US to EU Shoe Size Converter

Online Shopping Is the #1 Reason

Cross-border online shoe shopping has made size conversion a daily problem. A buyer in Europe orders sneakers from a US retailer; an American orders European dress shoes; a parent buys kids' shoes from an international brand. Returns on shoes are notoriously high precisely because size systems differ, and a wrong guess means shipping costs and waiting twice. The charts below use the industry-standard conversions most brands follow, but every serious shopper should also measure their foot length in centimeters, because EU sizing is ultimately based on it.

Two things make shoe sizes confusing: men's and women's scales differ, and half sizes exist in some systems but not others. EU sizes are gender-neutral and based on centimeters, while US sizes are gender-specific. This page keeps all three categories separate so you never mix them up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the men's chart for women's shoes. US women's sizes run about 1.5 sizes larger than men's. US women's 8 is roughly US men's 6.5, and the EU equivalents differ by about 2.
• Assuming one EU size fits all brands. Nike, Adidas, and European dress shoes all use "EU 42" but their lasts differ. Always read the brand's size guide.
• Buying the same size for every season. Hiking boots and running shoes need more toe room; sandals can be more fitted. Sizing by foot length in cm avoids most problems.
• Ignoring width. EU sizes are mostly length-only. If you have wide feet, check for W or wide options, especially with US brands.

Worked Example by Hand

Convert US men's size 9 to EU, and check with centimeters:

1. Use the men's rule: 9 + 33 = EU 42.
2. Verify by foot length: US men's 9 corresponds to about 27 cm of foot length.
3. EU sizing is roughly (foot cm × 1.5) + 2: (27 × 1.5) + 2 = 42.5, so EU 42–42.5.
4. Conclusion: US men's 9 = EU 42, and if you measure 27 cm, that confirms it.

US to EU Size Charts

Men's Shoes

Women's Shoes

Kids' Shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a US size 9 in EU sizes?

US men's 9 = EU 42. US women's 9 = EU 40. The scales are different by gender, so never mix them.

Is EU shoe size the same for men and women?

EU sizes are unisex and based on foot length, but because men's and women's US sizes differ, the US-to-EU tables differ by about 2 EU sizes.

How do I measure my EU shoe size?

Stand on a piece of paper, trace your foot, measure heel-to-toe in cm, then compare with the chart's foot-cm column. Add a little room (~1 cm) for socks and comfort.

Why is my EU size different between brands?

Brands use different lasts (foot molds) and fits. A "EU 42" in a running shoe may fit like a "EU 42.5" in a dress shoe. When in doubt, order by foot length in cm.

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