Are you confused about converting men’s and women’s shoe sizes? With so many different sizing systems and scales used by shoe brands, it can be tricky to determine your correct shoe size when shopping for the opposite gender.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about men’s and women’s shoe sizing, including:
Overview of Shoe Sizing Systems
There are a few main shoe sizing systems used around the world:
- US sizing – Used in the United States and Canada. Based on inches (e.g. 10 US = 10 inches long). Different systems for men and women.
- UK sizing – Used in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries. Unisex sizing measured in barleycorns.
- EU sizing – Used across Europe. Unisex sizing measured in Paris points (2/3 cm).
- Mondopoint – International metric shoe sizing system. Measures foot length and width in mm. Unisex.
- JP sizing – Used in Japan. Based on cm with different systems for men and women.
- CN sizing – Used in China. Unisex sizing in mm based on foot length.
This variety of sizing scales is why conversion charts are so important for finding your correct size!
Men’s Shoe Sizing
Men’s shoes follow the US sizing system in America and Canada. Sizes are measured in inches on a scale from 6-15, with half sizes in between.
A men’s size 10 shoe would measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) from heel to toe on the inside. Each size up adds 1/3 inch (0.8 cm).
Men’s sizes also correspond to the UK sizing:
| US Men’s | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| UK Men’s | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
So a US 10 men’s = UK 9 men’s.
Women’s Shoe Sizing
Women’s shoes in the US and Canada follow the standard US women’s sizing scale from 4-12, with half sizes in between. This scale is different than the men’s scale.
A US women’s size 10 shoe would measure around 9.25 inches (23.5 cm) in length. Each size up increases by 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
Women’s sizes correspond to these UK sizes:
| US Women’s | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| UK Women’s | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
So a US size 10 women’s = UK size 8 women’s.
Men’s vs Women’s Sizing
Since men’s and women’s sizing use different scales and sizes, you can’t directly convert sizes between genders.
For example, a US men’s size 10 does NOT equal a US women’s size 10, even though they are both “size 10”.
Men’s sizes are around 1.5-2 sizes larger than women’s. This is because men’s feet are wider and longer on average.
To convert sizes between genders, you need a conversion chart.
Men’s to Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Here is a conversion chart to translate men’s shoe sizes to the equivalent women’s shoe size:
| Men’s Size | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Women’s Size | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
As you can see, a men’s size 10 converts to a women’s size 11.5 in the US sizing system.
So if you’re a woman who normally wears a size 10 women’s shoe, you would wear a size 8.5 in men’s.
And if you’re a man who wears size 10 men’s, your women’s shoe size is 11.5.
More Size Conversions
For convenience, here are more shoe size conversion charts:
Men’s US to UK
| Men’s US | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Men’s UK | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
Men’s US to EU
| Men’s US | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Men’s EU | 39 | 40 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
Women’s US to UK
| Women’s US | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Women’s UK | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Women’s US to EU
| Women’s US | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Women’s EU | 34.5 | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
Use these handy reference charts when you need to convert shoe sizes for online shopping or buying shoes abroad.
Does Brand and Style Matter?
Shoe size conversions give you a baseline, but the ideal fit can vary slightly depending on brand style.
Factors like toe shape, width, and converting between full sizes versus half sizes can alter the fit.
For example, Converse sneakers often fit a half size bigger, while boots with pointed toes may fit snug.
The material and amount of padding or support in the shoe also makes a difference. Leather versus mesh or suede fabrics will stretch and give differently as you break them in.
Your best bet is to try on the exact brand and style in store first to get the right size, before ordering online or converting sizes.
Tips for Finding Your Accurate Shoe Size
Follow these useful tips for finding the most accurate shoe size in any brand or style of men’s or women’s footwear:
Subscribe to our list
Don't worry, we don't spam
- Try shoes on in the afternoon. Feet swell during the day, so shoes fit best later in the day.
- Wear the right socks. Try shoes on with similar socks you’ll wear them with. Thicker socks take up more room.
- Measure both feet. Your left and right foot may be slightly different sizes. Get fitted for the larger one.
- Stand during fitting. Your foot spreads out when bearing weight. Sitting can give a false reading.
- Check the fit. Make sure there’s a thumbs width between your toes and the tip, with wiggle room for your toes. Heels shouldn’t slip.
- Consider insoles. If you use custom insoles or orthotics, bring them to try on shoes.
- Walk around the store. Take a few steps to make sure shoes feel right while walking. Shoes stretch and crease with wear.
- Consider climate. Feet swell in heat and shrink in cold. If shoes will be worn in extreme temps, consider sizing up or down.
- Ask for help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a shoe salesperson to get the perfect fit.
Using these tips along with the size charts above will help you nail down the ideal shoe size, whether shopping for sneakers, heels, boots or slippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure shoe size for men?
Men’s shoe sizes are measured in inches on a scale ranging from size 6 (6 inches long) to size 15 (15 inches long). Each full size up increases the length by 1/3 inch. Men’s width is measured as narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide.
How do you measure shoe size for women?
Women’s shoes use a different sizing scale than men’s. The length ranges from size 4 (8.5 inches long) to size 12 (11 inches long). Each full size increases the length by 1/4 inch. Width in women’s shoes is narrow, medium, or wide.
What’s the difference between men’s and women’s shoe sizes?
Men’s shoes use a larger numerical scale than women’s. A men’s size 10 is around 1.5 sizes larger than a women’s size 10. This is because men’s feet are wider and longer on average than women’s feet.
How do you convert men’s sizes to women’s?
Use a conversion chart! Generally, men’s sizes convert up 1.5 to 2 full sizes for women’s. For example, a men’s 10 is equivalent to a women’s 11.5 or 12.
Do men’s and women’s shoes fit the same?
No, men’s and women’s sizing are different. You have to convert sizes between men’s and women’s shoes to get the right fit. Even different brands may fit differently, so trying shoes on in-store is ideal.
Why do shoes fit differently by brand?
Shoe brands use varying lasts (foot shapes) when making shoes, so the fit can vary. Differences in materials used, toe shape, padding, and width options also affect the fit. Trying shoes on by brand is best to get your perfect size.
Conclusion
Figuring out your correct shoe size for the opposite sex doesn’t have to be confusing! With this handy conversion chart and tips for both men’s and women’s sizing, you can quickly find the right fit. Remember to try shoes on in-store and measure both feet for the most accuracy. Sizing varies slightly by brand and style, so focus on fit and comfort. Use our men’s to women’s shoe size conversion as a starting guide, then fine-tune from there so your shoes are always a perfect match!
