Finding the right shoe size can be tricky, especially when you’re shopping online or buying shoes from another country. Because shoe sizes vary from brand to brand, knowing your foot’s length in centimeters can make a huge difference.
This guide breaks down shoe size conversions, with a focus on how to use your foot’s CM measurement to find the perfect fit.
Decoding shoe size systems
Shoe sizes vary around the globe. Here are a few of the most common systems:
- U.S. sizing: A U.S. woman’s size is usually two sizes larger than the equivalent men’s size. In other words, a men’s size 8 is often a women’s size 10.
- U.K. sizing: The U.K. system is different from the U.S. system, and there’s not a direct conversion.
- European sizing: To convert from U.S. sizes to European sizes, you can often add 31 to the U.S. size.
- Australian sizing: Australian sizes are similar to U.S. sizes, but there can be some differences.
Many shoe manufacturers also list the shoe length in centimeters (cm). This measurement can be more precise than relying on a shoe size alone.
Shoe size conversion charts and methods
If you’re trying to compare shoe sizes across different sizing systems, conversion charts can be a good place to start. Here are some things to keep in mind as you’re trying to find the right fit.
Utilizing shoe size conversion charts
It’s important to remember that the conversions on a shoe size chart are only approximate. You’ll find separate charts for women’s, men’s, children’s, and infants’ shoes, as the sizes differ quite a bit.
For example, a women’s US size 7 converts to a UK size 5, a European size 37-38, and a foot length of roughly 9.25 inches or 23.5 cm. A men’s US size 10 converts to a UK size 9.5, a European size 43-44, and a foot length of approximately 11 inches or 27.9 cm.
Factors affecting shoe size conversion accuracy
Foot shape and shoe construction both play a big role in how a shoe will fit. As the folks at Fleet Feet put it:
“Because the foot is three-dimensional, any two-dimensional measuring tool, such as a ruler or Brannock device®, can only approximate your true shoe size.”
Width can also affect fit, and women’s shoes are often made more narrow than men’s. There can also be big differences in sizing from brand to brand. As one UK shoe company states, their size chart is only a guide based on international measuring conventions and years of experience fitting shoes. They go on to say that the right shoe size for any one customer can vary quite a bit from style to style, even within the same brand.
How to Measure Your Feet for the Right Shoe Size
Getting the right shoe size starts with measuring your feet accurately. Here’s how:
- Measure your feet at the end of the day, when they’re at their largest.
- Stand up straight, putting your full weight on your foot.
- Wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes you’re buying. As one expert put it, “Make sure you are standing, wearing the socks or stockings you will wear with your new shoes.”
- Use a ruler or a Brannock device to measure both the length and width of your feet.
Then, use a shoe size conversion chart to find your size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is US shoe size in cm?
There’s no single, definitive answer because shoe sizes can vary slightly between brands. However, you can use a shoe size chart to convert your foot length in centimeters to a US shoe size. Keep in mind that these charts provide an approximation, so it’s always best to try shoes on if possible.
How many cm is a 42 shoe size?
A European shoe size 42 typically corresponds to a foot length of around 26.7 cm. However, it’s crucial to confirm this with the specific shoe brand’s size chart, as slight variations can occur. A size 42 in EU sizing is approximately a US men’s size 9 and a US women’s size 11.
What is my shoe size from cm?
To determine your shoe size from centimeters, measure your foot length by standing with your heel against a wall and measuring to the tip of your longest toe. Once you have your foot length in cm, consult a shoe size conversion chart for US, EU, or UK sizes. Remember to check the specific brand’s sizing information for the most accurate fit.
What is 23.5 cm in US shoe size?
A foot length of 23.5 cm generally corresponds to a US women’s size 6.5 or 7. For men, it’s roughly a US size 5 or 5.5. Always refer to a shoe size chart for the specific brand you’re interested in to ensure the best possible fit, as sizing can vary.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how shoe sizes convert, especially from centimeters, is important when you’re shopping online. While shoe sizes are standardized, they’re also approximate and vary by brand and shoe style.
Use the information in this article to find shoes that fit well and feel great.