Footwear

Shoe Size Converter

Convert between US, UK, EU, and centimetre shoe sizes instantly.

Converted Sizes

9US

8.5UK

42.5EU

26.4cm

Conversions are approximate. Fit varies by brand and model.

All sizes for men size 9

US9
UK8.5
EU42.5
Foot length26.4 cm

Shoe sizes vary significantly between brands. Always try on or check brand-specific sizing charts before purchasing online.

What is the Shoe Size Converter?

A shoe size converter is a tool that translates shoe sizes between different regional standards. US, UK, EU, and metric (centimetre) sizes measure foot length differently and use different scales. The converter uses standard conversion tables for both men's and women's shoes, accounting for the fact that women's and men's sizing systems are offset from each other.

How it works

The converter uses a lookup table with standard shoe size equivalencies. Select your gender (men or women), enter your current shoe size, choose your current region, and the tool instantly displays the equivalent sizes in all other systems along with the foot length in centimetres. The converter finds the closest match in the standard size progression to provide the most accurate conversion.

Shoe size conversions are based on foot length in centimetres as the common reference. US Men size 9 = UK 8.5 = EU 42.5 = 26.4 cm foot length. US Women size 8 = UK 5.5 = EU 38 = 24.0 cm. The offset between men's and women's sizing is approximately 1.5 sizes in the US system.

Shoe sizes reflect foot length: each full size (e.g., US 9 to US 10) represents approximately 0.4 centimetres of additional foot length. Men's and women's shoes have different base sizes even though they cover similar foot lengths. EU sizes are the most linear; they directly reflect foot length in millimetres minus 10 (e.g., EU 42.5 = 425 mm = 42.5 cm). This tool uses established size conversion matrices used by shoe manufacturers worldwide.

Examples

InputResultNotes
US Men 9UK 8.5, EU 42.5, 26.4 cmUS Men 9 is the most common size for adult men; equivalent to a 26.4 cm foot length
EU 40US Men 7, UK 6.5, 24.8 cm (or US Women 9, UK 6.5, 24.8 cm)EU 40 spans both men's size 7 and women's size 9, depending on the shoe type
US Women 7UK 4.5, EU 37, 23.2 cmUS Women 7 is approximately 1.5 sizes smaller than US Men equivalent, due to different sizing bases

How to use the Shoe Size Converter

  1. Select your gender: men or women (important because sizing bases differ)
  2. Enter your current shoe size as a number (e.g., 9, 8.5, 42)
  3. Choose the region of your current size: US, UK, EU, or centimetres
  4. Press Enter or click away to convert
  5. View all four equivalent sizes instantly in the results
  6. Check the foot length in centimetres to verify fit (the most universal measurement)

Benefits

  • Instant conversions save time when shopping internationally or comparing brands
  • Shows foot length in centimetres, the most reliable measurement across all brands
  • Separate tables for men's and women's shoes ensure accurate conversions (sizing bases differ)
  • Eliminates the guesswork of trying different sizes across regions
  • Free, no sign-up required, and works entirely in your browser
  • Helps avoid costly mistakes when buying shoes online from international retailers

Tips & common mistakes

Common mistakes

  • Assuming men's and women's shoes use the same conversion (they don't; US Men 9 ≠ US Women 9)
  • Ignoring foot length in centimetres; it's the most accurate universal measurement
  • Forgetting that individual brands fit differently even within the same size; use conversions as a starting point
  • Assuming online shoe sales include accurate size guides; always check the specific brand's chart

Tips

  • When shopping internationally, measure your foot in centimetres and use that as your starting point; it's the most reliable
  • EU sizes are the most consistent across brands; if you know your EU size, conversions to other systems are more reliable
  • Brands vary widely in fit; US Men 9 in one brand might fit like US Men 8.5 in another. Always check reviews and return policies when ordering online

Frequently asked questions

Why are US men's and women's shoe sizes different?

US women's shoe sizes start from a different baseline than men's. Roughly, US Women's size = US Men's size + 1.5. This is arbitrary but widely used; other countries use a unified scale or smaller offsets.

Is EU sizing the same across all brands?

EU sizing is more standardized than US, but still varies. Italian brands often run narrow, while other European brands are wider. Always measure your foot length and check the specific brand's sizing chart.

What does the centimetre measurement represent?

The centimetre measurement is your foot length from heel to longest toe, typically measured while standing. It's the most universal measurement and the most reliable for choosing the correct size.

Can children's shoes use this converter?

This converter is designed for adult shoe sizes. Children's sizing varies by brand and doesn't follow the same progression. Check your child's age and foot length against the brand's specific chart.

Should I buy a size smaller or larger if between sizes?

Always round up (buy the larger size). A slightly loose shoe can be remedied with thicker socks or insoles; too-small shoes cause discomfort and foot problems. Measure your foot length first to be sure.

Why does the same brand feel different in different countries?

Manufacturing location and target market influence fit. A Nike shoe made in Vietnam may fit slightly differently from the same model made in China. Check customer reviews before ordering.

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FreeToolz Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 2026

Reviewed for accuracy. Results are estimates for general information and are not professional (medical, financial or legal) advice.