If you’re buying shoes online, converting shoe sizes from different regions can be tricky. The foot is three-dimensional so a two-dimensional measuring tool such as a ruler or Brannock device can only approximate your true shoe size. Shoe brands also use different lasts when constructing their shoes, which means that sizing can vary between manufacturers.
European shoe sizing is metric based & has a slightly smaller gap between each size than UK or US shoes. Many shoe store sizing guides equate each European size with a UK or US shoe size for convenience, but this is not accurate. To find the right size for your feet, you should use a euro shoe sizing chart.
A few important things to note about european shoes sizes to us:
European shoes are often unisex, which differs from the US standard that clearly separates men’s and women’s shoe sizes. This can make finding the right size for your foot a bit more difficult, but it does mean that you don’t have to worry about shoe styles fitting differently on each gender.
If you’re shopping for a specific brand of shoe, be sure to check the designer’s website for their suggested foot measurements & sizing information. Many shoe brands, like Timberland & Dr. Martens, notably run a little large. If you’re in between sizes, I recommend choosing the larger size for a better fit. This will help prevent the shoes from feeling tight in the heel or toe box. european shoes sizes to us