Do European Shoes Generally Run Smaller than U.S. Sizes?
Are European Shoe Sizes Smaller Than Us? The styling of shoes can be very different, but the basic sizing is usually the same. For example, in some Puma tennis shoes, I wear 10 US, my normal size.
The ones that I like, Ferrari or BMW Puma shoes, are styled to be narrower, so I upsize to an 11 US for comfort. Simply put, the styling of shoes can be very different, so they should always be tried on.
European, American, and British clothing and shoe sizes differ in some ways. Here is a brief overview:
- Clothing: European clothing sizes are typically one size smaller than American and British sizes. For example, a European size 36 is equivalent to an American size 8 and a British size 10.
- Shoes: European shoe sizes are typically one size larger than American and British sizes. For example, a European size 40 is equivalent to an American size 8 and a British size 7.
- Bras: European bra sizes are typically one size smaller than American and British sizes. For example, a European bra size 75B is equivalent to an American size 34B and a British size 36B.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to these general rules. For example, some European countries, such as Italy and Spain, use their sizing systems that are different from the standard European sizing system.
It is also important to remember that the actual measurements of clothing and shoes can vary from one brand to another, even within the same country.
Therefore, it is always best to try on clothes and shoes before you buy them, regardless of the sizing system.
The Difference Between European and American Footwear Sizes
The most common sizing system in the United States is the American System, which has 3 full sizes for every inch and a 1/3 inch difference between full sizes.
There’s also a 1/6 inch difference between half sizes. However, these sizes aren’t consistent across different shoe styles or manufacturers.
Another common system is the French or European system, used by brands like Dr. Martens. In this system, each size increases by 2/3 centimeter, roughly equal to 4 sizes per inch.
With smaller size increments, there’s less need for half sizes, simplifying the fitting process. French-sized shoes often have limited width options and typically come in only one width.
Also, sizes in this system aren’t gender-specific; they’re based solely on foot length, further simplifying the fitting process and reducing inventory.
European Shoe Sizes Explained
Finding your perfect shoe size can be tricky. The foot is three-dimensional, so length isn’t the only consideration; width and height matter too. Plus, with brands from different parts of the world like the US and Europe, sizing can be even more confusing.
European adult sizes typically range from 35 to 49. But just as US sizes don’t directly correspond to foot length in inches, European sizes don’t directly correspond to foot length in centimeters.
Use size conversion charts to translate your US size to European size, but remember it’s just a general guide. Some brands might run small, while others might run large. Check brand-specific conversion charts for more accuracy.
General Rule of Thumb
To convert men’s US sizing to Euro Sizing, add 33 to your US shoe size. For example, if you wear a men’s US size 10 shoe, then size 43 is likely your Euro size.
For women’s US sizing, add 31 to your US shoe size to get Euro Sizing. For instance, if you wear a women’s US size 8 shoe, then size 39 is likely your Euro size.
European shoes often have a different fit compared to American ones. They tend to be narrower in the heel but wider in the toe box, which keeps the heel snug without cramming the toes.
Most European brands also offer more arch support than American ones. American shoes typically have a deeper toe box and more cushioning. These are general trends and may not apply to every brand.
How To Measure Your Shoe Size: Are European Shoe Sizes Smaller Than Us?
Here are some shoe size conversion charts for men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoes, covering US, UK, and European sizes, and inches.
If you’ve ever wondered about sizes like “What size shoe is a 38?” (It’s a men’s size 7.5 in the US) or “What is a size 40 in shoes?” (that’d be a US men’s size 9.5), you’re in the right place. Learn how to measure shoe sizes in different countries with our conversion charts.
You can measure your foot using a ruler or a Brannock device, but remember, feet are three-dimensional, so this method might only give you an approximation.
After measuring your foot, use our conversion charts to find your size. Keep in mind that different brands, like Altra running shoes vs. Brooks running shoes vs. Oboz hiking boots, may vary slightly in size.
