If you have ever ordered shoes online from a European brand and ended up with the wrong size, you are not alone. EU and UK shoe sizes follow completely different systems, and even a small mistake can mean a frustrating return. This complete guide gives you the full EU to UK shoe size conversion chart for men, women, and children, along with expert tips to help you get the right fit every time.
Why Are EU and UK Shoe Sizes Different?
The European shoe sizing system measures the foot using Paris points, where one point equals ⅔ of a centimetre. The UK system, by contrast, is based on barleycorns — an old English unit equal to ⅓ of an inch. Because these two systems use entirely different units of measurement, you cannot simply add or subtract a fixed number to convert between them. A proper conversion chart is the only reliable method.
Understanding the difference matters more than ever today, as millions of people shop from global brands like Zara, Adidas, New Balance, and Nike — all of which list EU sizes as their primary sizing standard.
EU to UK Shoe Size Chart — Men
| EU Size | UK Size | US Size | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 5 | 6 | 24.0 |
| 39 | 6 | 7 | 24.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 25.3 |
| 41 | 7 | 8 | 25.9 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 26.6 |
| 43 | 9 | 10 | 27.3 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 27.9 |
| 45 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 28.6 |
| 46 | 11 | 12 | 29.3 |
| 47 | 12 | 13 | 30.0 |
| 48 | 13 | 14 | 30.6 |
EU to UK Shoe Size Chart — Women
| EU Size | UK Size | US Size | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 2.5 | 5 | 22.0 |
| 36 | 3 | 5.5 | 22.6 |
| 37 | 3.5 | 6 | 23.3 |
| 38 | 5 | 7 | 24.0 |
| 39 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 24.6 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 25.3 |
| 41 | 7.5 | 9 | 25.9 |
| 42 | 8 | 9.5 | 26.6 |
| 43 | 9 | 10.5 | 27.3 |
Note: Women’s UK sizes typically run about 1.5 sizes larger than men’s for the same EU number.
EU to UK Shoe Size Chart — Kids
| EU Size | UK Kids Size | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | 3 | 11.7 |
| 20 | 4 | 12.3 |
| 21 | 4.5 | 13.0 |
| 22 | 5 | 13.7 |
| 23 | 6 | 14.3 |
| 24 | 7 | 15.0 |
| 25 | 7.5 | 15.6 |
| 26 | 8 | 16.3 |
| 27 | 9 | 17.0 |
| 28 | 10 | 17.6 |
| 29 | 11 | 18.3 |
| 30 | 12 | 19.0 |
| 31 | 13 | 19.7 |
| 32 | 1 (junior) | 20.3 |
| 33 | 1.5 (junior) | 21.0 |
Tip: Children’s feet grow quickly — always measure before buying rather than guessing based on age.
How to Measure Your Foot at Home (Step-by-Step)
Getting an accurate foot measurement takes less than two minutes and can save you from returning shoes that don’t fit. Here’s how:
- Place a blank sheet of paper flat on a hard floor.
- Stand with your heel pressed firmly against a wall.
- Use a pencil to mark the tip of your longest toe on the paper.
- Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in centimetres.
- Match that measurement to the foot length column in the chart above to find your EU and UK size.
Important: Always measure both feet, as one foot is usually slightly larger than the other. Always buy shoes that fit your larger foot.
6 Expert Tips for Buying Shoes Online
Getting the EU to UK shoe size conversion right is just the first step. Here are six additional tips to make sure your online shoe purchase goes smoothly:
- Always check the brand’s own size guide. Sizing can vary between manufacturers even within the same EU system. A size 42 from Adidas may fit differently than a size 42 from Clarks.
- Read customer reviews. Shoppers often mention whether a style runs large, small, or narrow — this is often more reliable than the official size guide.
- If between sizes, size up. A slightly larger shoe is far more comfortable than one that is too tight, especially for leather shoes that do not stretch.
- Consider the shoe type. Boots, formal dress shoes, and running trainers all fit differently. A trainer in EU 43 and a formal Oxford in EU 43 may feel like different sizes entirely.
- Check the return policy before buying. Always opt for retailers that offer free returns when buying shoes online for the first time.
- Factor in sock thickness. If you plan to wear thick socks with winter boots, you may want to go half a size up from your usual EU to UK shoe size conversion.
EU to UK Shoe Size: Quick Conversion Shortcut
While no formula is perfectly precise, here is a rough shortcut many shoppers use:
- Men: Subtract 33 from the EU size to get an approximate UK size (e.g. EU 43 − 33 = UK 10, though the actual conversion is 9).
- Women: Subtract 30.5 from the EU size for a rough estimate.
However, always use the full chart for accuracy — the shortcut can be off by half a size in several cases.
Conclusion
Whether you are shopping from a European fashion brand, ordering trainers from an international website, or buying a gift for someone overseas, having the right EU to UK shoe size conversion at your fingertips makes the whole process much easier. Bookmark this page and refer back to it whenever you need a quick size check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is EU size 40 a UK size 6 or 6.5? For men, EU 40 converts to UK 6.5. For women, EU 40 converts to UK 6.5 as well. However, this can vary slightly by brand, so always check the specific brand’s size guide when possible.
Q2: What is EU size 38 in UK shoe size? EU size 38 is approximately UK 5 for men and UK 5 for women. In foot length, this corresponds to around 24.0 cm.
Q3: How do I convert EU kids shoe sizes to UK? EU kids sizes start from around 19 (UK 3) and go up to around 33 (UK 1.5 junior). Use the kids chart above for accurate conversions. Always measure a child’s foot before buying, as children’s feet grow quickly and sizing can vary between brands.
Q4: Are EU and European shoe sizes the same thing? Yes — EU shoe sizes and European shoe sizes refer to the same system. You may also see it written as “EUR size” on some websites. They all use the same Paris point measurement system.
Q5: Can I convert EU shoe sizes to UK without a chart? While rough shortcuts exist, they are not fully reliable. The only accurate way to convert EU to UK shoe sizes is to use a proper conversion chart, like the ones provided in this guide, because the two systems use different units of measurement and the gap between sizes is not consistent across the full range.
