Men's Women's Shoe Size Conversion Guide (US Sizes)
Need to convert US Men's shoe sizes to US Women's sizes, or vice-versa? This guide provides clear conversion charts, a helpful tool, and important considerations like width differences to help you find the right fit.
US Men's ⇔ Women's Shoe Size Converter
Enter a US Men's or US Women's shoe size below to see its approximate equivalent in the other gender's sizing. Please note this conversion primarily applies to US sizes.
Men's / Women's US Shoe Size Converter
Enter either the Men's US size or Women's US size. The other size will be calculated using the standard (+/- 1.5) rule.
Note: This uses the common rule: Women's US = Men's US + 1.5. Actual brand sizing may vary.
This tool uses the standard +1.5 / -1.5 rule for US sizes. Remember that width is a critical factor not covered by this basic length conversion. Brand sizing and individual shoe styles can also vary.
Understanding Men's vs. Women's Shoe Sizing (US)
When converting between US men's and women's shoe sizes, there are key differences to keep in mind:
- The Standard Conversion Rule (US Sizes):
- To convert a US Men's size to US Women's size: Add 1.5 (e.g., Men's US 8 ≈ Women's US 9.5).
- To convert a US Women's size to US Men's size: Subtract 1.5 (e.g., Women's US 9.5 ≈ Men's US 8).
- Critical Factor: Width Differences:
- Men's shoes are generally manufactured wider than women's shoes. A standard Men's width is 'D', while a standard Women's width is 'B'.
- So, a Men's shoe converted to the equivalent Women's length will still be wider than a standard Women's shoe in that size (Men's D width ≈ Women's C/D or Wide width).
- Conversely, a Women's shoe converted to Men's length will be narrower (Women's B width ≈ Men's C or Narrow width).
- Other Fit Aspects: Shoe lasts (the mold shoes are made on) can differ in shape beyond just length and width, affecting areas like heel width, instep volume, and toe box shape.
- "Unisex" Sizing: Some brands offer "unisex" shoes. These are typically sized in Men's US sizes. Women would then subtract 1.5 from their usual US Women's size. Always check the brand's specific guidance for unisex models.
Why Convert Between Men's and Women's Shoe Sizes?
People might look to convert shoe sizes between genders for several reasons:
- Style/Color Availability: A desired style or colorway might only be available in men's or women's sizing.
- Fit Preferences (Width):
- Women with wider feet might find a better fit in men's shoes (e.g., a Women's B width might find a Men's D width more comfortable at the equivalent length).
- Men with narrower feet might find a better fit in women's shoes (e.g., a Men's D width might find a Women's B width, which is narrower, more suitable at the equivalent length).
- Specific Foot Needs: Sometimes the overall shape or specific dimensions (like a wider toe box in some men's styles) might better suit an individual's foot, regardless of gender.
Men's ⇔ Women's US Shoe Size Conversion Charts
Use these charts as a quick reference for converting between US Men's and US Women's shoe sizes. Remember the standard width for Men's is D, and for Women's is B.
US Men's to US Women's Shoe Size Chart
| US Men's | Equivalent US Women's (Length) | Approx. Foot Length (CM) | Approx. Foot Length (MM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6.5 | ~23.1 | 231 |
| 5.5 | 7 | ~23.5 | 235 |
| 6 | 7.5 | ~23.9 | 239 |
| 6.5 | 8 | ~24.4 | 244 |
| 7 | 8.5 | ~24.8 | 248 |
| 7.5 | 9 | ~25.3 | 253 |
| 8 | 9.5 | ~25.7 | 257 |
| 8.5 | 10 | ~26.1 | 261 |
| 9 | 10.5 | ~26.5 | 265 |
| 9.5 | 11 | ~26.9 | 269 |
| 10 | 11.5 | ~27.3 | 273 |
| 10.5 | 12 | ~27.7 | 277 |
| 11 | 12.5 | ~28.1 | 281 |
| 11.5 | 13 | ~28.6 | 286 |
| 12 | 13.5 | ~29.0 | 290 |
| 13 | 14.5 | ~29.8 | 298 |
US Women's to US Men's Shoe Size Chart
| US Women's | Equivalent US Men's (Length) | Approx. Foot Length (CM) | Approx. Foot Length (MM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4.5 | ~22.7 | 227 |
| 6.5 | 5 | ~23.1 | 231 |
| 7 | 5.5 | ~23.5 | 235 |
| 7.5 | 6 | ~23.9 | 239 |
| 8 | 6.5 | ~24.4 | 244 |
| 8.5 | 7 | ~24.8 | 248 |
| 9 | 7.5 | ~25.3 | 253 |
| 9.5 | 8 | ~25.7 | 257 |
| 10 | 8.5 | ~26.1 | 261 |
| 10.5 | 9 | ~26.5 | 265 |
| 11 | 9.5 | ~26.9 | 269 |
| 11.5 | 10 | ~27.3 | 273 |
| 12 | 10.5 | ~27.7 | 277 |
| 12.5 | 11 | ~28.1 | 281 |
| 13 | 11.5 | ~28.6 | 286 |
| 13.5 | 12 | ~29.0 | 290 |
How to Measure Feet Accurately (+ Printable Tool Info)
Knowing your precise foot length in CM (Centimeters) is very helpful, even when converting between Men's and Women's US sizes, as it provides a baseline to compare against brand charts.
