What to Know: Your Shoe Size Chart Guide

Your shoes should feel as good as they look and that has everything to do with fit. So, what is the right size? At first glance, the shoe sizing chart can be overwhelming, but don’t worry we’re going to break it down. When shopping for shoes you might see the size written in a few different ways. Depending on the brand, the size of the shoe will either be listed at a US size, UK size, or EU (European) shoe size. These sizes can be found both on the box and in the shoe itself on the tongue. Usually, the shoes will have the conversions for you but if not, you can reference our shoe sizing chart for the conversions.

Quick Tips

How to Convert Shoe Sizes: US, to UK, to EU

• For women, US shoe sizes typically start at size 4 and run through size 12. UK sizes will start at size 2 and run through size 10. 
• If you don’t have the conversion chart handy, a quick way to go from US to UK sizes is to subtract 2 from the US size. If going from UK to US, add two to the UK shoe size.
• European sizes start at size 35 and run through size 43.
• Converting from US or UK to EU is not as simple as adding or subtracting, so it’s best to reference the size chart when looking for your size.

Converting by Gender

• For men, US shoe sizes will start at size 6 and run through size 16, with UK sizes starting at size 5.5 and running through size 15.5. 
• Women’s shoes convert easily by adding or subtracting 2 to convert from US to UK.
•  For men’s shoes there is only a half size difference. So, if going from US to UK, subtract 0.5 and if going from UK to US add 0.5.
• EU sizes will start at size 39 and go through size 49. Like women’s shoes, you’ll want to reference the sizing chart to convert from US/UK to EU.

Kids’ Conversion Tips

• US shoes sizes start at size 12.5 and go up to size 13.5 before starting back at size 1 and going up to size 8. 
• UK kids’ shoe sizes will start at size 11.5 and go up to size 14 before restarting at size 1 and going through size 7.5. 
• Unlike the women’s and men’s scales where the numbers can easily be added and subtracted, we recommend referencing the sizing chart when trying to convert. 
• Kids’ EU sizes will start at size 30 and go through size 41.

Adult Sizes to Kids’ and Women’s to Men’s

What about going from kids’ sizes to adult sizes? Or going from women’s to men’s? We have that info, too! 

• For going from women’s to men’s sizes, subtract 1.5 to get the men’s shoe size equivalent. 
• If you want to find the kids’ equivalent for women’s shoe sizes, you’ll, again, subtract 1.5. 
• If going from a men’s size to women’s size, this time you will add 1.5 to the men’s shoe size.
• When converting men’s to kids’ sizes, the numerical size you wear for men’s will be the same for kids’ sizes. For example: if you wear a size 9 in men’s shoes, you will wear a size 9 in kids’ shoes.

Why the Right Shoe Size Matters

Let’s discuss why having the right shoe size is key. Aside from perfectly completing your look, the right shoe size is important for all day comfort, as well as the overall health of your feet. For women, men, or kids, when shopping running or athletic shoes, you’ll really want to pay closer attention to the fit and feel of your shoes. Shoes that are too big can cause rubbing and blisters. While shoes that are too small can squeeze your toes and cause discomfort. For women’s heels, styles that are too big can result in your shoes slipping and sliding while you walk. Heels that are too tight will hurt your feet and cute shoes deserve to be worn all-night long. A shoe that fits just right is a shoe that is worn again and again.

How to Find Your Shoe Size

Now that we have all the conversions down, let’s get into measuring for shoe size. Measuring your foot is super easy, it just requires a few tools you probably have laying around the house anyway. Here is what you’ll need: a piece of paper (big enough to extend past your foot), a pencil, and a ruler. 

Follow these steps to measure your foot for the perfect shoe size:

• Put your foot on the paper. Make a mark where your heel and longest toe end. 
• Take the ruler and measure the distance between each mark. Ta-da! Now you have your foot length. 
• On the shoe sizing chart, you’ll see measurements in both inches and centimeters. Use the chart to find which shoe size best fits your foot.
• Adjustments can always be made based on the fit and feel of the shoes once you know what size to start with.

Pro Tip: No foot (or shoe) is made the same! When you try on a shoe, remember that you’ll want to always consider the shape of the shoe and your foot to determine if you may need to size up or down slightly. For example, a pointed toe or narrow silhouettes may require you to size up a half size.

Need to find shoes for the kiddos but not sure where to start? Check out our Kids’ Sizing Guide. Here, you’ll find tips and tricks for measuring your mini-me’s feet. Need help finding the perfect boots? We’ve got your back. From ankle boots to knee-highs, our Boot Sizing Guide will take you through the steps of finding boots you love that fit you just right.

FIND THE PERFECT FIT AT DSW

Once you find the perfect shoe, it is hard to try anything else. This is exaaactly what we are here for as your DSW bestie. We want to help you step into your next pair of shoes with confidence. Check out all our favorite styles in our Lookbook plus get tons of style inspiration. For even more inspo, check out what your fave influencers are wearing this season. Need it today? Check us out on DoorDash or buy online and pick up at a DSW store near you! We’ve got options!