UK shoe sizes are prominent worldwide, especially in Continental Europe and Eastern European countries. Moreover, other regions also follow the UK shoe sizing system but with their distinct name.
For instance, India (IN) follows the UK shoe sizing system so whatever size you have for the UK will also be the same for IN.
Although UK sizing is popular worldwide, there are times when the conversion from the UK to other sizing systems can be helpful. If you know your UK Shoe Size Conversion Chart, you can easily figure out your shoe size in other common shoe sizes. So here’s a complete shoe size conversion guide that unravels the UK shoe size chart.
What is MY Shoe Size in UK?
To know your UK shoe size, you should know the measurement of your foot’s length. We have an in-depth guide on foot measurement down below.
Edward II established the UK or English sizing system and the system is still followed to this day. The system consists of Barleycorn which is the unit to determine the length of the shoe.
To find your UK size the typical measurement is to include the length of the shoe last. After that, multiply the length by 3 and subtract 25. For instance, if your foot length or last length is 10 inches, the result will be 5.
Understanding the UK Shoe Size Conversion Chart
UK shoe sizes were introduced by King Edward II in the 13th century with a unit of measurement called Barleycorn. A barleycorn is based on the length of the last (shoe last) and each unit denotes one size. The countdown is backward in UK shoe sizes with the starting UK size 13 which is 12 inches.
Refer to the given UK shoe size conversion chart image for more information.
UK Shoe Size Chart Men
Men’s sizes for the UK typically start from UK size 4 to 13. The smallest men’s size has a length of 8.66 inches. As you get one size up, add one barleycorn i.e. 1.3 inch. So adding 0.3 inches to 8.66 inches (UK size 3) will be 8.96 inches (UK size 4).
Keep in mind that the actual length of a standard UK shoe size will differ from your calculations. Adding 0.3 inches to a UK shoe size will get you close to the next UK shoe size but not exactly on point.
| UK Sizes | US Sizes | India Sizes | EU Sizes | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 36.5 | 22.9 cm | 9 |
| 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23.3 cm | 9 1/6 |
| 5 | 5.5 | 5 | 37.5 | 23.7 cm | 9 1/3 |
| 5.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 38 | 24.1 cm | 9 1/2 |
| 6 | 6.5 | 6 | 39 | 24.6 cm | 9 2/3 |
| 6.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 39.5 | 25.0 cm | 9 5/6 |
| 7 | 7.5 | 7 | 40 | 25.4 cm | 10 |
| 7.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 25.8 cm | 10 1/6 |
| 8 | 8.5 | 8 | 41.5 | 26.2 cm | 10 1/3 |
| 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 41.5 | 26.7 cm | 10 1/2 |
| 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 42.5 | 27.1 cm | 10 2/3 |
| 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 43.5 | 27.5 cm | 10 5/6 |
| 10 | 10.5 | 10 | 44 | 27.9 cm | 11 |
| 10.5 | 11 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 28.4 cm | 11 1/6 |
| 11 | 11.5 | 11 | 45.5 | 28.8 cm | 11 1/3 |
| 11.5 | 12 | 11.5 | 46 | 29.2 cm | 11 1/2 |
| 12 | 12.5 | 12 | 46.5 | 29.6 cm | 11 2/3 |
| 12.5 | 13 | 12.5 | 47 | 30.1 cm | 11 5/6 |
| 13 | 13.5 | 13 | 47.5 | 30.5 cm | 12 |
| 13.5 | 14 | 13.5 | 48.5 | 30.9 cm | 12 1/6 |
| 14 | 14.5 | 14 | 49 | 31.3 cm | 12 1/3 |
| 14.5 | 15 | 14.5 | 49.5 | 31.8 cm | 12 1/2 |
| 15 | 15.5 | 15 | 50 | 32.21 cm | 12 2/3 |
UK Shoe Size Chart Women
Women’s sizes are run smaller than men’s in almost all shoe size systems. The same goes with UK women’s shoe sizes with its starting size, 3. The largest UK shoe size for women can go up to 13. However, the majority of women fit sizes in the middle range.
| UK Sizes | US Sizes | India Sizes | EU Sizes | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 3 | 35 | 22.0 cm | 8 2/3 |
| 3.5 | 5.5 | 3.5 | 35.5 | 22.4 cm | 8 5/6 |
| 4 | 6 | 4 | 36.5 | 22.9 cm | 9 |
| 4.5 | 6.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 23.3 cm | 9 1/6 |
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 37.5 | 23.7 cm | 9 1/3 |
| 5.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 38 | 24.1 cm | 9 1/2 |
| 6 | 8 | 6 | 39 | 24.6 cm | 9 2/3 |
| 6.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 39.5 | 25.0 cm | 9 5/6 |
| 7 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 25.4 cm | 10 |
| 7.5 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 25.8 cm | 10 1/6 |
| 8 | 10 | 8 | 41.5 | 26.2 cm | 10 1/3 |
| 8.5 | 10.5 | 8.5 | 41.5 | 26.7 cm | 10 1/2 |
| 9 | 11 | 9 | 42.5 | 27.1 cm | 10 2/3 |
| 9.5 | 11.5 | 9.5 | 43.5 | 27.5 cm | 10 5/6 |
| 10 | 12 | 10 | 44 | 27.9 cm | 11 |
| 10.5 | 12.5 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 28.4 cm | 11 1/6 |
| 11 | 13 | 11 | 45.5 | 28.8 cm | 11 1/3 |
| 11.5 | 13.5 | 11.5 | 46 | 29.2 cm | 11 1/2 |
| 12 | 14 | 12 | 46.5 | 29.6 cm | 11 2/3 |
| 12.5 | 14.5 | 12.5 | 47 | 30.1 cm | 11 5/6 |
| 13 | 15 | 13 | 47.5 | 30.5 cm | 12 |
How to Measure Your Foot for the Perfect Fit?
