What This Calculator Does
The Microapp Shoe Size Converter handles all five major international sizing systems — US, UK, EU, JP, AU — across men's, women's, and kids' categories. Pick what you know, see what you wear in every other system. Plus foot length in mm, cm, and inches for the precise option.
• UK: 8.5
• EU: 42.5
• JP: 27 cm
• AU: 8.5
• Foot length: ~270 mm (10.6")
The Five Systems
US (Brannock): Most common in North America. Whole and half sizes. Men's and women's are different scales (women's are 1.5 larger for same foot length).
UK: Same numerical scale as US but men's are 0.5-1.5 sizes smaller depending on category. Used in UK, Australia (mostly), India, and many Commonwealth countries.
EU (Continental): Unisex single scale. EU 42 fits a 42, regardless of gender. Used across Europe, including some neighboring countries.
JP (Japan): Foot length in centimeters. JP 27 = 27 cm foot. Direct, unambiguous, and growing in popularity globally.
AU (Australia): Mostly aligns with UK; Australian women's sizes can use either UK or US conventions depending on brand.
How to Measure Your Feet
- Stand on a piece of paper, heel against a wall.
- Have someone mark where your longest toe ends (often the second toe, not the big toe).
- Measure heel-to-mark in millimeters.
- Repeat for the other foot — they're rarely the same size.
- Order to fit the larger foot.
Best time: late afternoon. Feet swell 4-5% throughout the day; measuring in the morning gives a slightly small reading.
Brand-Specific Sizing
Standard size charts assume a standard last shape. Real brands deviate:
- Nike: Runs about half a size small for most lines (Air Max, Pegasus). Order half size up.
- Adidas: Mostly true to size, but Stan Smiths run slightly large.
- New Balance: True to size, available in widths.
- Vans: Roomier toe box; true to size length but feels wider.
- Converse: Notorious half-size large; order down.
- Allen Edmonds (dress): True to size in length, available in widths.
- Doc Martens: True to size but very stiff initially; expect half-size adjustment over break-in.
Always check user reviews for "fits true to size" or "runs small/large" feedback before first-time brand purchases.
Width Matters
This calculator handles length only. Width designations:
- US Men's: B (narrow), D (medium / standard), 2E (wide), 4E (extra wide)
- US Women's: 2A (narrow), B (medium / standard), D (wide)
- UK/EU: less standardized; some brands use F/G for wide
For wide or narrow feet, look for brands that publish width-specific lasts: New Balance, Brooks, Hoka, Allen Edmonds. Most casual sneakers are made on a single width that fits 70%+ of feet adequately.
Common Mistakes
Trusting "I'm a US 9 in everything." Sizes vary by brand AND by shoe type within a brand. Running shoes typically run half-size large to leave room for swelling during runs.
Not measuring both feet. ~70% of people have a measurable size difference between feet. Order to fit the larger.
Ordering boots in your sneaker size. Boots typically need a half-size larger to accommodate thick socks.
Sizing up for "comfort" in dress shoes. Dress shoes should fit snug at first; leather stretches. Sizing up causes heel slip and premature wear.
Educational Tool
This calculator uses standard industry conversions. For best fit, measure your feet, check brand-specific size charts, read user reviews, and prefer retailers with free returns for first-time purchases.
Related Tools
For general unit conversions (length, weight, volume), use the Length Converter and Unit Converter.