Why Shoe Sizing Is Confusing
Walk into any shoe store or shop online and you will face a wall of sizing systems — EU 42, UK 8, US 9. They all describe the same foot, but the numbers are completely different. Here is the full breakdown.
EU Sizing
European sizing (also called Continental sizing) is the most consistent international standard. EU sizes measure in Paris points — each point is roughly 6.67mm. Most premium international brands use EU sizing as their base.
UK Sizing
UK sizing starts lower than EU. A EU 42 is typically a UK 8 for men and a UK 6 for women. Women's UK sizing runs about 2 sizes below men's for the same foot length.
US Sizing
US sizing runs about 1 size above UK for men (UK 8 = US 9) and about 1.5 sizes above UK for women. US and UK women's sizes are the same number.
How to Measure Your Foot at Home
- Place a blank piece of paper on a hard floor
- Stand on the paper with full weight on your foot
- Trace around your foot with a pen held vertically
- Measure the longest distance from heel to toe in centimetres
- Use the measurement chart: 25cm = EU 39, 26cm = EU 40/41, 27cm = EU 42, 28cm = EU 43/44
Pro Tips
Always measure both feet — most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Buy for the larger foot. Measure at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. If you are between sizes, go up.