Before you get into understanding the UK shoe size system or any other system, you need to follow proper measures to get the perfect fitting shoes. Below are the steps to measure your foot so that you can get a perfectly snug shoe.
- Pick the Appropriate Time: For the most accurate measurements, measure your feet towards the end of the day when they are slightly swollen.
- Wear Appropriate Socks: To ensure consistency, wear the same kind of socks that you plan to wear with the shoes you are measuring.
- Establish a Stable Surface: Using tape, firmly attach a piece of paper to a hard surface so that it doesn’t slide while being measured.
- Ensure Proper Posture: Place one foot on the paper while keeping your knees slightly bent. As an alternative, take a seat in a chair with both feet firmly on the floor.
- Trace Your Foot: Outline your foot on the paper using a pen or pencil that is pointing straight down. To ensure accuracy, get help from someone to maintain your foot’s still position.
- Repeat for the Other Foot: Keeping in mind that minor size variations between feet are typical, trace the other foot.
- Mark Important Points: On each traced foot, note the outermost portion of the heel and the tip of the big toe.
- Measure Foot Length: To determine the separation between the marked points, use a ruler or tape measure. Use a ruler with centimeter markings for accuracy.
- Think About the Larger Foot: If your feet are marginally different in size, choose your shoe size based on the larger foot’s measurements.
- Examine Width Options: For a more comfortable fit, look into wide or extra-wide styles if a standard-size shoe feels too narrow.
Are UK and US Shoe Sizes the Same?
The short answer to that is No, however, there are intricacies that we need to discuss here. UK and US shoes are measured based on Barleycorn and Simpson’s system respectively. However, both systems are numerically the same with each unit denoting 1/3 inch. The main difference between UK and US shoe sizes is the variations in the numbering of the sizes.
US sizes start at 1, making it larger than the UK. For instance, if you have UK 7 men size then you should get US 8 to get the perfect fitting shoe. For women, there are 2 size differences between the UK and the US. Hence, US women’s size 6 will be more or less the same as UK women’s size 4.
Are UK and EU Shoe Sizes the Same?
The difference between UK and US shoes is nothing compared to the UK and EU. For starters, the UK is based on inches as its unit of measurement and the EU uses centimeters. Moreover, the sizing system is also different. The UK uses barleycorn which is equivalent to 1/3 inch and the EU system is based on Paris Point and each Paris Point is 2/3 centimeters.
Size 0 in the UK is not 1 inch or 1 centimeter, in fact, they are about 12 inches. However, EU size 0 is actually 0 inches in length. EU uses centimeters and their size system is relatively more logical in terms of their sizing.
How to Solve Common Shoe Size Problems?
Sizing up a shoe is not as simple when considering its common problems. Let’s take a look at the solutions for common shoe size problems.
1. Dealing with Shoes That Are Too Tight
There are a few measures that you can apply when dealing with tight shoes. These measures have one objective and that is to stretch the shoe over time. You can start by wearing them in the evening as your feet are the biggest at that time. Wear your tight shoes and walk around for a few minutes. Another way is to wear thick socks and put on the shoe. After that, use a blow dryer.
2. Coping with Shoes That Are Too Loose
If your shoes are loose then the easiest solution is to wear thick socks but it can be uncomfortable during summer. Adding extra insoles can improve the snugness and fit of the shoes as well. If anything doesn’t work, you can always return the shoe.
3. Dealing with Size Discrepancies
Shoes come in different shapes and designs adding to the complexity of the shoe size system. An athletic shoe and a formal shoe of the same size may not be the same in length. Hence, its fitting will feel different. So you have to be aware of what type of shoes you are looking for before narrowing down the shoe solely based on its size. Refer to charts, ask the shop employee, and always consider width.
Conclusion
UK shoe sizing system has its own measurement with its distinct unit called Barleycorn. The sizing system is not complicated since it is used worldwide. Men and Women have the scaling when it comes to UK shoe sizes.
As a result, buyers will not find it hard to get a perfect-fitting shoe. The conversion is also easy with the methods given above. Once you know your foot measurement, you can find your UK shoe size easily or use conversion charts effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do UK shoe sizes compare to US sizes?
UK sizes are typically smaller than US sizes. For instance, if you wear a US size 8 in men’s shoes, you’d generally wear a UK size 7.5. For women’s shoes, if you’re a US size 9, you’d likely need a UK size 7.
Q2. Are UK shoe sizes unisex or gender-specific?
UK sizes do not differ between men’s and women’s shoes. Women’s sizes are usually smaller than men’s in the US shoe sizing system.
Q3. Do UK shoe sizes run larger or smaller than EU sizes?
UK sizes often run larger than EU sizes. As an example, a Men UK size 6 is roughly equivalent to an EU size 39.
Q4. What if your foot measurements fall between two sizes in the UK system?
It’s generally a good idea to round up if your measurement falls between sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. If you are buying shoes offline, trying shoes on or checking brand-specific sizing guides can also be helpful.
Q5. What should you do if the UK size you ordered doesn’t fit perfectly?
If a shoe doesn’t fit well, many online retailers offer exchange or return policies. Ensure to check the return policy before making a purchase.
Q6. Is the UK shoe size the same as Australia?
For men, the AU size is based on UK shoe sizes. So you can say UK and AU sizes are the same for men.
Q7. Should you convert directly from your US size to UK size when buying shoes internationally?
It’s recommended to consult a shoe conversion chart as direct size conversion might not always be accurate due to differences in UK and US shoe sizing systems.
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