Shoe Size Chart Measurement Guide
With the current state of the world, buying shoes online is an even better idea than before. While you may still hesitate, there are many reasons to pursue the exciting, convenient world of online shoe shopping! The best one is you can find shoes that fit.
Incredible Selection
The selection online for men's, women's and children's shoes far exceeds what retail locations could carry. As a warehouse, we can stock shelves much higher and deeper, so you get a better selection. No more trying to choose between two pairs that aren't quite right. You can now get exactly what you want.
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Shoes That Fit - Use Our Shoe Size Chart
With the help of a men's and women's shoe size conversion chart, you can shop for shoes manufactured all across the globe. Sizes differ quite a lot, depending on where you live. Mostly, it's the way the sizes are labelled that changes, not the sizes themselves. So, in the United States, you may be a single digit shoe size, while in South Korea, you would have a three-digit size.
Why Are Shoes Sizes Different Around The World?
When you take a look at a shoe sizing chart that spans across different places, you may wonder, why do shoe sizes change per country?
It surely would be simpler if every country followed the same measurements, but that’s not the case. Each method for measuring feet is derived from something deeply rooted in that country's history and culture.
British Shoe Sizes
The first example we’ll get into is in the UK. Their sizing, much like most of their other measurements, has origins that are the easiest to trace.
Developed by King Edward II in 1324, people used to measure their feet using barleycorn. A barleycorn is a small unit of length that's about 1/3 of an inch (0.8467cm.) These barleycorns are still used as the basis of shoe sizes in many English-speaking countries like Ireland, India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
The smallest size considered to be practical is called a size zero. But then again, nothing is formally standardized. The child's size zero is about 4" long, and here's where it gets complicated. A hand equals 12 barleycorns, which is 10.16 cm. Sizes go up to 13 1/2 , which is 25 1/2 barleycorns, 8 1/2 inches, or 21.59 cm.
European Shoe Sizes
In the European Union, the measurement system is the exact length of your foot (in Paris points) with an additional two centimeters for comfort in the toe box. You might think it would be simpler to measure your feet in centimeters. Instead, EU sizes use Paris points, which are 2/3 of a single centimeter.
This European shoe sizing system is used in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and most of the other continental European countries.
Also, Middle Eastern countries like Iran, Brazil, in South America and Hong Kong use the same method but subtract two cm. from the results. Essentially, they measure foot size instead of the part of the shoe called the last (which is longer than your foot).
US Size and Canada Shoes Sizes
In the US and Canada, different systems are used at the same time. The sizes are usually similar but not the same, especially for really big athletic shoes. Men's shoes are one size shorter than the British sizes, so a US size men's 13 is the same size as a UK men's 12. This is because the shoe measuring system is similar to UK sizes, but in North America, shoes start at size one instead of zero.
How Do You Find Shoes That Fit?
Even before you start looking at all the different men's, women's and children's shoe size conversion charts, you first need to know how to find your correct shoe size. In a retail location, you have probably tried on shoes to see how they fit your feet. Finding shoes that fit is usually a process of trial and error that can sometimes make people hesitate to buy shoes online.
But usually. people walk into a retail store, find a pair of shoes they like from the display, and ask, "Can I get this in a size 7?" No measurements. All you really have to go on is the size of the shoes in your closet. And that can work. But, when you shop online, it's best to use every tool at your disposal, and some quick measurements often make a HUGE difference.
Take a few minutes to measure your feet before ordering to make online shoe shopping much more relaxed and less time consuming.
Below are our favorite ways to find your correct shoe size and assure you find shoes that fit.
1. Use a Tape Measure
The first and least expensive way to measure your feet is to use a tape measure that you likely have around the house. This measuring method will give you the country-specific shoe size. Then, you can convert that size using one of the charts in this guide.
Step #1: Map Your Foot
Look for a piece of paper that is larger than your foot. Put the piece of paper on the ground and step on it. Then, use a dark-colored pencil to trace the outline of your foot onto the paper. Repeat this process for both feet.
Step #2: Measure the Tracing
Once you have successfully traced your feet, use your measuring tape to measure the length and width of your feet. Write the measurements down, as you’ll need them for the next step.
Step #3: Check a Foot Sizing Chart
At this point, you should have your foot size in inches (or centimeters) available for you to use. You’ll want to focus mostly on the length of your foot, as it determines the size. Use the children, men's, and women's shoe size charts, to convert your shoe size measurement in inches to USA sizing.
