Shoe Size Conversion Charts

Do you find yourself wearing a different size for a different type of shoes? For some shoes I am a 4.5, others a size 5 and in some cases a 5.5 – it all depends on the design, shape and materials used. Given COVID-19 and that so many ethical and sustainable footwear brands are only available for online, it’s good to know your sizes and keep these stored safely on your phone.

My clients often say “I don’t know what shoe size I am in US & Canadian or European shoe brands…”  so I decided to pull together this handy guide to help you figure out what size you’ll need depending on who you’re shopping with. 

Common Shoe Sizing Questions

Q. What should I do if I am a half size? Size up or size down
A: This depends on whether the shoes will stretch and mould to your feet, typically for soft leather boots and trainers – these shoes will ‘give’ a little but it’s not good for your feet to be stretching out shoes. Consider sizing up and wearing an insole.

Q. Why do European and American sizes differ so much?
A: This is frustrating but it’s the same as clothing, different countries model their sizing based on data of the population, which can sometimes be a little out of date. When shoes are made they are made using ‘lasts’ which represent the shape, length, width and bridge of someone’s foot. Different countries have different ‘last’ styles and we all use different sizing systems – so it can be a bit confusing. Use the guide below to figure out what size you are – then keep a note on your mobile phone.

Shoe Size Charts

I hope this chart is helpful,  please bookmark this page and if you have any additional requests for guides like this, please drop a note in the comments. 

What about UK Shoe Widths?

Womens’ Foot Width Chart UK Size Chart

Find out what type of shoe length is best for your feet  (UK Size Chart)

Note: Different shoe companies have different sizing, for example here in the UK Clarkes is know as a shoe brand that makes shoes in different widths and offer shoe measurements in store too. They have a different guide which you can see here. 

I particularly love ABLE’s ethically produced footwear –  but haven’t ordered from them because they are US based, that said they have a great chart to help you determine your size based on their shoes.

Find out HOW to measure your feet in my how-to guide with some insightful to tips to help you get to know your feet better and know ‘what questions’  to ask before purchasing your next pair of shoes 

STYLE MADE EASY

10 simple things you can do to transform your style 

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Other Tips 

If shopping pre-loved shoes 

Remember that shoes that have been worn once or twice are OK, but shoes that have been ‘worn’ will have moulded to their owner’s foot shape  – and may cause you to develop problems with your own feet. 

I recommend asking the owner how many times they’ve been worn as well as asking for measurements such:

• Width of shoe across the ball of the foot 
• Length of shoe 

Ask them if they are true to size (standard fit) or if they are wide or narrow.  By measuring your own feet you should know where you are.  Also remember to always go with the sizing of your bigger foot, usually the left one. 

After shoe shopping for many years – it’s easy to know what shapes, styles and or brands that work best with your foot shape.  However, I still recommend even the most seasoned shoppers to measure their feet. And it’s best to do so at the end of the day (after the foot swells) so you don’t end up with blisters by buying shoes too small.