How to Use This Shoe Size Converter
This converter lets you quickly translate a shoe size from one international system to another. Select the gender category (men, women, or kids), choose the sizing system you know (US, UK, EU, or CM), enter your shoe size, and the tool instantly shows the equivalent sizes in all four systems.
Steps:
- Select the gender category: Men, Women, or Kids
- Choose the sizing system of your known shoe size
- Enter your shoe size in the input field
- View equivalent sizes across US, UK, EU, and Mondopoint (CM) systems
The converter uses interpolation between known reference points, so it handles sizes that fall between standard chart entries as well.
International Shoe Size Systems
Different countries and regions use different shoe sizing systems, which can make online shopping confusing. Here is a quick overview of the four major systems:
| System | Used In | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| US | United States, Canada | Brannock device measurement; different scales for men, women, and kids |
| UK | United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia | Based on the length of the last (foot mold) in barleycorns (1/3 inch increments) |
| EU (Paris Points) | Continental Europe, most of Asia | Length of the last in Paris Points (2/3 cm increments); unisex scale |
| CM (Mondopoint) | Japan, China, international standard (ISO) | Direct measurement of foot length in millimeters or centimeters |
The Mondopoint system (CM) is the most straightforward because it represents your actual foot length. If you know your foot length in centimeters, you can use that directly as your shoe size in this system.
How Shoe Sizes Work
Shoe sizes are not based on a single universal standard. Each system uses a different reference point and increment. The US system, for example, starts at a different zero point for men, women, and children. The UK system is based on an old English unit called the barleycorn, which is 1/3 of an inch. The EU system uses Paris Points, where each size is 2/3 of a centimeter apart.
What all systems share is that they generally reference the length of a “last” — the foot-shaped mold used to manufacture the shoe — rather than the actual foot length. This means there is typically a small gap between your foot size and your shoe size, usually about 1 to 1.5 cm of “growing room.”
Because each brand uses its own last shape and sizing interpretation, even shoes within the same system can vary. A US 10 from Nike may not fit the same as a US 10 from Adidas. This is why size charts from each brand may differ slightly from the general conversion tables used here.
Men’s vs Women’s Sizes
In the US system, men’s and women’s sizes are on different scales. As a general rule, a women’s US size is about 1.5 sizes larger than the equivalent men’s size. So a men’s US 8 is roughly equivalent to a women’s US 9.5.
In the UK system, the difference is typically 1 to 1.5 sizes. In the EU system, the sizing is the same for both men and women — there is no gendered split. The Mondopoint (CM) system is also unisex, since it directly measures foot length.
Some brands design shoes specifically for one gender with different width profiles and arch support, so a unisex conversion may not account for fit differences. Always check the brand’s specific sizing chart when possible.
Kids’ Shoe Sizes
Children’s shoe sizing works differently from adult sizing. In the US, kids’ sizes start at around toddler sizes (0-13) and then transition to youth sizes (1-7). The numbers restart after size 13 in the child scale, which can be confusing.
Kids’ feet grow quickly — especially in the first few years of life. A toddler may go through 3 to 4 shoe sizes per year. It is generally recommended to check children’s shoe sizes every 2 to 3 months and to leave about 1 cm of growing room at the front of the shoe.
The EU and Mondopoint systems do not distinguish between kids and adults in the same way the US system does. A child with a foot length of 22 cm would wear EU 35 in those systems, regardless of whether they are a child or a small-footed adult.
Tips for Buying Shoes Online
- Measure your feet in the evening. Feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day. Measuring in the evening gives you the most accurate size.
- Use the Mondopoint (CM) system as your reference. Since it measures actual foot length, it is the most reliable starting point for any conversion.
- Check the brand’s size chart.Brand-to-brand variation can be significant. Always look for the specific brand’s conversion chart before ordering.
- Read reviews mentioning fit. Customer reviews often mention whether a shoe runs large, small, or true to size.
- Consider width. Standard sizes assume a medium width. If your feet are wide or narrow, you may need to size up or down, or look for width-specific models.
- Check the return policy. Even with careful measurement, shoes may not fit as expected. Make sure the retailer offers free returns or exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my shoe size in CM if I wear a US 10 men’s?
A US men’s 10 corresponds to approximately 27.0 cm in the Mondopoint system. This is equivalent to UK 9 or EU 43. Keep in mind these are approximate conversions and may vary by brand.
Are EU shoe sizes the same for men and women?
Yes. The EU (Paris Points) system is unisex. An EU 40 is the same physical size whether the shoe is labeled as men’s or women’s. The difference is that women’s US sizes map to different EU sizes than men’s US sizes because the US scales are separate.
How do I measure my foot length?
Stand on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Mark the longest point of your foot (usually the big toe or second toe) on the paper. Measure from the edge of the paper (where your heel was) to the mark. That measurement in centimeters is your Mondopoint size. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement.
Why do shoe sizes differ between brands?
Each brand uses its own last (the mold the shoe is built around), which can vary in shape, length, and volume. Two brands might both label a shoe as US 10, but the actual internal dimensions can differ by up to half a size. This is especially common between athletic brands and dress shoe brands.
What is Mondopoint?
Mondopoint is an international shoe sizing standard (ISO 9407) that uses the actual length of the foot in millimeters or centimeters. It was developed to create a universal, unambiguous sizing system. It is widely used in Japan, China, and for military and industrial footwear worldwide.
How often should I remeasure my shoe size?
For adults, foot size can change gradually due to weight changes, pregnancy, aging, or foot conditions. It is a good idea to remeasure every year or two. For children, measure every 2 to 3 months since their feet grow rapidly.