2. How to Use a Brannock Device Like in the Shoe Stores
Another popular option for measuring your feet is to learn how to use a Brannock device. This is the fancy metal device you typically see in shoe stores that their associates use to measure your foot size. Using a Brannock device is quite simple with these steps.
Step #1: Prepare the Device
Make sure that before measuring your feet, you extend the width all the way. Make sure the arch length indicator is all the way back so that you can put your foot in the device.
Brannock foot measuring device
Step #2: Place Your Foot on the Device
Remove your shoes and socks. Stand up on the Brannock device with your right heel pushed back into the right heel cup. Make sure you put pressure down onto the device.
Step #3: Measure the Length
It's usually easier to have someone else read the device for you. Otherwise, your foot may shift and give you an incorrect reading. While you stand and press your toes flat against the Brannock device, read the toe length shown above the longest toe.
Step #4: Measure the Arch Length
Next, you’re going to want to use the arch pointer to measure the arch length. Slide the pointer tip so that the inside of it fits on the ball joint of the foot. When properly positioned, the middle of the foot should be against the ball joint, and you will be able to read the arch measurement.
Step #5: Find Your Shoe Size
The last step to using the Brannock device is to figure out your actual shoe size. You’ll want to compare the heel-to-toe length to the arch length and use the larger of the two measurements to find the size.
You'll want to compare the heel to toe length to the arch length and use the larger of the two measurements to find the size. If both measures are equal, that is your shoe size. If the heel-to-toe is more substantial, that is your shoe size.
Although the Brannock device may appear complicated, learning how to use the device is much simpler than you might think. This is the tool professionals use to be sure they find shoes that fit properly.
Shop assistant measuring customer's foot with Brannock device.
How Much Toe Room Do I Need in My Shoes?
If you’ve ever worn shoes that are too small for your feet, you likely know how uncomfortable it is, very quickly. There’s nothing worse than feeling your toes push up against the toe box of your shoes throughout the day. So, the short answer to how much toe room you should you have in your shoes, is to have at least half an inch of space.
A half-inch should give you more than enough wiggle room to adjust your feet, so they remain comfortable. Also, it accommodates different thicknesses of socks, depending on the weather. Most importantly, it’s not too much space where you won’t be able to tighten your shoes for an optimal fit.
How Much Difference is a Half Shoe Size?
If you were to ask any shoe fanatic, there’s a significant difference between whole and half shoe sizes. When you start shopping, you might ask yourself how much difference a half shoe size is. Made in a way that is comfortable for someone who falls halfway in between two regular sizes, half size shoes are a fantastic option.
On average, half a shoe size is about a 1/3" difference.
You will find half shoe sizes offer slightly more room, which is what makes them an excellent option for someone who might not fit into a ten but would see an 11 as being too large.
At times, they may also mean that the width of the shoe is slightly larger than full sizes. For many, merely going up half a shoe size means far less foot fatigue and the ability to walk and run for more extended periods.
A half size can be the difference between sore feet and shoes that fit.
How Shoe Sizes Run in the Real World
When figuring out how shoe sizes run in the real world, the most important thing to do is to make sure you measure your feet before buying a pair of shoes. You'll also want to remember that although you wear a size nine in runners, you might need a size 10 in combat boots or a nine-and-a-half in ballet flats.
Armed with careful measurements, look at the shoe description online to decide what size to order. Take note of how different types of shoes fit you in the past and use your best judgement. By far, the best way to figure out what size shoe is best for the pair you’re interested in is to try them on in-person. When trying your shoes on, you’ll want to walk around in them for a few minutes and get a feeling for how they fit.
Ensure you lace both shoes up fully and are wearing a comfortable pair of socks. Properly lacing the shoes should give you more than a good idea of whether the size is right for you or if you need to size up or size down.
The NDP Group (a global consumer retail tracking company) reported that the US footwear industry grew by 7% in the first six months back in 2018. Online purchases accounted for 90% of those gains. Sport leisure categories and women's fashion shoes drive the growth. NDP Group now reports that 36% of online shoppers purchase footwear online.
This appears to be the new normal, as e-commerce shoe shopping continues to grow every day!
Men's Shoe Size and Women's Shoe Size Chart
Below are tables presenting the different adult's and kid's shoe sizes, in inches and centimeters, used in different countries, including European shoe size conversions.
US: Inches to Centimeters Men's Shoe Size Chart for Men
US: Inches to Centimeters Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Women
US: Inches to Centimeters Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Children
Top 3 Things to Know about US to Inches to Centimeters Shoe Size Chart Conversions
- Using inches or centimeters is the best way to measure your feet's shoe size at home.
