US Shoe size chart - all you need to know
Introduction
Shoes are the greatest fashion accessories ever! When it comes to selecting the right pair of shoes, there are several things that you have to consider. One of them is its size. As everyone’s feet are of different sizes, so are their shoes. And, there are different shoe sizing systems as well.
In the United States, each manufacturer has their unique shoe sizing systems. Many variables, such as the brand, style, and even price, affect these sizes. Not only do local manufacturers’ sizing systems differ; rather, these sizes vary globally.
To help you accurately determine your shoe size, I’ve covered various US shoe sizes and how to select your size in this article.
Shoe Size Charts in the US
In the U.S., adult shoe size usually range from 6 to 14 for men and 5 to 12 for women.
Photo by Kozi. H on Unsplash
Below is a chart of common shoe size of men and women in the US.
| Foot length (inches) | Foot Length (cm) | Men’s shoe size | Women’s shoe size* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.25 | 23.5 | 6 | 7 |
| 9.5 | 24.1 | 6.5 | 8 |
| 9.63 | 24.5 | 7 | 8.5 |
| 9.75 | 24.8 | 7.5 | 9 |
| 9.94 | 25.2 | 8 | 9.5 |
| 10.13 | 25.7 | 8.5 | 10 |
| 10.25 | 26 | 9 | 10.5 |
| 10.57 | 26.8 | 10 | 11.5 |
| 10.75 | 27.3 | 10.5 | 12 |
| 10.94 | 27.8 | 11 | 12.5 |
| 11.13 | 28.3 | 11.5 | 13 |
| 11.25 | 28.6 | 12 | 13.5 |
| 12.19 | 30.8 | 14 | 15.5 |
*Women’s shoe size here is approximated to the closest size. For more accurate measurement, refer to the Show Size Chart for Women below.
However, these values vary depending on the region, brand, or stores.
Variations in International Shoe Size Conversion Chart
While the US has the most well-liked systems for shoe size, some other countries worldwide have different sizing systems. For example, the euro shoe size system differs from the United States.
Shoe Size Chart for Men
The chart below will help you find and convert men’s shoe sizes in different countries, including the US. These charts are to be used as a general guide and may vary in brands or styles of shoes.
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot length (inches) | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 39 | 9.25 | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39/40 | 9.5 | 24.1 |
| 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 9.63 | 24.5 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40/41 | 9.75 | 24.8 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 9.94 | 25.2 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 41/42 | 10.13 | 25.7 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 42 | 10.25 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 42/43 | 10.44 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 43 | 10.57 | 26.8 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 44 | 10.94 | 27.8 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 44/45 | 11.13 | 28.3 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 45 | 11.25 | 28.6 |
| 13 | 12.5 | 46 | 11.56 | 29.4 |
| 14 | 13.5 | 47 | 12.18 | 30.8 |
Photo by Rogério Martins on Pexels
Shoe Size Chart for Women
The shoe sizes also vary for different genders. Here is the Women’s US shoe size conversion chart, including UK and Europe sizes.
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot length (inches) | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 35/36 | 8.56 | 21.7 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 8.75 | 22.2 |
| 6 | 4 | 36/37 | 8.88 | 22.6 |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 9.06 | 23 |
| 7 | 5 | 37/38 | 9.25 | 23.5 |
| 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 | 9.38 | 23.8 |
| 8 | 6 | 38/39 | 9.5 | 24.1 |
| 8.5 | 6.5 | 39 | 9.69 | 24.6 |
| 9 | 7 | 39/40 | 9.88 | 25.1 |
| 9.5 | 7.5 | 40 | 10 | 25.4 |
| 10 | 8 | 40/41 | 10.19 | 25.9 |
| 10.5 | 8.5 | 41 | 10.38 | 26.4 |
| 11 | 9 | 41/42 | 10.5 | 26.7 |
| 11.5 | 9.5 | 42 | 10.69 | 27.2 |
| 12 | 10 | 42/43 | 10.88 | 27.6 |
Shoe Size Chart for Children
Just like women’s and men’s shoe sizes, shoes for children also vary in shapes and sizes. The age of the child and their activities can affect the shoe size.
Photo by PX41-Media from Pixabay
The shoe size conversion chart below shows US, Canada, UK, and European conversions for children’s shoes. These sizes are generally for 4 to 7+ years old kids.
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot length (inches) | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 27 | 6.63 | 16.8 |
| 11 | 10 | 28 | 6.75 | 17.1 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 29 | 7 | 17.8 |
| 12 | 11 | 30 | 7.13 | 18.1 |
| 12.5 | 11.5 | 30 | 7.25 | 18.4 |
| 13 | 12 | 31 | 7.5 | 19.1 |
| 13.5 | 12.5 | 31 | 7.63 | 19.4 |
| 1 | 13 | 32 | 7.75 | 19.7 |
| 1.5 | 14 | 33 | 8 | 20.3 |
| 2 | 1 | 33 | 8.13 | 20.7 |
| 2.5 | 1.5 | 34 | 8.25 | 21 |
| 3 | 2 | 34 | 8.5 | 21.6 |
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 35 | 8.63 | 21.9 |
| 4 | 3 | 36 | 8.75 | 22.2 |
Different Age Groups of Children
Shoe sizing for children can be a bit tricky. It may be difficult to know what size shoe to buy for your child, especially if they are still growing. The shoe sizes of a child vary depending on their age group.
Photo by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
For example, infants wear shoes about 1/2 to 3/4 bigger than their foot size. Children between the ages of 2 and 4 usually wear shoes that are one full size bigger than their actual foot size. Then again, from 5 to 7 years old, kids usually wear shoes that are the same size as their foot size. After 7 years old, children start wearing shoes as per the usual measurement.
How to Measure Shoe Size
The Brannock Device, invented by Charles F. Brannock, is used to measure shoe size in the United States. This uses length and width measurements to determine your shoe size. But, most people don’t have this tool at home.
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So, you can proceed with an equally effective do-it-yourself (DIY) method. There are a few unique hacks for this that may come in handy. You can follow the steps below:
- Take any paper that is wider than your foot and stand on it
- Now mark 2 dots on the paper, one where your heel ends and another where your longest toe ends
- Use a measuring tape or a ruler to measure the distance between the 2 dots. This is the length you need to consider when buying shoes.
- Next, measure the width at the widest point.
- Do the same with your other foot.
- Use these measurements to find your shoe size on the mentioned charts above.
What if the length or width of my feet aren’t exactly the same?
Always consider the longer measurement. In fact, the difference may be so minimal that both foot sizes would need the same size.
Do I order the exact shoe size that matches my foot?
It is better to order one size up than your exact foot size. However, this depends on how fit you want your shoe to be.
Conclusion
When buying shoes online or in a store, it’s important to understand the US shoe size chart to get the proper fit and ensure your feet are supported and comfortable. Now you are equipped with all the necessary information to select your ideal shoe size.
