This article will deal with shoe sizing and measurements, including a full international men’s shoe size conversion table.
Note: Click the following link to jump straight to the shoe size conversion chart.
Shoe sizing can be a frustrating thing. This is because there’s barely any industry-wide standardization. While there is technically an international sizing system called Modopoint, it’s nearly impossible to find any retailers who use it.
Even within countries, there’s barely any way to keep track of sizing. In fact, sizing is inconsistent within brands themselves just as often as it’s consistent. It’s not uncommon for a man who wears a 10D ABC shoe brand to wear a 9.5D in another. It’s less common, but it’s possible to wear a 10D in one style of shoe from ABC brand and a 9.5D in another style of shoe from the same brand.
What gives?
Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Finding complete information on international men’s shoe sizing is far more difficult than it needs to be. We compiled all of our research into the table below and even included length measurements in both inches and centimeters for shoe sizes.
Please note that despite our best efforts to make this table as accurate as possible, 100% correctness cannot be guaranteed. This is due not only to the lack of standardization across the footwear industry, but also the fact that feet are three-dimensional whereas this sizing is two-dimensional.
Foot Width Chart
Foot width is extremely important but often overlooked. Fewer and fewer men’s shoe brands offer shoes in widths other than “medium,” but if you’re a wide or narrow width, the fit will obviously be off.
The chart below explains shoe width symbols and their corresponding widths. Conceptually, width is classified alphabetically, with narrower widths toward the beginning of the alphabet. Widths get wider as you get further into the alphabet, ending with EEE (ultra wide).
It is theoretically possible for a man’s foot to be narrower or wider than the widths shown above. In cases like this, he will more likely than not have to have his shoes custom-made to accommodate his size.
Shoe Sizes & Foot Measurements
In ancient times, the human body was what was used as an instrument to measure other things. An inch, for example, was the width of a man’s thumb. Interestingly, the word “inch” derives from the Latin unciae, from which the English word “ounce” is also derived.
The foot as a unit of measurement underwent various changes in actual measurement up until 1959, at which point the International Pound And Yard Agreement was signed by the United States and the nations comprising the British Commonwealth, which dictated that one foot was equal to exactly .3048 meters.
This is equal to exactly twelve inches and happens to be the approximate length of an American size 12 shoe, at least on paper.
In the U.S. and Britain, shoe sizes change by 1/3″ per half size. Assuming a size 12 American shoe is, in fact, 12 inches long, that would mean an 11.5 is 11 2/3″ long, whereas a 12.5 shoe would be 12 1/3″ long.
How To Measure Foot Size
In the ready-to-wear shoe world, feet are measured using a Brannock Device. Many of us remember these from shoe shopping with our parents when we were kids, but few of us have had our feet measured as adults. They measure both the length and width of your feet and give you a
While a Brannock Device is still just an approximation, there’s value in getting your feet measured about once a year. Our bodies change over time, and anyone who’s ever looked at the mega-cushioned, puffy shoes that very elderly men often wear can deduce that our feet get bigger and more sensitive as we age.
It is imperative that we wear properly fitted shoes. How do we do this?
- First, have a professional measure your feet. It’s not a difficult process and most entry-level salespeople can do it accurately, but it’s not really a thing you can do yourself due to the physical positioning required.
- Second, have your feet measured at the end of the day. This is when your feet are largest, especially if it’s warm outside.
- Third, be honest about how shoes feel on your foot regardless of what you think of them aesthetically. Uncomfortable shoes will make your life miserable, and you’ll stop caring how cool they look very quickly if you’re in pain.
Bespoke Shoe Sizing
Getting bespoke shoes made, much like getting a bespoke suit, involves some pretty meticulous fitting. The length, width, and height of your feet are all measured, test shoes are made up for you to try on, and so forth. The sizing won’t conform to any particular system, but rather will simply have your first and last name on the lasts created specifically for you.
If you have serious issues with shoe fit and sizing, bespoke shoes are an option you should explore (assuming your budget is quiet large, as these tend to run in the thousands of dollars to start). If you fit reasonably well into most shoes, you can still get bespoke ones made, but you’d be doing it for sartorial choice more than anything else.
Conclusion: Getting Shoes That Fit Properly
At the end of the day, the size that’s embossed on the inside of a shoe or written on its box is relatively meaningless. It’s all about how they feel on your foot.
To that end, we invite you to look at our extensive guide to shoe fit. It has everything you need to know about the ins and outs of how a shoe is supposed to wrap around your foot.
Woman’s sizes in EU
We haven’t covered them here. I suggest you look for another blog.
Best,
CP
What size is 40 can in United States
Hi Candy,
Not sure what you mean. An EU 40 shoe size is 7.5 in US / Canada. Is this what you mean?
Best,
CP
hi what is a size “10D” in UK?
Hi Laila,
Assuming that 10D is the US size, it’ll be 9 UK.
All the best,
CP
Hi what sizes are 7 & 9.5 in CN?
I’m trying to order a pair of heels from shein.
Hello,
7 US = 41 CN
9.5 US = 44 CN
Hope this helps. If you’re working with a reputable manufacturer, they should be able to confirm the size conversions before asking you to fork over your hard-earned money.
Rafael
What size is 8.5 US in CN
Hey there,
8.5US = 43CN
Rafael
If I am a 39 size in Australia what size should I order please ? ????
Hi Anne,
The above chart is for men’s shoe sizes. If I understand correctly, you’re a size 39 EU and you want to know what it would be in Australia? This would be a women’s 8 or 8.5
Best,
CP
Hi, I have a foot size of about 30.5 cm, I live in Ukraine, but I use the Amerian mesh, I somehow ordered nike shoes 12us 11uk 46eu 30 cm, they were too small for me. What size should I order to fit exactly?
Hi Georg,
30.5cm should equate to the size you ordered. I suggest that you get your feet properly sized at a shoe shop. Bear in mind that there is also some inconsistency between shoe brands. However, Nike tends to be relatively true to size. If you have wide feet, the length might be right but they could be too narrow for you so you’d have to go for the size above.
If they’re really too small, try the size above (13.5 US) and see how it goes.
All the best,
CP
I can not find a size 13 1/2 EE in a lace black dress alligator shoe anywhere, do you know where I can find a pair under $600?
You could consult with our recommended exotic leather shoemakers.
what is us size10 in uk size
US Size 10 = 9.5 UK
What is a size CN38 in UK size?
Per the table in the article, a CN38 should be close to a UK 4.5
Rafael
what size is EU38 in CN size?
Hey there,
EU38 will be closest to 39.5CN.
Rafael
What is a sizeCN 39 to UK
Hello,
A CN39 should be about a 5 in UK sizes.
Rafael
If I wear size 8US what would be my size in CN?
Hey Nadine,
8US corresponds to 42CN. Keep in mind the 8US being referenced is Men’s US sizing. If we estimate that 8US women’s = 6.5US men’s, then 6.5US men’s would be 40CN.
Rafael
Hi I’m size 8 in UK. What size should I have in CN please.
Hello Amreen,
Size 8 in UK men’s shoes should be 43 in CN sizes.
Best,
Rafael
What is 42 CH in EU
Hello,
42CH is largely equivalent to 41EU.
Hope this helps,
Rafael
iam a size 8 in womens shoes in australia , is a size cn39 a size 8?
Hey there,
If AUS women’s 8 = 6 AUS men’s, then per our chart, AUS women’s 8 should be equivalent to 40 CN men’s.
Hope this helps,
Rafael