- Inches and centimeter conversions are the correct lengths of your feet.
- This measurement is easy to accomplish with a ruler.
US Size to UK Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Men, Women and Children
Top Three Things to Know about US to UK Shoe Size Conversions
- UK shoe sizing is the oldest sizing method in the world.
- In addition to barleycorn, shoe sizes were once measured by thumb widths.
- When buying UK shoes, opt for one full size smaller than US sizes.
US to EU Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Men, Women and Children
Top 3 Things to Know about US to EU Shoe Size Conversions
- It’s very rare for shoes measured in Paris points to be available in half sizes.
- You’ll find EU shoe sizes typically start at 15 for children.
- On average, you add 33 to men’s US shoe sizes and 31 to women’s US shoe sizes to get EU sizes.
US to AU Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Men, Women and Children
Top 3 Things to Know about US to AU Shoe Size Conversions
- With AU sizes, men’s and children’s sizes follow the UK model.
- Women’s shoe sizes follow US sizing.
- AU sizing is also used in New Zealand.
US to MX Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Men, Women and Children
Top 3 Things to Know about US to MX Shoe Size Conversions
- There's an easy formula to convert shoe size to MX, and that is (3 x foot length in inches) – 25.5.
- Mexico sizing is another alternative to the barleycorn system.
- You can also find your MX shoe size by measuring your feet in centimeters.
US to Asian Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Men
US to Asian Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Women
US to Asian Shoe Size Conversion Chart for Children
Top 3 Things to Know about US to Asia Shoe Size Conversions
- Japanese foot sizes are measured using Mondopoint.
- Some Asian sizes may be explained in letters, such as “EEEE”.
- Your feet can be measured in centimeters with Chinese shoe sizes.
Mondopoint Shoe Sizes
You'll also see some shoes from the United Kingdom, India, Mexico, and some European countries using the Mondopoint system. NATO and some military organizations use Mondopoint because it offers such an accurate footwear measurement. The measurements include foot length, width, and perimeter (circumference) defined in the Mondopoint standard.
Introduced in the 1970's by International Standards, the Mondopoint system uses average foot length and width, measured in millimeters. The length is measured as the horizontal distance between the end of the prominent toe and the back part of the heel. The width is measured as a horizontal distance between the vertical lines from the first to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joints. The perimeter is the length of the foot's circumference, measured using a flexible tape at the same point as the foot's width.
The labeling looks unusual to most civilians. The sizes include foot length and then width. For example, 280/110 is a typical shoe size in Mondopoint. It indicates the foot length is 280 millimeters (11.0 inches) and the width is 110 millimeters (4.3 inches). Sometimes, they add the US, EU, or UK sizes, too.
Because Mondopoint considers the foot width, it tends to create shoes that fit better than other sizing systems, even without a fitting. That's why military organizations frequently use this system.
What's the Difference Between Men's and Women's Shoes?
Men and women's shoes are as different as men's and women's feet! And as different as men's and women's fashion. They differ in many ways ranging from the way they're designed to the way they fit on your feet.
But the most well-known difference is that men’s shoes are wider than women’s shoes because men’s feet are characteristically larger. Because of the option for wider shoes, many women prefer to buy men’s shoes, especially when searching for sneakers or other comfy shoes.
Another significant difference you're sure to notice when you go shopping is that men’s sizes are numerically “smaller” than women’s sizes. The differences in dimensions can be confusing at times, as you may wonder, does that mean men’s feet are smaller?
No, that's not the case. The sizes are smaller numerically and not in physical size. Men's shoes are actually bigger than women's shoes. Usually, men's shoes are 1 1/2 inches longer and 2 widths broader than the same size women's shoes. So, a size 9 men's shoe is a size 10 1/2 in women's shoes. Plus, men's shoes come in a standard D width, while women's shoes are a standard B width.
As time goes on, it becomes harder to answer what is the difference between men's and women's shoes because fashion crosses over so often. Unisex designs also make it easier to find the perfect size shoe if you’re a woman with larger feet or a man with smaller feet.
Today, there’s no need to worry about guidelines when selecting shoes as there are a wide variety of styles in plenty of different sizes for you to choose from.
Final Thoughts
When you have the right men's and women's shoe size conversion chart to use, you'll always be able to find shoes that fit no matter where you shop. Even if you’re merely curious about what size feet you would have in Japan, Australia, or even the UK, these charts will help.
With these numerous exciting ways to calculate your sizing, finding the right shoes becomes much more straightforward!
Last Updated on December 19, 2021 by admin_comfortabledressshoes