Women’s Shoe Size Conversions
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
| 4 | 35 | 2 | 8.1875″ | 20.8 |
| 4.5 | 35 | 2.5 | 8.375″ | 21.3 |
| 5 | 35-36 | 3 | 8.5″ | 21.6 |
| 5.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 8.75″ | 22.2 |
| 6 | 36-37 | 4 | 8.875″ | 22.5 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 9.0625″ | 23 |
| 7 | 37-38 | 5 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 9.375″ | 23.8 |
| 8 | 38-39 | 6 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 8.5 | 39 | 6.5 | 9.6875″ | 24.6 |
| 9 | 39-40 | 7 | 9.875″ | 25.1 |
| 9.5 | 40 | 7.5 | 10″ | 25.4 |
| 10 | 40-41 | 8 | 10.1875″ | 25.9 |
| 10.5 | 41 | 8.5 | 10.3125″ | 26.2 |
| 11 | 41-42 | 9 | 10.5″ | 26.7 |
| 11.5 | 42 | 9.5 | 10.6875″ | 27.1 |
| 12 | 42-43 | 10 | 10.875″ | 27.6 |
Men’s Shoe Size Conversions
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
| 6 | 39 | 5.5 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 39 | 6 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 7 | 40 | 6.5 | 9.625″ | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 40-41 | 7 | 9.75″ | 24.8 |
| 8 | 41 | 7.5 | 9.9375″ | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 41-42 | 8 | 10.125″ | 25.7 |
| 9 | 42 | 8.5 | 10.25″ | 26 |
| 9.5 | 42-43 | 9 | 10.4375″ | 26.7 |
| 10 | 43 | 9.5 | 10.5625″ | 27 |
| 10.5 | 43-44 | 10 | 10.75″ | 27.3 |
| 11 | 44 | 10.5 | 10.9375″ | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 44-45 | 11 | 11.125″ | 28.3 |
| 12 | 45 | 11.5 | 11.25″ | 28.6 |
| 13 | 46 | 12.5 | 11.5625″ | 29.4 |
| 14 | 47 | 13.5 | 11.875″ | 30.2 |
| 15 | 48 | 14.5 | 12.1875″ | 31 |
| 16 | 49 | 15.5 | 12.5″ | 31.8 |
Big Kid Shoe Size Conversions (7 – 12 years)
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
| 3.5 | 35 | 2.5 | 8.625″ | 21.9 |
| 4 | 36 | 3 | 8.75″ | 22.2 |
| 4.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 9″ | 22.9 |
| 5 | 37 | 4 | 9.125″ | 23.2 |
| 5.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 9.25″ | 23.5 |
| 6 | 38 | 5 | 9.5″ | 24.1 |
| 6.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 9.625″ | 24.4 |
| 7 | 39 | 6 | 9.75″ | 24.8 |
Little Kid Shoe Size Conversions (4 – 7 years)
| US Sizes | Euro Sizes | UK Sizes | Inches | CM |
| 10.5 | 27 | 9.5 | 6.625″ | 16.8 |
| 11 | 28 | 10 | 6.75″ | 17.1 |
| 11.5 | 29 | 10.5 | 7″ | 17.8 |
| 12 | 30 | 11 | 7.125″ | 18.1 |
| 12.5 | 30 | 11.5 | 7.25″ | 18.4 |
| 13 | 31 | 12 | 7.5″ | 19.1 |
| 13.5 | 31 | 12.5 | 7.625″ | 19.4 |
| 1 | 32 | 13 | 7.75″ | 19.7 |
| 1.5 | 33 | 14 | 8″ | 20.3 |
| 2 | 33 | 1 | 8.125″ | 20.6 |
| 2.5 | 34 | 1.5 | 8.25″ | 21 |
| 3 | 34 | 2 | 8.5″ | 21.6 |
FAQ
What if I am Between Shoe Sizes?
It’s a good idea to size up, especially for active and sports shoes like running shoes and hiking boots.
Does 0.5 Size Make a Difference in Shoes?
Absolutely! Wearing shoes that are too small can lead to pain and injuries. Blisters, toenail loss, and bunions can all result from shoes that are just half a size too small. These are common issues for new runners.
Is One Foot Bigger Than the Other?
It’s common for one foot to be slightly bigger than the other. Our advice is to buy shoes that fit the larger foot and get pairs in the larger size if your feet are different sizes.
Should Shoes Be Tight or Loose?
This isn’t a straightforward answer. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. You should be able to fit a thumb’s width between your big toe and the end of the shoe.
Also, snugly fit your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe. If there’s not enough or too much space in these areas, try a different shoe size.
When Should I Try on Shoes?
A helpful tip for runners is to try on running shoes at the end of the workday. Like when you’re on your feet for work, your feet swell when you run. Trying on running shoes when your feet are at their largest ensures they’ll still fit comfortably after a long run.
What Size Shoe Should I Buy?
This shoe chart doesn’t guarantee your shoes will fit. If you’re in the Memphis, Tennessee area, visit one of our running specialty and gear stores. Our experienced fit experts will assist you!
Should I Size up or Down for European Shoes?
Convert men’s US sizing to Euro Sizing by adding 33 to your US shoe size. For example, if you wear a men’s US size 10 shoe then size 43 is likely your Euro size. Convert women’s US sizing to Euro Sizing by adding 31 to your US shoe size.
Is UK Smaller than US Shoe Size?
US and UK shoe sizes are measured in “barleycorns”, which are roughly 1/3″ in length. However, the US starts counting from 1, so US sizes are 1 unit larger than their UK equivalents.
That is to say, a US10 is the same length as a UK9, which are both 1/3″ longer than a US9 and UK8.
Are EU Sizes More Accurate?
EU sizing is generally more inconsistent than US and UK sizes. For example, my shoes are all labeled 10 or 10.5US, but the EU size labels vary between 42 to 45.
Are European Sizes Bigger or Smaller?
European clothing sizes are typically one size smaller than American and British sizes. For example, a European size 36 is equivalent to an American size 8 and a British size 10. Shoes: European shoe sizes are typically one size larger than American and British sizes.
Are European Shoes Bigger?
Size by Size
By comparison, we can conclude that a size 7, female, in America it’s 37/38 in Europe, and a male one it’s 39/40.
But we can’t draw these conclusions to the grave, since each brand and style have their own peculiarities, so it’s always better to try on the shoes before you buy them.
