UK to US Shoe Size Conversion Guide
Looking to convert UK shoe sizes to US (United States) sizes? This guide provides accurate UK to US conversion charts for Men, Women, and Kids, alongside a simple converter tool and helpful tips to find your correct American shoe size.
UK to US Shoe Size Converter Tool
Enter a UK shoe size below to see its approximate US equivalent. Remember to select the shoe type (Men's, Women's, or Kids') for the most accurate conversion.
UK <-> US Shoe Size Converter
Select shoe type, then enter either the UK or US size to convert.
Results use standard conversions. Brand sizing varies significantly!
Conversions are based on common standards. However, shoe sizing can vary significantly between brands. Always check the specific brand's size chart. Using your foot length in CM or MM is the most reliable method to determine your true size.
Understanding UK vs. US Shoe Sizing Differences
Navigating UK and US shoe sizes requires understanding their distinct systems:
- UK Sizing: Based on an old English measurement called the barleycorn (1/3 inch). UK children's sizes typically run up to size 13.5, then restart at size 1 for older children/youth.
- US Sizing: Also uses a similar incremental system but starts at a different point and has different scales for men and women.
- Men's US Size: Generally, US Men's size is UK Men's size + 0.5 to 1 (e.g., UK 8 is often US 8.5 or 9).
- Women's US Size: Generally, US Women's size is UK Women's size + 2 to 2.5 (e.g., UK 6 is often US 8 or 8.5).
- Kids' Sizing: US kids' sizes are typically one size larger than UK kids' sizes (e.g., UK 10K is often US 11C). The "C" denotes Child/Crib/Toddler, and "Y" denotes Youth.
- Brand Variations: Crucially, individual brands may have their own specific conversion scales. A UK 7 in one brand might not be the same US equivalent as in another.
Pro Tip: Use CM/MM for Best Accuracy
The most dependable way to compare sizes, especially between UK and US systems or different brands, is to measure your foot in Centimeters (CM) or Millimeters (MM). Compare this measurement to the brand's CM/MM sizing information. Our measurement guide below can assist you.
How to Measure Feet Accurately (+ Printable Tool Info)
Knowing your precise foot length in CM (Centimeters) or MM (Millimeters) is key for accurate UK to US shoe size conversion, especially when checking brand-specific 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 or use it with conversion tools.
- Consider Comfort Room: Most size charts account for *shoe* length, not exact foot length. Unless a brand guide says otherwise, add about 1cm (approx. ⅜ inch) to your foot measurement *before* comparing to size charts to allow for necessary wiggle room.
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.
UK to US Shoe Size Conversion Charts
Use these charts as a guide to convert between UK and US shoe sizes. For the most accurate fit, also consider your foot length in CM/MM. Remember, brand sizing can vary!
Men's UK to US Shoe Size Chart
| UK Men | US Men | CM (Foot Length Approx.) | Mondo (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 6 | ~23.9 | 239 |
| 6 | 6.5 | ~24.4 | 244 |
| 6.5 | 7 | ~24.8 | 248 |
| 7 | 7.5 | ~25.3 | 253 |
| 7.5 | 8 | ~25.7 | 257 |
| 8 | 8.5 | ~26.1 | 261 |
| 8.5 | 9 | ~26.5 | 265 |
| 9 | 9.5 | ~26.9 | 269 |
| 9.5 | 10 | ~27.3 | 273 |
| 10 | 10.5 | ~27.7 | 277 |
| 10.5 | 11 | ~28.1 | 281 |
| 11 | 11.5 | ~28.6 | 286 |
| 11.5 | 12 | ~29.0 | 290 |
| 12 | 13 | ~29.8 | 298 |
| 13 | 14 | ~30.6 | 306 |
| 14 | 15 | ~31.4 | 314 |
| 15 | 16 | ~32.0 | 320 |
Women's UK to US Shoe Size Chart
| UK Women | US Women | CM (Foot Length Approx.) | Mondo (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 5 | ~21.5 | 215 |
| 3 | 5.5 | ~21.9 | 219 |
| 3.5 | 6 | ~22.3 | 223 |
| 4 | 6.5 | ~22.7 | 227 |
| 4.5 | 7 | ~23.2 | 232 |
| 5 | 7.5 | ~23.6 | 236 |
| 5.5 | 8 | ~24.1 | 241 |
| 6 | 8.5 | ~24.5 | 245 |
| 6.5 | 9 | ~24.9 | 249 |
| 7 | 9.5 | ~25.3 | 253 |
| 7.5 | 10 | ~25.7 | 257 |
| 8 | 10.5 | ~26.1 | 261 |
| 8.5 | 11 | ~26.5 | 265 |
| 9 | 11.5 | ~26.9 | 269 |
| 9.5 | 12 | ~27.3 | 273 |
Kids' & Toddler UK to US Shoe Size Chart
| UK Kids' | US Kids' | CM (Foot Length Approx.) | Mondo (mm) | Approx. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 K | 4.5 C | ~11.1 | 111 | ~1 yr |
| 4.5 K | 5.5 C | ~12.0 | 120 | ~1-1.5 yrs |
| 6.5 K | 7.5 C | ~14.0 | 140 | ~2 yrs |
| 9.5 K | 10.5 C | ~16.5 | 165 | ~3-4 yrs |
| 13.5 K | 1 Y | ~19.9 | 199 | ~6 yrs |
| 1 (Youth) | 2 Y | ~20.8 | 208 | ~6-7 yrs |
| 3.5 (Youth) | 4.5 Y | ~22.5 | 225 | ~8-9 yrs |
| 6.5 (Youth) | 7 Y | ~25.1 | 251 | ~11+ yrs |
Brand-Specific Shoe Sizing (UK & US)
While our charts provide general UK to US conversions, individual brands can have unique sizing. Always check the brand's official size chart, often found on their US website, especially if they provide US and CM/MM measurements.
