US vs. European Shoe Sizes Explained
If you have ever purchased shoes from a European brand, you have probably noticed that the size on the box may look very different from what you normally wear. A US women's size 8 might be listed as a European 38 or 39, for example.
Unfortunately, converting between US and European shoe sizes is not as simple as adding or subtracting a fixed number. European footwear sizing uses a different measurement system, and the way individual brands translate that system into their shoes can vary.
This guide explains how US and European shoe sizes work, how to use a size conversion chart, and why your usual size may not always be the right size in another brand.
What Is the Difference Between US and European Shoe Sizes?
US shoe sizes and European shoe sizes are based on different sizing systems.
US sizing uses separate scales for men's and women's footwear. European sizing generally uses a single numerical system that is not divided into men's and women's sizes in the same way.
European shoe sizes are based on the Paris point, a traditional footwear measurement equal to approximately two-thirds of a centimeter. Each whole European size represents another Paris point in length.
US sizing works differently, which is why there is no exact mathematical formula that will reliably convert every US shoe size into a European size.
US to European Shoe Size Conversion
The following chart provides a general starting point for women's footwear:
| US Women's Size | Approximate EU Size |
|---|---|
| 5 | 35–36 |
| 5.5 | 36 |
| 6 | 36–37 |
| 6.5 | 37 |
| 7 | 37–38 |
| 7.5 | 38 |
| 8 | 38–39 |
| 8.5 | 39 |
| 9 | 39–40 |
| 9.5 | 40 |
| 10 | 40–41 |
| 10.5 | 41 |
| 11 | 41–42 |
| 11.5 | 42 |
| 12 | 42–43 |
Important: These are approximate conversions, not guaranteed equivalents. A European 38 from one manufacturer may fit differently from a European 38 from another.
For that reason, it is better to think of a conversion chart as a starting point rather than a final answer.
Why Isn't an EU 38 Always the Same as a US 8?
This is one of the most confusing parts of European footwear sizing.
A shoe's size tells you only part of the story. The actual fit is also affected by the shape and dimensions of the shoe, including:
- The length of the shoe
- The width of the shoe
- The shape of the toe box
- The amount of room over the instep
- The shape of the heel
- The construction of the shoe
- The thickness and shape of the footbed
Two shoes marked EU 38 can therefore feel noticeably different on the same foot.
This is particularly important when buying footwear from brands that use European sizing. A shopper who normally wears a US women's 8 should not automatically assume that every European shoe labeled 38 will fit exactly the same way.
For more information about why sizing varies between manufacturers, see Why Shoe Sizes Are Not the Same Between Brands.
How European Shoe Sizes Are Used by Different Brands
Many European footwear brands use EU sizing as their primary size designation. However, the corresponding US size shown by a retailer or manufacturer can vary.
For example, one brand may consider an EU 37 approximately equivalent to a US women's 7, while another may associate the same EU size with a US 6.5.
That does not necessarily mean one brand is wrong. Their shoes may have different lasts, construction methods, or fit characteristics.
This is why the manufacturer's own sizing information should take priority over a generic conversion chart whenever it is available.
How to Find Your Correct European Shoe Size
If you are purchasing European-sized footwear for the first time, start with your actual foot measurements rather than relying exclusively on the size printed inside a shoe you already own.
Measure both feet, since one foot is often slightly larger than the other. Then compare your measurements with the sizing information provided by the specific manufacturer.
If you need help measuring your feet, see our guide on How to Measure Your Feet at Home.
Once you have your measurement, you can use the manufacturer's size chart to determine the most appropriate size for that particular shoe.
Should You Size Up or Down in European Shoes?
There is no universal rule that says you should always size up or down when purchasing European footwear.
If a conversion chart puts you between two sizes, look at the individual brand's recommendations before making a decision. The construction of the shoe can make one size more appropriate than another.
It is also important to consider how the shoe is intended to fit. A walking shoe, sandal, clog, dress shoe, and athletic shoe may all have different fit characteristics even when they carry the same numerical size.
Instead of asking only, "What EU size equals my US size?" it is more useful to ask, "What size does this particular brand recommend for my foot measurements?"
Why Foot Measurements Are More Useful Than Shoe Size Alone
Your shoe size is a useful reference, but it is not a measurement of your foot.
Feet can change over time due to age, weight changes, pregnancy, activity level, or other factors. It is also common for the left and right foot to differ somewhat in length or width.
Measuring your feet gives you a more objective starting point when choosing a size, particularly when you are buying a new brand or a shoe that uses a different sizing system.
After determining your size, you should still evaluate the actual fit. You can learn more about that in How Should Shoes Fit? A Complete Shoe-Fitting Guide.
What About European Shoe Widths?
European sizing can also make width somewhat confusing because width conventions are not necessarily the same as those used by US footwear manufacturers.
Some European brands offer multiple widths, while others primarily change the shape and volume of the shoe through different styles or models rather than traditional width designations.
This is another reason that two shoes with the same EU size may not fit the same way.
If you frequently struggle with shoes being too narrow or too wide, pay attention to the actual shape of the shoe rather than concentrating only on the numerical size.
US vs. European Shoe Sizes: The Bottom Line
European shoe sizing can be confusing at first, but the most important thing to remember is that an EU size is not an exact mathematical equivalent of a US size.
A conversion chart can give you a useful starting point, but the manufacturer's sizing information, your foot measurements, and the actual shape of the shoe are all important when determining the right fit.
If you are buying a European brand for the first time, start by measuring your feet and then check that brand's specific sizing information. That approach is much more reliable than simply converting your usual US size to an EU number.