Measurement Steps:
- Gather Supplies: Find a hard floor, a wall, a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or tape measure (with CM & IN).
- Position Foot: Place the paper on the floor against the wall. Stand on the paper with your heel firmly against the wall. Wear the type of socks you'd normally wear with the shoes. Ensure your weight is evenly distributed.
- Trace Outline: Have someone else trace the outline of your foot, keeping the pen held vertically (at a 90° angle) to the paper. If alone, trace carefully, ensuring the pen stays snug against your foot.
- Measure Length: Remove your foot. Draw a straight line from the back of the heel mark to the tip of the mark for your longest toe. Measure this line using your ruler in **Centimeters (CM)**.
- Repeat for Other Foot: Feet are often slightly different sizes. Repeat steps 2-4 for your other foot.
- Use the Longer Measurement: Always use the measurement from your *longer* foot. You can then compare this CM/MM value to brand charts.
Using a Printable Measurement Tool
For very precise foot measurement at home, you can search for a "printable foot ruler PDF" online. If you use one, it's crucial to print it at 'Actual Size' or '100%' scale.
This ensures the ruler markings on the printed tool are accurate for a reliable measurement.
Brand Considerations for Men's/Women's Sizing
While the +1.5 / -1.5 rule is standard for US sizes, brands can interpret this differently or have unique lasts for men's and women's shoes. If considering a cross-gender purchase:
-
Nike / Nike Women's Sizing: Generally follows the +1.5 rule. Compare CM values on their men's and women's charts.
-
Adidas Sizing: Often adheres to the +1.5 rule. Their JP (CM) sizing can be helpful for direct length comparison across genders.
-
New Balance Sizing: Provides detailed width options. Compare CM measurements and be mindful of the standard D (men) vs B (women) width difference.
Fit Tips for Converting Between Men's & Women's Shoes
If you're buying shoes designed for the opposite gender, pay close attention to fit beyond just length:
- WIDTH is Paramount: This is the biggest difference. A man buying a woman's shoe (at equivalent length) will find it narrower. A woman buying a man's shoe will find it wider.
- Women needing wider shoes might consider a men's standard (D) width.
- Men needing narrower shoes *might* consider a women's standard (B) width, but other fit aspects can be tricky.
- Heel Width & Instep: Men's shoes often have wider heels and more volume over the instep compared to women's shoes of equivalent length.
- Toe Box Shape: Can vary. Some men's styles might offer a roomier toe box.
- Arch Support & Cushioning: May be designed differently based on typical gender weight distribution or foot mechanics.
- Try Them On: If at all possible, try shoes on before purchasing, especially when crossing gender lines. Pay attention to overall comfort, not just length.
- Read Reviews: See if others have commented on cross-gender fit for that specific model.
- Start with Athletic Shoes: Athletic shoes, especially running shoes or trainers, are often more forgiving in fit and sometimes have more consistency in their unisex or cross-gender sizing approach.
Men's to Women's Shoe Size FAQ (US)
What is the basic rule for converting US Men's to US Women's shoe sizes?
The general rule is to add 1.5 to a US Men's size to get the equivalent US Women's size. For example, a US Men's 8 is approximately a US Women's 9.5 in length.
How do I convert US Women's to US Men's shoe sizes?
To convert from US Women's to US Men's, subtract 1.5 from the Women's size. For example, a US Women's 10 is roughly equivalent to a US Men's 8.5 in length.
Is a Men's shoe wider than a Women's shoe of the same converted length?
Yes, significantly. Standard US Men's shoe width is 'D', while standard US Women's shoe width is 'B'. A 'B' width is narrower than a 'D' width. So, a Men's size 8 (D width) converted to a Women's 9.5 will still have that 'D' width, making it wider than a standard Women's 9.5 (B width).
Can a woman wear men's shoes?
Yes, many women wear men's shoes, especially if they prefer the style, color, or have wider feet. They would typically choose a men's size that is 1.5 sizes smaller than their usual women's size and be mindful that it will be a D width (wider).
Can a man wear women's shoes?
Yes, though it can be more challenging due to width. Men would typically choose a women's size that is 1.5 sizes larger than their usual men's size. However, the women's shoe will be a B width (narrower than a men's D), which might be too tight unless the man has narrow feet or the shoe style is very accommodating.
What does "unisex" shoe sizing mean?
Unisex shoes are typically sized based on US Men's sizing. Women wanting to purchase a unisex shoe should generally select 1.5 sizes down from their usual US Women's size. For example, if a woman wears a US Women's 8.5, she might look for a unisex size 7. Always check the specific brand's advice for their unisex models.
Final Sizing Disclaimer
This Men's to Women's shoe size converter, charts, and guides are provided as reference tools for US sizing. Sizing standards, manufacturing processes, and last shapes (especially width) vary significantly.
Always prioritize measuring your foot accurately (CM/MM), considering width needs, and consulting the specific brand's official size charts for both men's and women's shoes if attempting a cross-gender purchase. Relying solely on length conversion may lead to an incorrect or uncomfortable fit.