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Nike Sizing: Nike.com (US site) will list US sizes. Their charts often include UK, EU, and CM. Use their CM values for the best cross-reference from UK to US if buying from a UK source for the US market or vice-versa.
-
Adidas Sizing: Adidas US site lists US sizes. Their charts typically show UK, EU, and JP (often CM). Compare their UK and US directly, or use JP/CM as a baseline.
-
New Balance Sizing: New Balance US provides detailed US sizing, including widths. Their charts often have UK and CM equivalents.
-
Puma Sizing: Puma US site will show US sizes. Check their international size charts for UK comparisons or CM values.
Shoe Fit Tips for UK & US Sizes
Finding the perfect fit when converting between UK and US sizes involves more than just chart lookups. Consider these tips:
- Measure Later in Day: Feet can swell. Measure in the afternoon or evening for a more accurate size.
- Wear Appropriate Socks: Try on shoes with the type of socks you'll typically wear with them.
- Check Both Feet: One foot is often slightly larger. Always fit to your larger foot.
- Thumb's Width Rule: Aim for about a thumb's width (approx. 1-1.5cm) of space between your longest toe and the shoe's end.
- Width Matters: US sizes often come in different widths (e.g., D for Men's Medium, B for Women's Medium, EE for Wide). If shoes often feel tight or loose side-to-side, investigate width options available in US sizing.
- Try Before You Buy (If Possible): If buying online, especially internationally, understand the return policy. Different styles from the same brand can fit differently.
- Read Reviews: Customer reviews often mention if a particular shoe model (and its UK/US sizing) runs true, small, or large.
UK to US Shoe Size FAQ
How do I convert UK men's shoe size to US men's?
Generally, to convert UK men's shoe size to US men's, you add 0.5 to 1 size. For example, a UK 8 is often a US 8.5 or US 9. Our UK to US converter tool and size charts offer more specific estimates. Always check brand charts for precision.
How do I convert UK women's shoe size to US women's?
To convert UK women's shoe size to US women's, you typically add 2 to 2.5 sizes. For instance, a UK 5 is often a US 7 or US 7.5. Refer to our converter or charts for guidance, but brand-specific charts are most accurate.
Is a UK size 6 the same for men and women when converting to US sizes?
No, the conversion is different. A UK men's size 6 is approximately a US men's 6.5 or 7. A UK women's size 6 is approximately a US women's 8 or 8.5. This is because US men's and women's sizing scales are different from each other, as well as from the UK scale.
What is UK shoe size 7 in US sizes?
A UK men's size 7 is generally a US men's 7.5 or 8. A UK women's size 7 is typically a US women's 9 or 9.5. Check our specific charts above for more common conversions.
Are US shoe sizes bigger or smaller than UK sizes?
Numerically, US shoe sizes are larger than their UK equivalents. For example, a UK 8 men's is around a US 8.5-9 men's. The actual physical size of the shoe for a given foot length should be comparable once correctly converted.
Why use CM/MM for UK to US shoe size conversion?
Centimeters (CM) or Millimeters (MM - Mondopoint) measure the actual length of your foot. Since UK and US sizing systems have different starting points and increments, and brands interpret these differently, your CM/MM foot length provides a universal, consistent value. You can compare this directly to brand-specific size charts (which often include CM/MM) to bridge the gap between UK and US sizing conventions more reliably.
Final Sizing Disclaimer
This UK to US shoe size converter, charts, and guides are provided as reference tools only. Sizing standards, manufacturing processes, and last shapes vary significantly between brands and even different styles from the same brand.
Always prioritize measuring your foot accurately (CM/MM) and consulting the specific brand's official size chart and fit recommendations (especially for US sizes) before purchasing footwear. Relying solely on conversion may lead to an incorrect fit.