
Related: Viberg Boot Sizing Guide
Baby’s Shoe Size Chart
| CANADA/USA | UK | Europe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | |
| 1.5 | 16 | |
| 2 | 1 | 17 |
| 2.5 | 1 | 17 |
| 3 | 2 | 18 |
| 3.5 | 2 | 18 |
| 4 | 3 | 19 |
| 4.5 | 3 | 20 |
| 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 5.5 | 4 | 21 |
| 6 | 5 | 21 |
| 6.5 | 5 | 22 |
| 7 | 6 | 22 |
| 7.5 | 6 | 23 |
| 8 | 7 | 24 |
| 8.5 | 7 | 25 |
| 9 | 8 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 8 | 27 |
| 10 | 9 | 27 |
Related: Parkhurst Boots Sizing Guide
But Hold On—Fit Still Matters (A Lot)
Even though the American and Canadian sizing systems are technically the same, that doesn’t mean every shoe fits the same way because the number might match, but the feel can be completely different depending on the brand.
Let me give you a quick example: I once ordered the same size in both Nike and Adidas, thinking I was being smart… only to realize they fit like two totally different shoes.
If you’ve ever wondered how Adidas sneakers actually fit, I put together a full guide on Adidas sizing that breaks it all down.
Nike tends to run a bit small, especially in the toe box and Adidas usually feel a little roomier. So even if both say “Size 9,” your feet might disagree.
If you’re curious about how Nike sizing really works, here’s a full breakdown of Nike’s sizing guide—it’ll help you figure out if you need to size up or down.
Also, if you’ve ever worn the classic Converse Chuck Taylors, you know they run big. Most people size down a full size to get the right fit. But if you did that with, say, New Balance, that’s a different story.
So, what should you do? Here’s what I’d say: don’t just go by the number. Always check how a specific brand fits. See if the company says their shoes run small, large, or true to size. A little research here can save you from sore feet later.
Oh, and if you’re buying online, see if there’s a free return policy. You never really know until you try them on.
What do you think—have you ever been surprised by how differently two “same size” shoes can fit?
By the way, if you’re trying to figure out how Australian shoe sizes compare to US sizes, I’ve got a full guide on Aussie to US sizing that makes it super easy to follow.
How to Measure Your Feet
So many people are walking around in shoes that are too small, too tight, or just plain uncomfortable because they’ve never properly measured their feet.
Head to a Store and Let the Pros Help
Seriously, if you can swing it, go to a shoe store, one with trained staff who actually know how to measure feet. They’ll use a Brannock Device.
The Brannock Device was invented in the 1920s by Charles Brannock. He wanted a better way to measure feet than the wooden rulers stores were using. And honestly, his invention is still the gold standard today. It measures three things—length, width, and arch length, which all matter when it comes to how a shoe fits.
You’ll get a more complete picture of what size you actually need, not just the number, but whether you should go for wide sizes, or if your arch length means you need to size up or down in certain brands.
How to Measure Your Feet at Home
You can still get a pretty good measurement at home with just a few things:
- A piece of paper (bigger than your foot)
- A pencil or pen
- A ruler or measuring tape
- Socks (the kind you usually wear with shoes)
Here’s what to do:
Do it at the end of the day. Your feet swell a bit as the day goes on. Measuring them in the evening gives you a more realistic idea of your true size.
- Put the paper on a hard floor. Carpet throws things off.
- Stand up straight and place your foot on the paper. You want your full weight on it. That’s how your foot naturally spreads out.
- Trace around your foot. Keep the pen straight up, not at an angle.
- Mark the longest and widest points. Measure from heel to toe and across the widest part of your foot.
- Write down the numbers. Do both feet because one is usually a little bigger.
Once you’ve got those numbers, use a shoe size chart like the ones below
Fit Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore
Now, measuring your feet is great, but knowing how a shoe should fit makes all the difference.
Your toes need wiggle room. You should have about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If your toes are touching the front, it’s too small.
The heel should feel snug but not tight. If it’s slipping, that’s a red flag. But if it’s digging in, that’s no good either.
Check the width. Don’t just squeeze into a regular size if you’ve got wide feet. A lot of people do that and end up blaming the shoe, when really it’s just the wrong width.
Try shoes on with the socks you normally wear. Thicker or thinner socks can totally change the fit.
Walk around in them. Stand, walk, maybe even do a little hop. Make sure nothing pinches, rubs, or feels off.
Oh, and here’s something people don’t always think about—your feet change over time. Weight gain, pregnancy, aging, and even injuries can change your size or shape. So even if you think you’ve been the same size forever, it’s still a good idea to re-measure once a year.
Have you ever measured your feet and been surprised by the results? Or maybe you realized you’ve been wearing the wrong size all along? Let me know—I’d love to hear what happened.
Final Thoughts
So, to sum it all up—Canadian and US shoe sizes might look the same on paper, but that doesn’t mean every shoe will feel the same on your feet.
The number is just the starting point. What really matters is how each brand fits, how your feet are shaped, and whether you’re wearing the right size in the first place.
If you can, get your feet measured with a Brannock at a store (seriously, it’s worth it). But even at home, a simple paper-and-pencil trick can get you surprisingly accurate results.
Oh, and don’t forget—brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and New Balance all have their quirks. So check their size guides and when in doubt, try them on or buy from a store with a good return policy.
What do you think—have you been wearing the right size all along? Or is it time for a little shoe size reality check?