Converting Shoe Sizes

Navigating shoes sizes can be tricky business – especially if you are attempting to purchase shoes overseas or if you are buying shoes sized for the opposite gender.  This article will take you through all the necessary conversions using a Women’s size 8 for our example.  For a summary of the conversions, check out the chart below.  

•    Women’s to Men’s.  To convert from a men’s size to a women’s size, simply add 2 to the men’s size.  In our case, a woman who wears a size 8 in women’s shoe would need to shop for a size 6 in men’s.  

•    Athletic Shoes.  It is normally a good idea to purchase athletic shoes that are a little bit bigger than your everyday shoes or dress shoes.  This is because the foot tends to swell when we run (thanks to all that heat and sweat!).  It’s very important not to cramp the foot in athletic shoes as this could lead to foot injuries such as ingrown or bruised toenails.  Athletic shoes can always be cinched by tying the laces tightly.  So a woman with size 8 feet, should purchase athletic shoes that are a size 8.5.  

•    UK Shoe Conversions. To convert American Women’s shoe sizes to UK sizes, simply subtract 2.5.  So a woman with size 8 feet in the USA would purchase shoes that are a size 5.5 in the UK.  For men, the size varies by 1/2 a size.  So a Men’s size 8 would be a Men’s size 7.5 in the UK.  

•    European Shoe Conversion.  Converting American shoe sizes to European shoe sizes gets a little trickier so it’s best to look at an International Shoe Conversion Chart to get the most accurate conversion advice.  A European Women’s shoe is can be calculated approximately by adding 30 to your American size.  So a woman with a size 8 foot would need around a European size 38.  For men, add 32 to your American Men’s size.  

American Women’s Shoes to American Men’s Shoes    Subtract 2 sizes
American Men’s Shoes to American Women’s Shoes    Add 2 sizes
Women’s shoes to Women’s Athletic Shoes    Add 1/2 size
Men’s Shoes to Men’s Athletic Shoes    Add 1/2 size
American Women’s Shoes to UK Women’s Shoes    Subtract 2.5 sizes
American Men’s Shoes to UK Men’s Shoes    Subtract 1/2 size
American Women’s Shoes to European Women’s Shoes    Add 30 (approximate)
American Men’s Shoes to European Men’s Shoes    Add 32 (approximate)