Japanese Shoe Size Chart and Conversion Guide
Knowing your shoe size is important, especially if you’re buying shoes online or outside of your home country. For example, shoe sizes in Europe are not the same as Asian shoe sizes. So, when you’re in a foreign country like Japan, you must know their shoe sizing system to find your correct shoe size. Especially if you are buying online from a boutique. This article covers everything you need to know about Japanese shoes and conversion instructions, including shoe size conversion tables and information on renowned shoe brands.
How Are Japanese Shoes Different Than That Of the US?
Japanese shoe sizing differs greatly from US sizes. Compared to the other systems, this sizing system is the most straightforward. Shoe sizes in Japan are measured in centimeters, with no distinction between men's, women's, and kids’ shoe sizing.
Additionally, Japanese shoes are smaller than those in the United States. On average, shoe sizes for men and women range from 21.5 to 30 cm. This is roughly equivalent to 6-14 sizes in the US.
Here are a few minor distinctions that set Japanese shoes apart:
- Unique style - Traditional Japanese shoes, such as geta, waraji, jika-tabi, and zori, have a distinct style that is rarely seen in the United States.
- Woven into the culture - There are numerous customs and traditions associated with shoes in Japanese culture. For example, it's customary to take your shoes off before entering a guest's home or a temple.
- Used materials - In contrast to US shoes, traditional Japanese footwear is commonly made of natural materials like leather, hemp, and rice straw.
Japanese Shoe Sizes for Men, Women, and Kids
Japanese men’s shoes start at 23.5 cm and are available only up to size 28 cm, which is equivalent to a US shoe size 10. Though some brands in Japan provide up to 31.5 sizes for men's shoes, it can still be hard to find larger-sized shoes in Japan.
Women's shoe sizes start at 21.5 cm up to 26 cm. But many brands and larger shoe stores provide bigger shoe sizes (up to 30-31). These shoes are narrower than equivalent US women's shoes. So remember that while making your purchase.
Also, kid's shoe sizes are available 10-21.5 cm in Japan.
Japanes Shoe Size Conversion chart (US, UK, Europe, Japan)
Women's shoe size conversion chart
| Inches | Japan (centimeters) | US W | UK W | Europe W |
| 8.5 | 21.5 | 5 | 3 | 35/36 |
| 8.7 | 22 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 |
| 8.9 | 22.5 | 6 | 4 | 36/37 |
| 9.1 | 23 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 |
| 9.3 | 23.5 | 7 | 5 | 37/38 |
| 9.4 | 24 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 |
| 9.6 | 24.5 | 8 | 6 | 38/39 |
| 9.8 | 25 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 39 |
| 10.0 | 25.5 | 9 | 7 | 39/40 |
| 10.2 | 26 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 40 |
| 10.6 | 27 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 41 |
| 11 | 28 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 42 |
| 11.4 | 29 | 13 | 11 | 43/44 |
| 11.8 | 30 | 14 | 12 | 44/45 |
Men's shoe size conversion chart
| Inches | Japan (Centimeters) | US | UK | Europe |
| 9.3 | 23.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 39 |
| 9.4 | 24 | 6.5 | 6 | 39/40 |
| 9.6 | 24.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 9.8 | 25 | 7.5 | 7 | 40/41 |
| 10.0 | 25.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 41 |
| 10.2 | 26 | 8.5 | 8 | 41/42 |
| 10.4 | 26.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 42 |
| 10.6 | 27 | 9.5 | 9 | 42/43 |
| 10.8 | 27.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 43 |
| 11.0 | 28 | 10.5 | 10 | 43/44 |
| 11.2 | 28.5 | 11 | 10.5 | 44 |
| 11.4 | 29 | 12 | 11.5 | 45 |
| 11.8 | 30 | 13 | 12.5 | 46 |
| 12.2 | 31 | 14 | 13.5 | 47 |
Shoe size conversion chart for Kids
| Inches | Japan (Centimeters) | USA (Y = Youth) | UK (Y = Youth) | Europe |
| 4 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 17 |
| 4.3 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| 5 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 19 |
| 5.12 | 12.5 | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 5.25 | 13.5 | 6 | 5 | 22 |
| 5.5 | 14 | 7 | 6 | 23 |
| 5.8 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 24 |
| 5.9 | 15.5 | 9 | 8 | 25 |
| 6.1 | 16 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 26 |
| 6.25 | 16.5 | 10 | 9 | 27 |
| 6.5 | 17 | 10 | 10 | 28 |
| 6.6 | 17.5 | 11 | 10 | 28 |
| 6.8 | 18 | 12 | 11 | 29 |
| 7.5 | 19 | 13 | 12 | 30 |
| 7.6 | 19.5 | 1Y | 13 | 32 |
| 7.9 | 20 | 1Y | 13.5 | 32 |
| 8.2 | 21 | 2Y | 1.5Y | 33 |
| 8.5 | 21.5 | 3Y | 2Y | 34 |
Keep in mind that these figures could change depending on the seller as different sellers have different ideas about when to round up or down the numbers.
How to Convert Shoe Size
That's simple! Measure the longest part of your feet and compare it to the closest Japanese shoe size on the chart above.
Measure both legs and use the longest line you can find. It is also a good idea to measure twice to ensure that the measurements are correct.
Here are some pointers for getting the correct shoe sizes:
- Round to the nearest size - It's important to round your converted shoe size to the nearest whole number because shoes are typically sold in whole sizes. If the converted shoe size falls between two whole sizes, round up to the nearest whole size for a comfortable fit.
- Try on the shoes if you can - Remember that shoe sizes can vary slightly between brands and styles, so try on shoes or check with the manufacturer's size chart to ensure the best fit.
What size is Japanese men's 30 shoe size in US shoes?
The size 30 for men’s shoes in Japan is equivalent to size 13 in the USA shoe size, which is 29.4 cm in length (around 11.56 inches)
What size is Japanese women's 22 shoe size in US shoes?
Japanese 22 shoe size for women is equivalent to size 5.5 in the USA shoe size, which is 22.2 cm in length (around 8.75 inches)
What Are Some of The Popular Japanese Shoe Brands?
Some of the most popular Japanese shoe brands are Yohji Yamamoto, Onitsuka Tiger, ISSEY MIYAKE, ASICS, Mizuno, Losers, Visvim, Suicoke, Hender Scheme, Comme des Garçons Play, etc.
Onitsuka Tiger shoe image from their official site
As previously indicated, shoe sizes can vary between brands. Here is an example of the brand Onitsuka Tiger shoe size chart, which differs a little from the standard sizes:
| Centimeter | Euro | Women's | Men's |
| 23.5 | 37.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 24 | 38 | 7 | 5.5 |
| 24.5 | 39 | 7.5 | 6 |
| 25 | 39.5 | 8 | 6.5 |
| 25.3 | 40 | 8.5 | 7 |
| 25.5 | 40.5 | 9 | 7.5 |
| 26 | 41.5 | 9.5 | 8 |
Conclusion
This brings us to an end. You now have a good understanding of different shoe sizes and can find your perfect fit. Besides, most Japanese brands and online stores provide their available shoe size charts on their website. So, if you still need clarification, make sure to check them out. If you have enjoyed this article be sure to check out our Mexican shoe size guide.
