What to Know: Your Shoe Size Chart Guide

First Things First: Understanding Shoe Sizing

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Your shoes should feel as good as they look and that starts with finding the right size. 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 several different ways. Depending on the brand, the size of the shoe will either be listed at a US size, UK size, or EU (or European) shoe size. These sizes can be found both on the box and in the shoe itself on the tongue. Often times the shoes will have the conversions for you but if not, you can reference the shoe sizing chart for the conversions.‎

How to Convert Shoe Sizes US to UK to EU

For women, US shoe sizes typically start at a four and run through size 12. UK sizes will start at a two 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 35 and run through 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. 

For men, US shoe sizes will start at size 6 and run through size 16, with UK sizes starting at 5.5 and running through 15.5. While with women’s shoes you simply add or subtract two 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 .5 and if going from UK to US add . 5. EU sizes will start at 39 and go through 49. Like women’s shoes, you’ll want to reference the sizing chart to convert from US/UK to EU. 

For kids, US shoes sizes start at 12.5 and go up to size 13.5 before starting back at 1 and going up to size 8. UK kids’ shoe sizes will start at 11.5 and go up to size 14 before retarting at 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 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 mens? The chart has that info too! For going from women’s to men’s, subtract 1.5 to get the men’s shoe size equivalent. If you want to find the kids’ equivalent for women’s shoes, you’ll again subtract 1.5. If going from a men’s to women’s, 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. So, if you wear a nine in men’s shoes, you would wear a nine in kids’ shoes. If you want to be sure you’ve done the math right, you can always reference the chart!

Why the Right Shoe Size Matters

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Let’s discuss why having the right shoe size is key. Aside from perfectly completing your look, the right shoe size is important for the overall health of your feet and can make walking in them easier. For women, men, or kids, when shopping running shoes, you’ll really want to pay 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 hurt your toes and also cause discomfort. For women’s heels, styles that are too big can result in your shoes falling off while you walk. Heels that are too tight will hurt your feet and cute shoes deserve to be worn all night long. Basically, you want a shoe that’s not too big, not too small, but fits juuust right.

How to Find Your Shoe Size

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If DIY projects are your thing, one way to find your shoe size is to measure your foot. You’ll need a few tools: a piece of paper (big enough to extend past your foot), a pencil, and a ruler. 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.

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Things to Keep in Mind

Now that you’ve measured your foot and have a general idea about your shoe size, here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind trying on shoes.

Length of Your Feet

This is when measuring your feet before trying on shoes or shopping online comes into play. Knowing the size of your feet will give you a better idea of what size to start with. Reference the shoe sizing chart when deciding what shoe size you should start with and make adjustments depending on the fit and feel of the shoes.

The Shape of Your Feet and the Shoe

No foot (or shoe) is made the same and that’s okay! When trying on shoes, you’ll want to consider the shape of the shoe and your foot to determine the size you need. The shape of your foot and the shoe can determine whether or not you’ll need to size up or size down. Certain styles, like heels and men’s dress shoes, can have pointed toes or more narrow features. You’ll want to go up a half to full size since these styles tend to be smaller. This may not be ideal if you have wider feet, so look for shoes with rounder toes that will have more room. For those with narrow feet, you might have to size down as some shoes will have too much extra space. Consider looking for more narrow silhouettes or styles with laces that allow you to adjust the shoe.

Socks or No Socks?

What’s the Season? Did you know the temperature outside can affect the way your shoes fit? Not only are the shoes different from season to season (boots in the winter vs sandals in the summer), but hot and cold weather can change how shoes fit your feet. In warmer months, like spring and summer, the heat can cause your feet to expand making shoes feel tighter. Trying on shoes in the afternoon or evening once things start to cool off is ideal for getting an accurate measurement and fit. In the colder months, like winter and fall, the cold can cause your feet to contract making shoes fit looser. Bringing socks and making sure your feet are warm when trying on shoes will help you determine if you have the right size.

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What’s the Season?

Did you know the temperature outside can affect the way your shoes fit? Not only are the shoes different from season to season (boots in the winter vs sandals in the summer), but hot and cold weather can change how shoes fit your feet. In warmer months, like spring and summer, the heat can cause your feet to expand making shoes feel tighter. Trying on shoes in the afternoon or evening once things start to cool off is ideal for getting an accurate measurement and fit. In the colder months, like winter and fall, the cold can cause your feet to contract making shoes fit looser. Bringing socks and making sure your feet are warm when trying on shoes will help you determine if you have the right size.

Tips for Sizing Kids’ Shoes and Boots

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